Monday, November 9, 2009

Wild 9. Day 2. Merida, Mexico

November 7, 2009

Today began with a photography keynote presentation by Nick Nichols, called “Window into the Redwoods”. The remainder of Saturday was devoted to sessions detailing the corporate environmental commitments of such companies as CEMEX – a very large cement producer from Mexico and a true leader in the field of corporate conservation, Grupo Bimbo, another large Mexican corporation and Coca Cola Mexico, among others. The presence and participation of these corporate entities at this conference is important not just for Mexico but for the world. It signals a growing awareness of the importance of climate change and conservation issues.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day was the signing of a “Memorandum of Understanding” on Cooperation for Wilderness Conservation, Between Mexico, Canada and the United States. Government representatives from the three countries signed the agreement which aims to achieve international cooperation for the conservation of wildlands. While this act is certainly not a solution in and of itself, it does set the stage for a more cohesive approach to environmental issues which impact the entire continent as well as the world. It’s a BIG DEAL but only if all of us hold the powers that be to their commitments.

The fact that there are such dignitaries in attendance as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Guyana, Director of Nature and Landscape Protection – Czech Republic as well as Reps from South Africa, Hungary, Surinam, Russia and Europe is heartening to me and lends a real hope for universal understanding of the issues facing us. It has certainly made it easier to see the world as a fairly small place with common concerns requiring shared solutions.

Inspiring? Oh yeah! Onward!

Linda

3 comments:

Molly Mehling said...

How exciting! Thanks for the updates, Linda.

Molly Mehling said...

How exciting! Thanks for the updates, Linda.

Linda Helm said...

YAY! Someone is actually reading the blog! Thanks Molly! You made MY day. There is so much more to talk about - it is a bit overwhelming. YOU ahould be here - there is as much information and inspiration as you are open to receiving - and giving. Linda