Marking's - Environment and Conservation

The Earth's biological resources are vital both to humanity's economic prosperity and to our social development. With this recognition there is a growing sense that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations.

However while we are beginning to understand the interrelatedness of all life the threat to species and to ecosystems has never been so severe as it is today. This threat continues to grow daily at an an alarming rate.

With the loss of each species, the bio diversity which is so necessary to the survival of life on earth, diminishes. This term "biological diversity" is commonly used to describe the number and variety of living organisms on the planet.

To date we have identified 1.7 million species. New species are being discovered all the time and there are estimates that there may be as many as 100 million. Even if we agree with the low estimates there is agreement that there are at least 5 million species on earth.

If there are so may species why does it matter if we "lose" a few. It is a fact that species extinction is a natural part of the evolutionary process. However, due to our activities species are disappearing at a rate never before experienced on this earth. The most recent estimates predict that, at current rates of deforestation, some two to eight per cent of the Earth's species will disappear over the next 25 years.

As this crisis looms before us some individuals and nations have begun to realize that action must be taken if humanity is to survive. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) convened an Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on Biological Diversity in November 1988 "to explore the need for an international convention on biological diversity".

This "Working Group" evolved into the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee and culminated in the the drafting of a convention which opened for signature at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio "Earth Summit"). It remained open for signature until 4 June 1993, by which time it had received 168 signatures.

The Convention's objectives are "the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources".

... and yet another way of "seeing" the Earth and all that dwell therein ...

Chief See-at-la of the Squamish Nation presented what is widely thought to be one of the most moving speeches ever given during the Treaty negotiations in 1854. This magnificent speach invites the reader and listener to investigate intimately, and with deep reverence, a radically different understanding of this precious Earth.

One of the areas that needs our immediate attention is the attitude taken by many to other beings who share this world with us and we, often with disparagement call"animals".

While we may have an intellectual superiority to many of our fellow creatures that superiority does not give us the right to treat them with cruelty or disrespect. Anyone who has lived with a dog or who has had close contact with wolves cannot have missed the amazing inter species communication which is possible. Many of us cannot experience that unique interaction with wolves. However most of us have to opportunity to relate to another canid - the dog. What a wonderful chance to share this world with another species. Once you have experienced this contact it is no long possible to ignore the need, indeed the fact of, ANIMAL RIGHTS!

Animal rights is the philosophy of allowing non-human animals to have the most basic rights that all sentient beings desire: the freedom to live a natural life free from human exploitation, unnecessary pain and suffering, and premature death. This is what the animal rights movement is about; it is not about working for equality between human and non-human animals. It is about having compassion for all creatures.

"If you have men who will exclude creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." Saint Frances

Animal Rights is a different concept than Animal Welfare which simply seeks to alleviate the suffering of animals while they are being exploited. Those of us who support Animal rights believe that it is not possible to exploit animals humanely -- the exploitation is, in and of itself, inhumane. In accepting the philosophy of Animal rights we reject the idea that animals need to have a value to the human species in order to be deserving of rights.

As someone who recognizes my brotherhood and sisterhood with all living creatures I have been a vegetarian for over 26 years. It has been a healthy and happy way of life. I am presently the only vegetarian in my family and we live quite happily together. Neither my husband nor my children expect me to live according to their ethical sensitivities nor to I expect them to live according to mine. I do not cook animal flesh for them. However if they wish to make their stomachs a graveyard for dead animals that is their choice and I make no objection to their cooking for themselves. They, on the other hand, do not expect me to cook animals for them. We live peaceably together and agree to disagree.

As a supporter of animal rights I strive not to hurt other beings. Therefore, logically, as an animal rights supporter I can only support nonviolent means to bring about changes.

"For a non-violent person the whole world is one family."

"Ahimsa means not to injure any creature by thought, word or deed, not even to the supposed advantage of this creature."

"It has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings."

"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."
Mohandas K. Gandhi

Some of us are learning how to live with our brothers in the city. Unlike many animals coyote have learned to live in the environment as we have altered it and live among us in the green spaces we have left in our cities. Rather than attempting to eradicate them if we support their right to live among us we can feel the joy of watching them live and play and raise their families. It is true that we must take extra care of those animals with whom we chose to live even closer - our pets - the dogs and cats who look to us for protection. What if rather than attacking the coyote's we were more responsible about letting our pets run free. Then we could all live in harmony together.

In Vancouver, where I live, there are coyotes living in and around the city and there is a group who supports their right to live there. The programme supporting these coyotes is called the Urban Coyote Project. Coyotes are an extremely adaptable wildlife species that has survived well in urban environments. While they are relatively new to the Lower Mainland, they have lived in large cities like Calgary and Los Angeles for many years.

I have been surfing lately and have found many sites relating to environmental issues which I found very interesting and informative. I have made annotated lists of those that I found most interesting. As I live in Vancouver, BC there is an emphasis on sites in British Columbia. You can find the following lists: British Columbia sites; other Canadian sites; and International sites.

URL:http://www.markings.bc.ca

URL:http://www.markings.bc.ca

E-mail me at sher@markings.bc.ca