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Having publicly launched at the first World Urban Parks Congress at Ponte de Lima last year, World Urban Parks will be a year old in April.

Having established itself during its first year, World Urban Parks Chief Executive Dr Digby Whyte states that “2016 is shaping up to be very active, with members taking the lead in organising the world and region congresses, making conference presentations, and organising regional and standing committees and developing their services, particularly through working parties.”

Writing on the World Urban Parks website, Dr Whyte (pictured below) explains that “national associations are developing national versions of the World Parks Academy's CPP certification, members are becoming certified, and others are delivering Academy training webinars. Groups are working on good practices, applied research, benchmarking, advocacy and events, marketing and communications, operations standards, and the development of a think tank for advocacy leadership.”

The organisation has also release the 2016 World Urban Parks key indicators, produced in partnership with Yardstick benchmarking.

Highlighting the benefits of World Urban Parks, Dr Whyte added “members are seeking opportunities to network internationally, participating in congresses, working groups and directly with their colleagues on mutual issues.

“We have also welcomed a number of new agencies, particularly from the Americas and including Latin America.

“A new feature introduced this year will be an annual commission to highlight and facilitate discussion and activity on a selected key issue, such as rethinking parks, climate change, and equity and access. Contributions to the theme can be made at congresses, through working parties, regional activity and think tank discussion.

“As Japan is hosting the 42nd G7 Summit in May, our Japanese members are looking to make a proposal to the Japanese Prime Minister for the G7 to champion a United Nations level organisation to promote city parks, green space and recreation.”

For more information go to www.worldurbanparks.org 

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