Whale Symposium In New York

A major international symposium will take place in New York this week to explore ways of resolving the current impasse on whale conservation and management, Conservation Minister Chris Carter said today.

The symposium has been organised by The United States Pew Charitable Trusts in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme. It will take place on April 12 and 13 at the United Nations headquarters, and will chaired by a New Zealander, Sir Geoffrey Palmer.

"The purpose of this symposium is to analyse options for the conservation of whales, and ideas which might resolve the current impasse at the International Whaling Commission over scientific whaling and other issues," Mr Carter said.

"While this is not a government or official meeting, New Zealand will nevertheless study any outcomes with care. The more international discussion there is about ways to move the whaling issue forward, the better.

"I am delighted Sir Geoffrey, New Zealand's Whaling Commissioner, has agreed to chair this symposium in his personal capacity. Sir Geoffrey is well qualified for the task he is a laureate of the United Nations 'Global 500 Role of Honour' for his work on environmental issues," Mr Carter said.

The symposium is likely to be attended by more than 60 people, including academics from legal, policy and science backgrounds, national and international civil servants, and representatives from international NGOs and think tanks.

Nationalities include: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, Senegal, South Africa, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, the UK and the USA.

Symposium website: www.vardagroup.org/whalesymposium

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