News Release

Anchorage, AK - June 3, 2004

ANCHORAGE TO HOST 8TH WORLD WILDERNESS CONGRESS

After eight months of consultations in Alaska and around the world, USA-based, international conservation organization, The Wild Foundation, has selected Anchorage, Alaska, as the site for its 8th World Wilderness Congress (WWC). This international Congress will convene with approximately 1,000 delegates from an estimated 26 nations, at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Sept, 30 – Oct. 6, 2005. The theme of the WWC is Wilderness, Wildlands and People: A Partnership for the Future.

The WWC is the world’s longest-running, public environmental forum. Initiated in South Africa in 1977, it has met in Africa (twice), Australia, Scotland, the United States, Norway, and India. The 8th WWC will mark only the second time it has convened in the U.S., and likely the last for many years. With associated training and other professional activities planned for Kamchatka and the Russian Far East prior the meeting in Alaska, the 8th WWC will emphasize regional – from Canada through the Russian Far East – as well as global issues.

In announcing the 8th WWC venue in Alaska, Vance Martin (President, The WILD Foundation) emphasized several key aspects of the WWC approach to conservation:

“The WWC is always about the relationship of wild nature and people. Congress delegates – and this includes the public as well as professionals -- represent many interests and sectors. The numerous public, technical and plenary sessions address the practicalities of realizing the benefits to human communities generatedfrom protecting and sustaining wilderness, wildlands and wildlife.”

The WWC also emphasizes practical conservation accomplishments identified during the Congress planning, as well as the contemporary and traditional cultural aspects of nature.

8th WWC Honorary Co-Chair Byron Mallott, President of the First Alaskans Institute, echoed this:

"It is an honor to have the 8th WWC in Alaska. The work of the WWC is relevant to all Alaskans, and respects the traditions of all our people. We invite the bright light of its mission on issues of importance in our great land.”

The WWC forum is open to all aspects of the debate in finding common ground and solutions in nature conservation. Walter Hickel -- Anchorage businessman, former governor of Alaska and former U.S. Secretary of Interior -- is serving as an Honorary Co-Chair stated:

“Alaska has more legally designated wilderness average than the other 49 states combined. Our mission must be to care about the total environment – people, people’s needs and nature. As we make those values and needs compatible, we can be a model for the world.”

Former Alaska Governor, Jay Hammond, is an Honorary Co-Chair and agrees that a balance of interests is both necessary and possible: "Alaska is honored to host this international Congress. Our natural resources are magnificent and abundant, and must be properly managed -- under the best and most beneficial economic system -- in order to protect and sustain our wild heritage, while also meeting the needs of all Alaskans. We look forward to sharing our solutions and our challenges, while also learning from others around the globe."

The 8th WWC will cover an extensive range of topics, not just limited to designated wilderness, wildlands and tourism. Wild salmon, fisheries, and the marine habitat are an important part of the agenda, confirmed by commercial fisherman Clem Tillion, former President of the Alaska State Senate and also an Honorary Co-Chair:

“The working relationship between people and wild places -- on sea and on land -- is as old as time itself. It continues in a real and immediate way here in Alaska and the far north. I welcome the 8th WWC to our state, and am pleased to add my voice to the need for an ever-improving dialogue between all interests. I can speak for Alaskans in saying that we must work to assure that both wild seas and landscapes, and the needs of human communities, are enhanced and sustained. This is a necessary and important partnership for the future.”

Susan Ruddy, Vice Chancellor of University of Alaska Anchorage and Honorary Co-Chair of the 8th WWC acknowledges both the difficulty and importance of conservation solutions in today’s society, and that Alaska can learn from, and contribute to, the international debate on these issues:

“The passions of all Alaskans run high on issues surrounding wildlands and people -- we want both to protect and use our wildlands. Alaska Native people bring a particular focus to these issues. For generations they have depended on Alaska’s lands and waters for life, but today they want the best the 21st century offers as well – a situation not uncommon in other countries. We look forward to joining with WWC delegates from many nations to collaboratively explore these issues – the future is at stake.”

In addition to the many and varying practical environmental sessions there will be a large program featuring the arts of all types, both traditional and contemporary – dance, story-telling, writing, photography, music and more. The 8th WWC is open to official delegates and interested members of the public. Information is at www.8wwc.org.

Media Contacts:

Erika Siegel
Public Relations Manager
toll free: (800) 446-5352 x 331
direct: (907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net

Nance Larsen, APR
Director of Communications
toll free: (800) 446-5352 x 310
direct: (907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net