JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Environmental professionals, engineers, residents and city leaders came together Friday for an environmental symposium, and to discuss the state of the St. Johns River.

The University of North Florida hosted the "Sustainability for Jacksonville’s Future Environmental Symposium" in conjunction with the city's Environmental Protection Board. Environmental specialists presented exhibits on "green" building techniques and advances in technology that improve sustainability.

After touring the exhibits, participants took part in panels on sustainability, nuclear energy, water supply assessment, alternative energy and issues affecting the St. Johns River. Mayor John Peyton gave the keynote address, focusing on sustainability and the 2009 River Accord Report.

Two reports on the river were then released: the 2009 State of the River Report, and the 2009 River Accord Report.

The River Accord is an initiative to improve the health of the river's basin. The report highlighted several achievements made since the accord was launched in 2006. The State of River Report is compiled by researchers from UNF and Jacksonville University, and tracks the river's health. That report showed that while there is still much to be done, some gains have been made.

The 2009 River Accord Report can be found on the city of Jacksonville Web site. The State of the River Report can be found at www.sjrreport.com.