Taiga Rescue Network Conference

[John McInnis]

INVITATION TO ATTEND THE SECOND TAIGA RESCUE NETWORK CONFERENCE



23 - 29 August 1994

Edmonton, Canada



"The Land and the People and the Snow Forest"

an international conference on development issues in the world's
boreal forests





The northern boreal  is  the world's largest forest ecosystem.  
 Patterns of international trade are creating new patterns of
use and consumption in the snow forest.  These new patterns have
impacts on forest ecosystems and traditional peoples of the
region.



This document provides basic information about the Second
International Taiga Rescue Network Conference  in Edmonton this
August.   A detailed agenda will be available at the end of May.



1.  Contact Information



a) Logistics are be co-ordinated by:

Western Canada Wilderness Committee (wcwcab at web.apc.org). 

 #4, 10121 Whyte Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T6H 1Z5



 The conference co-ordinator is Claire Ashton, telephone
(403)433-5323 fax (403)433-4327.  

 Contact Claire regarding registration and general information.


b)   The conference chair is John McInnis
(jmcinnis at gpu.srv.ualberta.ca).    John is a former member of
the Alberta Legislative Assembly and a past Associate Director
of the University of Alberta Environmental Research and Studies
Centre.  He can be reached at Western Canada Wilderness (above)
or telephone (403)484-1885, fax (403)486-0922.

Contact John regarding agenda, speakers and conference documents.



c)  The Taiga Rescue Network, International Co-ordination Centre

Karin Lindahl, Co-ordinator (kldahl at nn.apc.org)

Box 116, S-962 23

Jokkmokk, Sweden

tel. +46-971-17037; fax 971-12057

Contact Karin regarding the Taiga Rescue Network and the Annual
General Meeting

 

2.  Conference Outline



The conference will present indigenous, scientific and NGO
perspectives on ecology, industrial development, trade and
people in the snow forest.  There are four distinct phases to
the conference. 



a)  Indigenous People's of the Snow Forest



23 - 24 August.  Indigenous people of the region will be
organizing a two day conference to focus our attention on their
experience and struggles.  Themes include the spiritual and
cultural importance of the snow forest, traditional and historic
patterns of use, human health and environmental impacts of
industrial development on indigenous people, and contemporary
indigenous strategies.  These sessions are open to everyone 
registered to the conference.

b)  Scientific Perspectives and Challenges

25 August.  Invited scientific researchers and forestry
practitioners will outline the state of  ecology and scientific
research in the snow forest.  Traditional and newer models of
forestry practice will be explored from several perspectives.   
 Expert opinion will be presented on developments in global
economics and timber harvesting  Alternative future scenarios
will be discussed.  These sessions are fully open to registered
delegates.



c)  Field trips



26 August.  The Conference provides and opportunity to learn
about developments in Alberta, one of the hottest areas for
forest development in recent years.  You will have a chance to
visit the site of Al-Pac, the worlds largest single line
bleached kraft mill, opened in 1993.  There will be
comprehensive briefings on forest development issues. 
Alternative field trips include Elk Island National Park, an
indigenous village in the Edmonton area and a local tour of
cultural events, including "Dreamspeakers"  Aboriginal Film
Festival.  These are available without charge to all delegates. 



d)  TRN Strategy Sessions and TRN Annual Meeting



27 - 29 August.  The purpose of these sessions is to set future
strategies for the Taiga Rescue Network and campaign strategies
for North America.  For this reason the strategy sessions are
open only to NGO, aboriginal representatives and invited
scientific personnel.  There will be ample opportunity to learn
about each other's activities and concerns respecting the boreal
forest.  The conference will receive an original research paper
on international trade in boreal forest products, including
profiles of producer countries, and major producer companies.   
The conference will receive research reports on paper
consumption in North America, Europe and Japan.  These sessions
will lead to small group discussions.  The conference will
attempt to integrate knowledge, commitment and action.  These
sessions are open to NGO and aboriginal delegates, as well as
invited scientific personnel.  



The Taiga Rescue Network AGM on Monday 29 August is open to
representatives of participating organizations that have signed
the TRN platform.





e)  Post Conference Tours



The organizers are interested in hearing from people who wish to
use Edmonton as a jumping off point for tours of North American
hot spots.  Possible destinations include Alaska and the Pacific
Northwest.  There are advantages to organizing group study tours.



3.  Conference Facilities



The conference will be held at Edmonton's Convention Centre. 
This is a fully equipped conference centre with ample facilities
for conference sessions, group discussions, media and displays. 
Groups wishing to set up displays should contact the conference
organizers to make necessary arrangements.



4.  Accommodation



Inexpensive accommodation for conference delegates has been
arranged as follows (Canadian funds):



Mayfair Hotel -- $49.00 per night, single or double, plus taxes

University of Alberta -- Student residence rooms at   $26.78
single and $35.78 double including taxes and continental
breakfast.  

Both are located within an easy light rail transit ride from the
Convention Centre.

A limited number of billets are available. 



5.  Agenda



Agenda packages should be available July 1994.  As far as
possible reports and papers will be circulated to conference
delegates in advance.



The agenda promises to be very full.  All delegates will have
the opportunity to present information about their specific
concerns in an international mapping session.  There will be
opportunity to show films an distribute literature at display
tables.  Ideas for speakers and topics are welcome.  Please
contact John McInnis as quickly as possible.



6.  Registration



Registrations are now being accepted by the local organizers. 
Forms may be requested by e-mail fax or telephone.  Conference
fees are $250 Canadian for NGO and aboriginal delegates; $500
for industry government and scientific representatives.  These
fees include the field trips and a concluding boreal party. 
Accommodation and meals are extra, although the organizers are
trying to raise sponsorship for a banquet or two.



Applications are also available for a limited number of
subsidized registrations. 

John McInnis
Conference Chair