A world-first conference to explore the link between nature-based experiences and community wellbeing is set to attract more than 1000 local and international delegates to Melbourne in April 2010, the Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced this month.

The international Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress will explore how nature significantly contributes to our wellbeing and broader societal benefits. It will attract world leaders from many areas including urban planning, community development, physical and mental health, tourism, education and park management.

Mr Jennings today met senior officials from the Californian State Government in Sacramento to discuss the central themes of the congress.

Also working to promote the Congress internationally are ambassadors including Christopher Brown, the Chairman of the Business Council for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and London-based Rob Small, the World President of the International Federation of Parks and Recreation.

"There is significant interest in the link between nature-based experiences and people’s well-being. This conference will be a great addition to the public policy debate," Mr Brown said.

A ‘Call for Proposals’ is now active for the Congress. If you work in urban planning, community development, physical and mental health, tourism, education, recreation, ecology and park management (urban and protected area), this may be a great opportunity for you. The closing date for abstract submissions will be Monday 22nd June 2009.

More information on the Congress including the Criteria for Proposalss can be found at www.healthyparkshealthypeoplecongress.org

The Congress, which is endorsed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the world’s largest global environmental network, will be held from 11-16 April 2010 at the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.