Funchal unveiled as the host for the CIVITAS Forum Conference 2011
Funchal will host the 2011 CIVITAS Forum Conference. CIVITAS helps European cities achieve a more sustainable and energy efficient urban transport system.
CIVITAS announces Funchal will host the 2011 CIVITAS Forum Conference between 17-19 October. The event is devoted to innovation in sustainable urban transport. CIVITAS (CIty-VITAlity-Sustainability) is an initiative born out of the EU's commitment to research and development. Since 2002 it has encouraged a scientific and empirical approach to creating a more sustainable, clean and energy efficient urban transport system. It fosters cooperation among European cities, encouraging them to develop and share transit innovations in both technology and policy. The CIVITAS network currently boasts 186 European member cities. Cities that join must sign the CIVITAS Declaration, committing themselves "to the introduction of an ambitious, sustainable urban transport policy." The cities then serve as living laboratories for learning, evaluating and improving. The 2011 Forum will bring together representatives from all 186 member cities, along with politicians, transport experts and other interested parties, creating a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences and research. The annual event, held last in Malmö, Sweden, will include many workshops and plenary sessions, where participants can debate and discuss sustainable mobility policies and measures. This year's host, Funchal, is the capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. As a premier tourist destination, the city is an excellent location for any conference. But Funchal's innovative and ambitious transport policies make it an ideal host. Funchal's mountainous setting and high population density pose significant challenges for public transport. But the city is pioneering a number of initiatives designed to improve mobility for its citizens and tourists, while protecting the environment. A new public urban transport and planning centre, new low-emission busses, an SMS system that alerts drivers about traffic and the promotion of eco-driving habits are just a few of the city's programmes. Funchal is a member of CIVITAS MIMOSA, along with Bologna, Gdansk, Tallinn and Utrecht. The five cities are working together, collaborating and sharing research and ideas, while PRESS4TRANSPORT is funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)
seeking the cooperation of their entire communities in new projects designed to improve mobility while protecting the environment and economy. To learn more visit www. civitas.eu. CIVITAS is co-financed by the European Union. Contact: Helen Mullarkey helen@interactions.ie
PRESS4TRANSPORT is funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)