World Oceans Day, 8 June 2013
An important message ...
In June 1992, over 150 Heads of States signed the Convention on Biological Diversity at Rio de Janeiro. They did so to express a shared belief that action must be taken to halt the worldwide loss of animal and plant species and genetic resources. World Oceans Day was first declared as 8th June at the Earth Summit. Today, the 8th June, I attended the annual Adur World Oceans Day environmental exhibition in Shoreham, West Sussex. The exhibition, along with others around the world, is held as an important reminder of the environmental commitments made at the Summit. At today's event, I joined up with Colin Knight, and my daughter Charlotte, to man a stand on behalf of
Sussex Butterfly Conservation. Colin had done an outstanding job in both organizing and preparing an excellent display; and also setting up the stand before I arrived. The excellent weather ensured a really good turnout with many people stopping at our exhibit, especially children. This was extremely gratifying as we are keen to promote butterflies and moths to the younger generation in order for them to continue the important conservation work we are so passionate about. In addition to our own stand, there were exhibits by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, Friends of Shoreham Beach, with their important message that 'Beach Litter Kills Wildlife', Widewater Lagoon LNR, Southwick Camera Club and my favourite, Steve Savage’s marine conservation exhibit featuring the
Adventures of Ed the Bear, which puts across an extremely important environmental message. I urge you to visit Ed’s blog:
http://adventuresofedthebear.blogspot.co.uk
In addition to the environmental exhibitors we shared the marquee with local food and drink producers. Sussex band, Rough Chowder, playing to a backdrop of the River Adur, presented a lively repertoire of traditional and revamped Cajun, Zydeco and Swamp Blues with a heady mix of rockabilly thrown in for good measure. I personally judged the event to be a great success and one to which I would definitely return.
A selection of future BC members below ...