7th Gef Biennial International Waters Conference (IWC7 2013)

The GEF IW Conference objectives are to facilitate cross-sectoral and portfolio-wide learning and experience sharing. It strives to solicit advice from the existing GEF IW portfolio on burning issues, and to assist in building participant capacity in key management and technical areas. Participants sum up progress achieved and also look to the future of programming within and beyond the GEF IW focal area.

The 7th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference (IWC7), as with prior IW Conferences, will be a signature learning event for the GEF IW focal area. The IWC7 theme is “Economic Valuation as a Tool to Bridge the Science-Policy Gap”. The IWC7’s objective is to facilitate experience sharing across the GEF International Waters portfolio, with a special emphasis on reviewing the economic valuation of international waters and the links between economic valuation and science, as well as mechanisms for linking both to policymaking.

It will convene approximately 325 participants, including GEF IW project managers, representatives of beneficiary countries, non-governmental organizations, transboundary management institutions, UN Agencies, and the private sector. Collectively, the participants will represent approximately 75 active GEF IW projects, 80 countries, and the various GEF Agencies. Participants are invited by the GEF Agencies implementing IW projects.

The conference will feature an innovation marketplace (exhibit area); extensive opportunities for focused learning on scientific and technical innovations; interactive training for IW project managers and country representatives; and interaction with the GEF Secretariat, GEF agencies and several partner institutions working on International Waters projects.

It will also feature participant-directed workshops and roundtable discussions, as well as offer technical site visits. While visiting the technical sites, participants will be able to discuss and share their experiences in relation to the management of actual GEF projects.

The IWC7 Conference Secretariat
+63 (2) 9292992
iwc2013@iwlearn.org
IWC7 2013 Website