<html>  <br> To: The Green On, e-news list and friends of Green Ontario.  <br> From: Lois Corbett, President, The Conservation Council of Ontario<br> Date:  April 30, 2003<br> <br> Re: Restoring Ontario's commitment to conservation<br>  <br> Dear friends,<br>  <br> I would like to thank all of you who have helped us out over the past year by responding to our surveys and participating at our 2002 Eco Summit. The Board of Directors at CCO have responded to your suggestions, and share your concerns about how to best to support the important role of the non-governmental sector in promoting conservation and a healthy environment.<br>  <br> Following on the 2002 Eco Summit and the two surveys of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) we conducted last year, the Conservation Council has developed two documents that will help lay out a path for revitalizing the NGO role in promoting conservation and a healthy environment.  You'll find them both on the Green Ontario website, <a href="http://www.greenontario.org/" eudora="autourl">http://www.greenontario.org</a> <br>  <br> The first report is called "Green Ontario: an NGO Strategy for Conservation and a Healthy  Environment". The goal is "to enhance the capacity of Ontario's non-governmental organizations to promote a conserver society and deliver environmental solutions". I think you'll find that many of the issues and organization needs identified at the Eco Summit are covered in the strategy.<br>  <br> The second report is the Conservation Council's "Strategic Directions and Business Plan 2003". It proposes a new mission for the Council (to make Ontario a conserver society) and outlines our role in developing a province-wide commitment to conservation:<br> <dl> <dd>We will remain focused on the goal of a conserver society for Ontario. <dd>  <dd>We will acknowledge and support the contributions and areas of expertise of other organizations in promoting conservation and environmental solutions. <dd>  <dd>We will help increase the capacity of organizations to address conservation and environmental priorities.<br> <br> <dd>We will build partnerships and campaigns to address priority issues for conservation and a healthy environment. <dd>  <dd>We will raise public commitment to adopt conservation solutions and help connect individuals with support services and educational material. <dd>  <dd>In so doing, we will build a strong and long-lasting commitment to conservation in Ontario, as well as achieve tangible results in Ontario's communities and homes. </dl> <br> There is a tremendous need to restore conservation values to Ontario's society and economy. This challenge is bigger than any one organization --  it requires a coordinated and cooperative approach. I'm hoping we can count on your continued support.<br>  <br> Both reports are "drafts", which means we'd like to hear from you if we are on the right track.  Please download them at <a href="http://www.greenontario.org/" eudora="autourl"><font color="#0000FF"><u>www.greenontario.org</a></font></u> and send your comments to me and our Executive Director, Chris Winter. Here's our addresses to cut and paste into an e-mail:<br>  <br>  "Lois Corbett" <lcorbett@yahoo.ca>, "Chris  Winter" <cco@web.ca><br>  <br>  <br>  With thanks,<br>  <br>  Lois Corbett<br>  President<br>  The Conservation Council of Ontario<br> <br> p.s:  If you think we're on the right track, now would be an excellent time to help out with a donation to the Council.  Please mail a cheque to: The Conservation Council of Ontario, 43 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2C8.<br> <br> <div>***************************</div> <div>Promoting conservation leadership, cooperation, and action for over 50 years</div> <div>The Conservation Council of Ontario</div> <div>43 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2C8</div> <div>(416) 533-1635</div> <div><a href="http://www.greenontario.org/" EUDORA=AUTOURL>www.greenontario.org</a> </div> <div>Chris Winter, Executive Director</div> Lois Corbett, President </html>