A movement to save open spaces in Bermuda will be highlighted at an international conference next week.

The Buy Back Bermuda (BBB) campaign will be presented at the 13th International Conference of National Trusts as an example of engaging the community to save our natural environment and heritage.

Attending the event in Dublin, Ireland, Nicola O'Leary, education director for the Bermuda National Trust, will speak on BBB's achievements as she co-chairs the session 'Part of the Solution: Increased Community Participation'.

Buy Back Bermuda was launched by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society in 2004. It initially raised $2 million to save 2.86 acres of land from a condominium development, resulting in the Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve.

In October 2007, BBB II was then launched to protect 3.5 acres of open space at Eve's Pond, Hamilton Parish, and 7.5 acres of land at Evans Bay Pond, Southampton.

In less than two years, the campaign succeeded in raising $2.5 million to purchase, restore and manage the land as public open space.

Dr. O'Leary said: "The success of these campaigns results from the generosity and support of individuals, schools, youth groups, organisations, businesses, other charities and the Government.

"It is truly an example of the community working towards the common goal of protecting fast-dwindling open space in Bermuda."

She added she was "very much looking forward to sharing the success of the Buy Back Bermuda Campaigns" to an international audience.

"Our local model is applicable worldwide and I hope persons from around the globe can walk away energised with the possibility of making something similar happen in their own countries," she said.

The International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) conference takes place from Sunday to Thursday under the theme 'Conservation in a Changing Climate'.

Up to 300 delegates will sign the 'Dublin Declaration', asking world leaders to consider the protection of global heritage sites at the forthcoming UN Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change. It will also include a commitment by heritage organisations to work more effectively in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Dr. O'Leary said: "It is an exciting opportunity to dialogue with national trusts from around the world, to share challenges and solutions in the heritage movement worldwide, particularly in this difficult economic time.

"We will hear how others are responding to changes in economic and environmental climates and hopefully garner ideas for engaging others in preserving and protecting our natural and human heritage."