This year the annual  World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) Congress will be held  at the  La Cité Nantes Event Center  in  France on 9-13 September 2013, with simultaneous translation in French and English.

Call for Abstracts Extended to April 4, 2013

Due to outstanding interest of the participants, the Call for Abstracts deadline  for this  World Green Infrastructure Congress  has been extended to 4 April 2013.   Selected speakers will be notified at the beginning of May, and the deadline for early bird registration and the final agenda will be announced in early June.

“The constant effort of a few stakeholders from the 90s and the one of ADIVET, combined with a growing awareness of environmental issues, has led France became a leading global markets regarding the green roofing.The greening of facades, for its part, took its rise in our country and spreads, through a variety of techniques, on all continents, from Santiago to Sydney via Mumbai.

Considering the innovative dynamism, economic and technological, it’s logical that the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) has entrusted to ADIVET the task of organizing in France the professional world event of 2013 for the sector.

The city of Nantes, designated “European Green Capital” in 2013, combined with the Région des Pays de la Loire, which houses a global hub of competitive vegetation, came naturally to host this Congress.

The purpose of it is to make a state of knowledge, to allow confrontation of practices, the genesis of collaborations: together to create a positive dynamic in favor of greening infrastructure. It is also provide tools for decision-maker to foster the emergence of a city that appropriates nature.

In this perspective, the program of this congress ambitions to unite all stakeholders landscape, urban planning and construction, future professionals, “beginner” professionals (one day training is offered to them) and experienced professionals.

With a program dedicated to public and private decision-makers, a scientific program of the highest caliber and a practical approach of issues (two days of field visits), all we’ll meet to learn, discuss and exchange views around a shared vision of the greened assembly and the city nature. See you soon!!” ~ François Lassalle, Président du Comité de pilotage

Nantes and the Region

Port city on the Atlantic coast on the banks of the beautiful Loire, Nantes Metropolis sets the tone for green and blue landscape of the territory. Quality of life sees itself in three dimensions: a lifestyle conducive to well-being, creativity and social cohesion.

Nantes is one of the three most dynamic French cities, both in terms of economics and demographics. With 600,000 inhabitants, Nantes is the sixth largest urban area in France  by population.

“Nantes is different thanks to innovative and participatory public policies, in particular with regard to town planning. Among its strengths: Agenda 21, sustainable energy action plan, the water policy and natural vegetated areas. Nantes has brought the realization of green roofs of a dozen public buildings into play. The metropolis is the seat of events and innovative festivities of international reputation on the subject of plants: tree herons (“l’Arbre aux Hérons”), Floating Gardens (“les Jardins Flottants”), Plants Madness Festival  (“la Folie des Plantes”).”

The lovely  city of Nantes  is an eco-responsible site certified Charter of Quality and Sustainability and has an approved eco-consultant, carbon auditor approved ADEME, which supports eco-design of events. It is also certified ISO 9001 and AIPC Quality Standard Gold.

Exhibitor and sponsor opportunities are available.  Read all about the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2013 at their websites in English and French.  If you have any questions, please notify the Organizing  Committee at  wgic2013@clq-group.com.

What a great region of the world to have a greenroof conference!  Vive la France!

~ Linda V.