NAAONB Annual Conference 2009

For the first time in 10 years, the spotlight of the NAAONB Conference is focused on our own green emerald.

Northern Ireland is set to host the 11th Annual Conference of the National Association for Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty at the University of Ulster, Coleraine Campus on the 7-9 July 2009.

Content

'Valuing our Environment: AONBs - Diamonds in the Landscape'
Antrim Coast and Glens, Binevenagh, Causeway Coast, Lagan Valley, Mourne, Ring of Gullion, Sperrin and Strangford AONBs wish to invite you to this year's fun filled, energetic as well as thought provoking and challenging programme.
This year will see the different ways of valuing and getting value from all nine of Northern Ireland Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty. The theme of the conference will be investigated and discussed over three days with presentations from guest speakers including:
 Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Minister of the Environment, Northern Ireland
 Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Minister for Marine, Landscape and Rural Affairs
 Graham Seymour, Director of Natural Heritage, Northern Ireland Environment Agency
 Helen Phillips, CEO, Natural England
 Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Welsh Assembly Government (tbc)
 Alan Clarke, CEO, Northern Ireland Tourist Board
 Hans Schiphorst, Senior Manager for Tourism and Recreation for Steenwijkerland Municipality
 Fiona Reynolds, CEO, National Trust
 Michael Starrett, CEO, The Heritage Council
 Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director, Heritage Lottery Fund
 Gordon Donoghue, CEO, Bushmills Distillery (tbc)
 Graham Thompson, Project Manager, Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
 Arlene Foster MP MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland

In addition there will be a series of dynamic and practically focused field trips to the host AONBs to see examples of how local AONBs are dealing with the opportunities and challenges to develop the AONBs into vibrant, sustainable landscapes that benefit thriving local economies for local communities and visitors.
Not only are we thrilled to have the opportunity of hosting the conference but we have opened the invitation to both member and non member of the NNAONB from Northern Ireland, to join us in celebrating both the 60th Anniversary of the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act and the 20th Anniversary of the designation of the Causeway Coast AONB. 2009 is a very special year for protected areas, as it was on 24 May 1909 that the first national parks in Europe were designated in Sweden. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate these milestones as well as networking amongst friends, both old and new!!
Other information regarding an introduction to Northern Ireland, Conference Programme details, Field Trip descriptions and registration packs are available as downloadable documents. Please visit www.aonb.org.uk and select 'Conference 2009' on the left-hand side tool bar.
A quotation for a non residential package for the 3 days and individual day rates are available upon request. Contact Jill Smith, Conference Organiser for the National Association of AONBs to secure your place today.
Booking and Quotation Contact Details:
Jill Smith
The National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Fosse Way
Northleach
Gloucestershire GL54 3JH

Tel: 01451 862007
Fax: 01451 862001
Email: jill.smith@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

We very much look forward to welcoming you to the conference at the University of Ulster, Coleraine.

Dates : 7 - 9 Jul
Time: 9.30am to 20.00pm
Location: University of Ulster, Coleraine
Cost: Visit www.aonb.org.uk for details