The Inaugural International Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress will be held from April 11 – 16 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.  This is a world first event to explore how nature significantly contributes to our wellbeing and broader societal benefits. It is expected to attract over 1000 delegates from Australia and over 28 countries represented from around the world.  Participants will come from many different sectors including urban planning, community development, physical and mental health, tourism, education, recreation, ecology and park management (urban and protected area) industrial and technological.  This diversity of perspectives will allow delegates to understand the benefits of nature through the eyes of many.

By reinforcing the connections between the health of our community and the health of our parks, open and green spaces, we can nurture a truly sustainable society, one which recognises its dependence upon and place within the natural environment. This congress provides a platform for raising awareness and calling for greater responsibility on all leaders to recognize this contribution and guard it with zeal. 

Key Speakers include: Richard Louv, author of ‘Saving our children from nature deficit disorder’, Professor Tim Flannery, Environmental activist and author of ‘Weather Makers’.

For more information, a full program and registration details please visit http://www.healthyparkshealthypeoplecongress.org/

Conservation Volunteers Australia assisted in recruiting volunteers to help with this congress.