The International Marine Conservation Congress took place in Washington DC, US, from 20-24 May 2009.

This interdisciplinary meeting brought together natural and social scientists, managers, policy makers and the public, and illustrated the role that healthy marine ecosystems can play in fighting climate change. Carl Gustaf Lundin, Head of IUCN’s Global Marine Programme, called on governments to recognize the potential within the oceans to reduce carbon emissions and include marine issues on the agenda of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. Other themes addressed during the Congress included: the land-sea interface; ecosystem-based management; and poverty and globalization.
Link to further information
Conference website