From September 5-8, 2001, the University of Toronto, the World Bank and Environment Canada are sponsoring an international conference titled Poverty, Development and Natural Capital at the Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto.

　　The focus of the conference is how international investment in Third World economies has stimulated development at the expense of depleting natural resources. This has led to the exacerbation of poverty in local communities that depended on those resources. This dilemma leads to fundamental questions about the theory and application of economics by such institutions as the World Bank. There is also a conflict between the world views of ecological economics and neoclassical economists which may be resolved in part by the recognition that natural resources represent Natural Capital since they have intrinsic rates of natural increase and this rate of increase may set a natural limit to rates of economic growth, both in terms of productivity and biodiversity.

　　The focus of the conference is towards the measurement of these problems and towards developing new methods of assuring that investment ameliorates poverty.

　　One of the conference's 4 sessions is aimed at the following theme - Ecotourism, Biodiversity and Development.

　　A working session will be held on the final day with breakout groups to tackle specific problems and questions raised in the plenary sessions. We expect to derive both "instruments" and "policy" recommendations from what will be a remarkable body of international experts from the natural and social sciences. The rapporteurs' summaries will be worked into an action plan with the inclusion of the panel discussion by session chairs and leaders of the breakout groups. We hope in this way to have a major contribution to both theory and practice in this difficult field, and to add to the discussions towards Rio+10.

Call for the Papers

　　This is a call for papers for the session. The paper presentations will be scheduled for 20 minutes with 10 minutes discussion, and an end of session review panel. Also, a poster session will be held throughout the conference. Papers will be considered for an edited book on the conference.

　　Please submit paper abstracts by April 30, 2001 to the email address below.

Special Travel Fund

　　A special travel fund for representatives from developing countries is being sought through international development agencies. Please indicate whether you wish to be considered for the fund.

Contact: