The Americas Business Council (ABC), is inviting G-50 members to participate in the launch of their Planet Initiative - a series of annual programs dedicated to preserve the environment, discuss untapped economic opportunities and profitable businesses that benefit from a sustainable model - led by Nicolas Ibarguen, President of the 2009 Green Forum: The Oceans.

The invitation-only Forum will take place at the Mandarin Hotel, in Miami, on August 26-27, 2009.

This year, the Americas Business Council (ABC) - an independent non-profit organization dedicated to formulate a platform where the influencers of our region can exchange ideas and share best practices - and its partners - National Geographic Society, Oceana, Green Cross International, the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and The City of Miami- will host world renowned scientists, scholars, and senior policymakers to discuss the effects of climate change, pollution and overfishing on the world's oceans as well as scientific, financial and political solutions that will help us return them to a healthy state and ensure the use of our oceans resources.

With some of the world’s leading experts attending the event, such as Jean Michel Cousteau - explorer, educator, film producer and son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau -, Sylvia Earl - National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence as the Honorary Chair -, and the advice of experts like Prof. Alexander Likhotal - President of the Green Cross International -, and President Cesar Gaviria - former President of Colombia, Secretary General of the OAS and Board Member of Oceana -; they will deliver the best content as they disseminate the message together with their media partners.

Since its creation in 2008, the Americas Business Council has generated spaces for discussion with Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mikhail Gorbachev, activists such as Paul Rusesabagina founder of the Hotel Rwanda Foundation and John Prendergast, founder of the Enough Project, White House General Counsel and foreign Policy expert Gregory Craig and renowned war photographer James Nachtwey, among many others.

They and their partners in this endeavor, Angelica Fuentes, Jorge Vergara, Gillermo Romo, Juan Carlos Eserski, Cesar Alierta, look forward to your participation in this important call to action on the Oceans.

For additional information on the Planet Initiative and the 2009 Green Forum: The Oceans, G-50 members may contact us at register@G-50.org.