The first ever Green Infrastructure and Climate Change Conference in Northern Ireland is to take place in Londonderry later this year.

A number of global climate change and green space experts will attend The Guildhall on 12 March to share their knowledge and expertise on how to develop green infrastructure.

The event will be led by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor John Boyle said: "We are proud as a Council to be leading the way in climate adaptation and developing our green infrastructure for future generations.

"Green spaces are so important for the wellbeing of everyone, not only because they enhance our environment but they also have proven health benefits. Improving our green infrastructure and finding new and sustainable ways to source energy, reduce waste, improve transport and manage our water are key priorities identified in our Strategic Growth Plan. This conference will put Derry and Strabane on the map as a council that's serious about sustainability, with cutting edge plans to protect and improve our environment while adapting to the inevitable challenges of climate change."

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Council's Climate Adaptation Officer, Cathy Burns added: "This conference will support the enhancement and promotion of our green spaces to improve people's quality of life and health. It will also focus on our local biodiversity, development of greenways, our resilience to climate change and how this all improves our economic attractiveness.

"During the event we aim to explore how we can finance, plan, design and manage green spaces to maximise their value for our environment and people's wellbeing."

Confirmed conference speakers include:

• Peter Massini who will discuss Greater London Authority's Environment Strategy;

• Principal Development Officer, Cornwall Council, Robert Lacey, who will explain more about the EU Interreg project (Planning for Environment & Resource Efficiency in EU Towns & Cities);

• Dr Barry O'Dwyer, Lead Research Scientist with Climate Ireland;

• Anna Beswick, Programme Manager with Adaptation Scotland;

• Michael Moroney from Tipperary County Council, who will focus on Green and Blue Infrastructure;

• Therese Karger-Lerchl, Senior Economist, Vivid Economics;

• Peter Hynes, CEO of Mayo County Council, who will discuss the Role of Public Bodies in Climate Action and aligning to community action;

• Emma Norton, Energy Conservation Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia, who will discuss Climate Change in international context.

Tickets are now available on the Council's website www.derrystrabane.com/giconf19.

(CM)