Background

Picture
The Boardwalk in Guayaquil, Ecuador
The city of Guayaquil has a vision to be more sustainable in the coming decades, especially to improve the quality of life of its residents and preserve the environment. For this reason, the city has made constant efforts since the 1990’s; in particular, in 2001 the Mayor Jaime Nebot successfully started an urban regeneration plan, working with different sectors through specific projects and programs for the sustainable development of the city. 

On the other hand, the City of Vancouver has the vision of becoming the Greenest City in the world by 2020. This conference presents a great opportunity for both cities to share and learn from each others experiences and perspectives, expecially because of their many similarities including both being port cities on the Pacific Ocean.


“Vancouver: Vision of a Green City”
This conference will be held during the Habitat Fair, with a focus on green business, green building and sustainable tourism. The topic will be presented by six Canadian experts and business leaders, who will share their knowledge and experiences to the public of Guayaquil including local businesses, entrepeneurs,  public sector organizations, NGOs, university students and professors.

Vision
For Guayaquil to becoming a greener city by learning from the experiences of Vancouver, a city that has the objective of becoming the greenest city in the world by 2020. 

Mision
To facilitate the development and promotion of relationships between Guayaquil and Vancouver for future collaborations with the goal of improving the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of Guayaquil.

Objectives
  • Build new relationships and partnerships between Guayaquil and Vancouver
  • Create new opportunities for business with Canada
  • Increase public awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability for businesses (CSR) and the public
  • Share technological expertise (renewable energy and construction)
  • Increase tourism to Guayaquil through sustainable practices

Main themes 
  • Green Business: an opportunity for businesses to build sustainable and innovative solutions (green building, renewable energy)
  • Sustainable Development Strategies: how a growing city such as Guayaquil facing can become more sustainable and green
  • Sustainable Tourism: how to increase tourism to Guayaquil with a positive economic, social and environmental impact