This working conference is aimed at financiers, donors, non-governmental organizations, parliamentarians and sponsors interested in investing in, or otherwise financially supporting and sponsoring the conservation and sustainable use of European nature and the countryside.

The Conference papers will deal with themes as follow: Overview synthesis of financial opportunities to support implementation of the Strategy. National government programmes, international and bilateral assistance. International investments - intergovernment and international financing institutions. Commercial investments - national financing institutions investing in the Strategy. Commercial investments - the corporate community and the economic sector. International NGOs and private foundation investments. Lotteries and the gaming industry investments. The case of the EU and its investments.

Almost all the invited speakers have confirmed their involvement in the conference (for a key note speech or panel membership). The President of the World Bank has signalled his interest in the conference. His office has further confirmed that he is seriously considering the invitation, and will inform ECNC shortly of the outcome. The European and the International associations of State Lotteries are presently not in the position to send a representatives from the successful lotteries in the UK or i n the Netherlands. Both the European Commission and the European Parliament have been contacted for their representation, and experts from DG I, PHARE and DG XI will be attending.

On the evening of the 13th of June, the city of Tilburg (where ECNC offices are located) will offer a reception in its Town Hall following welcoming words by the Mayor.

For further infomation contact:

Conference Agency Limburg
P.O.Box 1402
6201 BK Maastricht
The Netherlands
Tel: +31.43.3619192
Fax: +31.43.3619020