A special conference focusing on protecting and improving the environment via sustainability has begun in L'Derry today, 24 September.

The event, hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, is part of a European project entitled EMERGREEN aimed at helping remote communities become greener through use of improved technology.

Project partners from Sweden, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Galway, Donegal, Derry and Strabane will take part in the two-day gathering at St Columb's Park House.

Held over 24 and 25 September, the event will include keynote addresses from a range of local sustainability and tech champions.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, said: "The EMERGREEN Project affords a unique opportunity to benefit from the learnings of other countries that have been making advances in this area.

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"The environment is high on the Council's agenda, and this is just the latest step in our campaign to help local people make greener choices in their day to day lives. I look forward to finding out more about how we can improve sustainability and make Derry and Strabane a cleaner, greener place to live."

Council's Head of Environment, Conor Canning, added: "We are delighted to be part of this project; developing and embracing emerging technology that will have a positive impact on our environment. It's also great to learn from other countries about what technology and models have worked for them as we try to improve sustainability in our region.

"Through this initiative we want to make it easier for local people to access information on recycling, waste reduction and the circular economy. We have an exciting line-up of local speakers who have used technology to improve citizens' awareness of sustainability while also helping the local economy, including Junk Kouture, Atelier Hair, Northern Ireland Water, Your Derry, Bin-ovation App and New 2 You. We hope that this event and the EMERGREEN Project will further people's awareness of how to live in a more eco-friendly way."

(CM/MH)