UBC ComEnv Meeting in Sopot on 20-21 June

The Baltic Sea Region is no longer a periphery of Europe. As a result of the enlargement of the European Union the region is now closely integrated with the rest of the continent and is emerging as a major player in the northeast of Europe. Our region has now a challenge to position itself within this geographical reality as a European model region in environmental protection and sustainable development. The Baltic cities should strive for positioning themselves as the most important actor in the process of developing the region's future.

To address the issue, i.e. how to make use of the cities' potential in the development of an environmental friendly Baltic Sea Region, we would like to warmly welcome you to the UBC Commission on Environment meeting in the beautiful beach city of Sopot, on 20-21 June 2005.

The aim of the meeting is to address the following questions:

• In what direction are we heading? Presentation of the UBC Sustainability Survey 2004. The survey is unique in its scope and presents the state of art in sustainability in the BSR cities.
• What has already been done to improve the situation? Presentation from outstanding cities singled out by the UBC sustainability survey. Best Practice examples in the fields of sustainable
  economy, transport, energy, management and social issues. A City study tour to interesting project sites in the Sopot region, for example the pedagogic nature path "Stream walk of Sopot".
• What will the future look like? In the workshop the future work of EnvCom will be addressed. How should the BSR cities act to become more visible stakeholders and how could the EnvCom serve as a platform to reach the goal.

The meeting will also give an up-dated view of recent UBC projects and cover the formal matters.

The UBC Commission on Environment meets twice a year, bringing together actors and decision makers in the fields of environment and sustainability from the whole Baltic SeaRegion. These gatherings are an occasion not only to learn from others' experiences but also to address common challenges and opportunities. The importance of the EnvCom meeting cannot be overemphasized as it brings together some of the most important stakeholders for the future of the Baltic Sea Region. We are looking forward to your fruitful participation and innovative contribution!