The 1st Ibero-American Parks Congress kicked off in San Salvador, showcasing the significance of public spaces for societal development. The event commenced with over 200 attendees gathering at Cuscatlán Park.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Mayor Mario Durán, who emphasized, “The Salvadoran capital opens its doors to bring together key stakeholders in the promotion, conservation, and development of urban parks throughout the region.”
Over the course of two days, the congress will feature roundtable discussions, panel talks, and presentations by local and international speakers from cities such as Tegucigalpa, San José, Mexico City, Bogotá, Santiago, Asunción, San Juan, La Paz, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo.
“This event will be highly enriching due to the exchange of experiences and knowledge among experts, who will share the latest trends and practices in the management of public, private, and community parks,” explained Mayor Durán.
The opening ceremony also saw the presence of Spanish Ambassador Carlos de la Morena Casado, who highlighted that urban models “are a global trend that will continue to be emphasized in the coming years. The new urban agenda provides a roadmap for human settlements and sustainable human development.”
The first day of the congress will delve into various topics, including the significance of public spaces, the changing perception of Cuscatlán Park among the population, and international experiences in park management. Some notable presentations include discussions on the environmental conservation of Chapultepec Forest (Mexico), the importance of community involvement in La Mexicana Park (Mexico), park administration in Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Buen Corazón’s City Program in Washington, D.C. (Mexico), and the role of local governments in the development of urban green areas (Costa Rica).
The 1st Ibero-American Parks Congress is poised to serve as a platform for fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and promoting the vital role of parks in enhancing the quality of life in Ibero-American cities.