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| Written by APRN Secretariat |
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People's Convention on Natural Resources Convened by the Asia-Pacific Research Network (APRN) in partnership with: NGO-Coordinating Committee on Development (NGO-COD) Over the last two decades, the world is witness to the rapid depletion and degradation of the environment. This affects the world's poor the most as they face a host of problems that seriously impact on their lives and livelihoods. Peasants, workers, fisherfolks, and indigenous peoples bear the ill-effects of the intensification of resource extraction that come with the promotion of corporate-led globalization. Grassroots organizations and social movements were instrumental in raising public awareness and involvement on environmental issues, and have had notable victories in thwarting TNC inroads and asserting public control over the world's resources. This, however, is threatened by the aggressive attempts of corporations to regain the momentum and further their liberalization and privatization agenda. We invite you to come together to learn and promote new initiatives in exercising people's sovereignty in natural resources issues. People and Planet First! VENUE of the PEOPLE'S CONVENTION The People's Convention will be held at the Loei Rajabhat University in Loei, Thailand. Around 600 people are expected to participate in the People's Convention. Situated on the Korat Plateau, the Province of Loei is characterized with high mountains, mountainous plains and basin plains. Known as the "town of the ocean of mountains", Loei is considered the coldest province of Siam, and is accessible both by land and air travel from Bangkok. EVENTS and ACTIVITIES Morning Plenary Sessions. There will be plenary sessions in the mornings to cover the three main themes of the People's Convention: Land and Genetic Resources, Mining and Forestry, and Freshwater and Marine Resources. These plenary sessions will involve panel presentation on overarching issues, as well as testimonies of people's struggles from international speakers. Afternoon Workshops and Meetings. Organizations and movements are encouraged to conduct seminars, workshops or strategy meetings in the afternoons. The People's Convention has provisions for venues and audio-visual system within the university to accommodate 30 to 200 participants, interpretation services (Thai-English) and help in information dissemination and publicity. Speak Out. To start the morning sessions, there will be a Speak Out on the themes, which will involve a creative and running presentation of the highlights and resolutions of workshops and or strategy meetings held the day before. Evening Cultural Events. The People's Convention will have nightly cultural events sponsored by the different host organizations. Participating organizations may also register and organize other cultural activities. People's March. There will be a People's March/Parade in the afternoon of November 24th. This will be participated in by approximately 1,000 persons and will include the locals of Loei. Special Events. Local and international organizations are invited to set up exhibits at the People's Convention site. There will be an exhibition of food and other products from the communities and other provinces of Thailand. Other organizations will also feature traditional Thai massage, herbal medicine, and more. Pre-Convention Study Tour. The People's Convention organizers have arranged for study tours of selected communities in Northeast Thailand. Delegates are invited to visit communities to interact with mining, forest, fishing, and other communities. Those interested will have to indicate their preferred exposure site when they fill out the registration form. Study tours will be on November 21st, as such, delegates are advised to arrive on the 20th. VISA REQUIREMENTS The People's Convention will provide official invitation letters to those who may require one. Kindly fill out the Registration Form and send it to the Secretariat well ahead of time. TRAVEL & ACCOMODATIONS There are a number of ways to get to Loei, Thailand. From Bangkok, delegates to the People's Convention may take any of the following options:
There will be a separate announcement for transportation to Loei from Bangkok Airport. The Organizers are trying to arrange for private vans to take the delegates to the Convention site. It is important that precise arrival and departure schedules are sent to the Secretariat. The People's Convention organizers have arranged for modest shared accommodations at local hotels and resorts around the area. Delegates who prefer to have single room accommodations are advised to communicate with the Secretariat for separate arrangements. There will be food booths at the People's Convention site. Organizers will ensure that meal costs will be very affordable. Delegates should have a budget of about US$ 12 - 15 a day for food. REGISTRATION Participating organizations and individuals Please fill out the registration form and submit to secretariat@aprnet.org. You will receive a confirmation of your registration via email. Registration of activities Please fill out the registration form and send to secretariat@aprnet.org. We will contact you for confirmation, final schedule and room assignments via email. For more information, you may get in touch with secretariat@aprnet.org. Like it? Share it!
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