Over the last 30 years, a number of studies have shown that increased human and economic activities in many parts of the world have negatively impacted the Earth's environment: air, water and land. Economic activity can lead to environmental degradation by imposing stresses on natural resources and ecosystems and by increasing pollutant emissions. Environmental crisis impacts everyone on the planet but the degree to which populations living in different parts of the world contribute to this crisis depends on the level of economic development and consumption patterns. Studies suggest that as much as 70-80% of the earth’s resources (for example, fossil fuel, water, and forest products) are consumed by only 25% of the world’s population.

Although global environmental concerns are often categorized under broad themes such as climate change and desertification, environmental problems of concern to many of the world’s vulnerable groups living in marginal areas tend to have immediate consequences that affect the quality of life, livelihood and in many cases survival. Although policy and research have improved environmental sustainability in developed countries, similar gains have not been achieved in many parts of the developing world. A number of international forums, such as the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and the 2004 World Summit on Sustainable Development, have identified the need for countries to reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and promote appropriate demographic policies.

The First International Conference on Environmental Research, Technology and Policy, ERTEP 2007, will bring researchers, consultants, engineers, scientists, NGOs, and policy makers together to discuss global environmental issues relating to resource exploitation and consumption, development of environmental monitoring and remediation technologies, and building the capacity for environmental policy making to protect fragile ecosystems. ERTEP 2007 will also address gender issues in environmental stewardship, especially in the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Accommodation

The conference will be held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel

A block of rooms has been reserved for conference delegates at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel ( www.gbhghana.com) and at the Labadi Beach Hotel ( www.labadibeachhotel.com).

Please make your arrangements for the accommodations directly with one of the above hotels. In order to get the special conference rate, mention that you will be attending the ERTEP2007 Conference. (The accommodations arrangements are not included in the Conference Registration).

Special Conference Rates for Bedrooms:

• 1 Night/Room - Single Occupancy: $120 US
• 1 Night/Room - Double Occupancy: $140 US

La Palm Royal Beach Hotel

The La Palm Royal Beach Hotel has their own private beach and 30 acres of landscaped garden to explore at your leisure. The swimming pool is the largest in Ghana and features a sunken pool bar . Other facilities include: fitness center, salon, beach and gardens, spa and massage and shopping arcade.

Labadi Beach Hotel

The Hotel's swimming pool is the central attraction. Fringed by palm trees, the pool area and fountains provide a welcome retreat from the heat and humidity of the Equator.

Immediately adjacent to the pool deck is the Health Club, offering a fully equipped Gymnasium and Sauna. For the more energetic, two floodlit tennis courts as well as a floodlit volleyball court are available. The Conci erge will gladly arrange a round of golf or a game of squash at nearby Clubs.