Goals of the symposium

The following were suggested as goals for the binational Parks symposium:

• convene senior stakeholders and decision-makers
  
• change the current discourse
  
• introduce environmental and economic development initiatives and promote tourism and knowledge-based industries on both sides of the River
  
• understand the benefits of an international park
  
• begin to develop organizational principles

Next Steps

It was agreed that 2 events should be organized – a preparatory meeting or workshop (within 3 months) followed by a symposium (within 6 months).

The preparatory workshop would help create a good package before senior stakeholders/decision makers are involved in the symposium. This preparatory meeting could:

• include junior staff of senior stakeholders/decision makers (about 10 people)
• provide examples of successful precedents and projects that are in process
• profile benefits of an international park
• help establish visionary framework
• develop partnerships

Staff of the Waterfront Trust will collaborate with members of the Urban Design Project/SUNY in a planning session to identify invitees to the preparatory workshop and a preliminary program.

Participants of the December 13th meeting agreed to be a resource team that would assist as necessary in preparing background documentation.

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