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The former secretary general of the UN – Mr Kofi Annan in Marbella

April 6, 2011 by SYL  
Filed under Associated Partners, Environment Ecology Technology, Events, International

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Marbella, Costa del Sol in Spain is seen as one of the most popular tourism hotspots in the world, however, there is ‘much more than a wonderful climate, glamour, luxury and famous parties. This is the reason why The Best of Marbella is only featuring and promoting the most beautiful and positive aspects of Marbella – and there are many!

This article is inspired by the two original articles from:
Marbella Marbella: Dario Poli:
World Conference on Climate Change and Wine and
Kofi Annan addresses the world

Photo copyright:
Paul Wilcockson, LMPA, Event Photographer,
www.weddingsandportraits.eu
www.bodasyretratos.com

Over 800 participants attended the recent talk by Kofi Annan at The 3rd World Conference on Climate Change and Wine from 13-14 April in The Palacio de Congreso in Marbella. Marbella was the  chosen venue by the Wine Academy of Spain to present the largest and widest selection of fine wines with an inspiring collection of speakers on the subject of climate change in the business of winemaking.
Pancho Campo MW, Kofi Annan and the mayoress of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz

Since the end of his secretary post in the United Nations in 2006, Kofi Annan has been devoted to the protection and development of social causes all over the world. The former Secretary-General has been championing the importance of economic, social and environmental sustainability throughout his career at the United Nations. He believes this is the key to “reduce the environmental impact for future generations”.

The climate change challenge was the main focus of Mr. Annan’s speech on the first day of the III World Congress on Climate Change and Wine. Mr Annan’s conference was titled “The Global Compact: A challenge in the business word to become leaders in sustainable development” (13th of April. 18.00 h.) and was introduced by Pancho Campo MW.

The conference was directed to the Business community on the Coast and focuses on the importance of adapting to sustainable measures in order to deal with climate change. The conference was open to businessmen and the general public. After the conference there wias a 30 minute session of questions and answers with the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize winner. On the evening of April 13th, Kofi Annan and his wife joined the mayoress of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz and attended the official dinner, that took  place in La Cabane, Hotel Los Monteros. This dinner wias held in aid of the charity Vicente Ferrer Foundation.

Last November in a climate change conference in Switzerland, Mr Annan explained the impact of this phenomenon in sectors where high irrigation is needed, such as agriculture or farming: “The gradual increase in temperature is producing in increase in the seawater. This causes more floods and less frost”, which is crucial for the growth of some grape varieties. In this speech, the Secretary-General will reiterate the responsibility of businesses and individuals to address environmental challenges; undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; protect human rights; and encourage the development and transfer of environmentally-sustainable technologies.

 Jose Luis Hernandez
Concejal de Turismo Ayuntamiento de Marbella
(Marbella Town Hall and Marbella Exclusive)
with the new Director of the Best of Marbella
Beatriz Dominguez Prieto
A report released by the Forum in May of 2009 estimated that climate change is responsible for the deaths of 300,000 people every year, with 325 million of the poorest suffering most. All its work ultimately aims to be of benefit to the most vulnerable, particularly those living in least developed countries. In an address to the World Economic Forum in 1999, he challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, as well as labour and civil society, to promote and respect universal environmental and social principles.

This III World Congress on Climate Change and Wine (www.cambioclimaticoyvino.com) will rely on professionals in this field who have already begun implementing new concepts in Spain and abroad.  In order to fight climate change, Campo believes that we need to focus on two issues: one of prevention, which would aid in diminishing CO2 emissions as well as energy costs; and mitigation and adaptation directed specifically to vineyards and wineries.

The Wine Academy of Spain is a private organization founded in 2003 by Pancho Campo MW, the first Spaniard to hold the title Master of Wine. It focuses its activities on the education of wine professionals and amateurs; the international promotion of Spanish wine through its Spanish Wine Experience; the promotion of Spain as a destination for wine tourism; the analysis of the impact of climate change on the industry; and study trips to wine producing regions with the collaboration of the University of California Davis (US). It is also an Approved Programme Provider for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), which it promulgates in Spain; has organised the internationally-acclaimed conferences Climate Change & Wine, Wine Future-Rioja ’09, and Vinoble Jerez 2010.
www.spainwines.es
www.cambioclimaticoyvino.com
www.madwine.net
www.eleconomista.es/blogs/vamonos-de-vinos/

 En Español:

Algunas reflexiones por Jose Luis Hernandez, Concejal de Turismo Ayuntamiento de Marbella, despues de conferencia de Kofi Annan

“Algunas ideas que recuerdo que manejó Kofi Annan en su exposición en Marbella:

1.- Manejó un término interesante aunque fuese para un concepto viejo… el concepto de “quien contamina paga”. Este concepto, al menos que yo sepa tiene 20 o 25 años de antigüedad, y se refiere a que el costo económico de la contaminación en los acuerdos internacionales, no puede ser igual para un país cuyos ciudadanos circulan en “bicicleta”, que en otro país en que lo hacen en “todoterrenos” y “deportivos”. El término que usó para referirse a este concepto de “quien contamina paga” fue el de “justicia climática”. Me pareció una forma elocuente de designarlo.

2.- Se refirió a la importancia económica que tiene el hecho de que los empresarios identifiquen en el respeto a la naturaleza una oportunidad económica “green opportunity”, no sólo en términos de sostenibilidad ambiental sino también de rentabilidad económica. La limitación de los recursos y de la capacidad de contaminación abren nuevas puertas al desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías y, por tanto, de nuevas áreas de negocio Además, el respeto a la naturaleza es algo cada vez más valorado por los consumidores que premiarán a las empresas que lo hagan adquiriendo sus productos.

 3.- Habló también sobre el poder individual que tenemos cada uno de nosotros como votantes en relación al medio ambiente… votando a los políticos que desarrollen políticas de protección medioambiental y no votando a los que no lo hagan.

4.- Manifestó su apoyo implícito al cultivo de transgénicos: Para Annan es evidente que el incremento de población debe sustentarse sobre los terrenos que actualmente se destinan a la agricultura y no devastar más zonas arboladas. La única manera de conseguir alimentar a más personas con la misma superficie agrícola estriba en que la ciencia dé una respuesta a través del perfeccionamiento de los transgénicos.

5.- Energía nuclear. Dejó la responsabilidad sobre su desarrollo futuro a cada Gobierno del mundo”

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