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2004 State of the Fraser Basin Conference
This year's conference theme - "Sustainability Works!"- is sure to provoke much thought and discussion. Undoubtedly, many will point out that our society is not living sustainably...that we continue to pollute and consume too much...that workplace stress and related health problems are on the rise for some, while others are facing chronic unemployment and poverty... that urban sprawl in some regions and the decline of many small and rural communities in others demonstrates clearly we have not yet achieved sustainability.
Still, through its work, the Fraser Basin Council sees that progress towards a sustainable future is being made. Sustainability principles are being embraced, people are overcoming obstacles to cooperating with each other, and pragmatic actions are being taken to realize a future where social well-being is supported by a vibrant economy and sustained by a healthy environment.
The Fraser Basin Council believes that when collaboration and joint action are chosen over confrontation and inaction, sustainability does, indeed, work. The 2004 Conference will be a place where such successes can be shared to stimulate joint action on the challenges that remain.
Features of this year's Conference include:
- The "State of the Basin" address by Fraser Basin Council Chair Patrick Reid.
- The Release of the State of the Fraser Basin Report 2004: Snapshot 2 .
- Michael O'Brien as the keynote speaker at lunch on Friday speaking on the theme "The Future of Sustainability Just Ain't What It Used To Be!"
- Seven concurrent sessions on "hot" sustainability issues.
- "A 2020 Vision for 2010: Going for Sustainability Gold": a special Saturday morning session featuring Rick Hansen and other notable speakers.
- 2004 Sustainability Awards Luncheon with Lt.-Gov. Iona Campagnolo.
Last year's conference attracted over 350 people and we expect to exceed that number this year. We look forward to seeing you in November.
State of the Fraser Basin Conferences
As part of its mandate, the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) convenes a biennial conference to report on its activities in the Basin, raise public awareness about sustainability, honour those who have made significant contributions towards a more sustainable future, and showcase the progress that is being made in addressing social, economic and environmental challenges.
In 1998, the FBC held its first ever State of the Fraser Basin Conference that profiled the Basin's five regions. The second conference in 2000 focused on the theme of "Doing and Measuring" and reinforced the importance of measuring progress towards sustainability. The 2003 conference focused on "Collaborative Leadership for Sustainability."
The (State of the Fraser Basin) Conference... brought forward many ideas and strategies to provide the information and guidance needed to bring sustainability to the Fraser Basin. It is conferences such as these that allow a large number of people to come together and work towards a common goal.
- Richard Prokopanko, Director, Corporate Affairs, Alcan
2003 State of the Fraser Basin Conference
The third biennial State of the Fraser Basin Conference, held in Richmond in January 2003, brought together over 350 delegates from community and environmental organizations, business and industry, and the four orders of Canadian government to look at the state of the Fraser River Basin. The conference focused on new models of collaborative leadership and new ways of working together to achieve a sustainable future.
Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant-Governor of BC and former Chair of the Fraser Basin Council, greets Mike Harcourt at the State of the Fraser Basin Conference Sustainability Awards. This was the former BC premier's first public appearance since his accident.
Highlights of the three day conference included an advance workshop for business, government and community groups to learn how to put sustainability into practice; the opening banquet with former Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray and adventurer Bruce Kirkby; the release of the Snapshot on Sustainability: State of the Fraser Basin Report; Dr. Jack Blaney's "State of the Basin Address;" responses to the address by a panel of business, labour, First Nations and environmental leaders, as well as by local, provincial and federal government representatives; trade show displays; opportunities for networking; and extensive media coverage.
What became evident at the conference is that grappling effectively with such major issues such as preparing for the next great Fraser River flood, strengthening rural communities, building constructive aboriginal and non-aboriginal relationships, managing the impacts of climate change, restoring a healthy salmon fisheries and controlling invasive plant species requires new ways of thinking. Old "top down," status quo, single jurisdictional models of dealing with these complex issues are not up to the challenge. They simply don't work any more. New models of leadership are required that are collaborative, courageous, compelling and committed.
Overall, the conference was an example of diverse groups of people sharing information and mobilizing into action in response to the need for change. It was inspiring to see so many levels of government and society focusing on the issue of sustainability...(it) left me with the impression that if this many heads are put together, there is no doubt that creative and effective solutions will result.- Lisa Bland, conference delegate and student at University College of the Cariboo in Williams Lake
Keynote speakers at the Opening Banquet included (l-r) former Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray and adventurer Bruce Kirkby pictured here with Jack Blaney.
For more information on the 2003 State of the Fraser Basin Conference, go to:
2000 State of the Fraser Basin Conference
For more information on the 2000 State of the Fraser Basin Conference, go to: