"Nature awareness starts with a sense of awe"
"We have all heard stories about environmental damage and loss of biodiversity. I've even heard it said that the Netherlands has no nature left. That Europe has no nature left. But I beg to disagree - just look here at this exhibition. Look and be amazed."
Speech by Gerda Verburg at Wild Wonders, May 27th, The Hague.
Your Royal Highness, ladies and gentlemen,
A very warm welcome to you all here at this exhibition full of surprises. On behalf of Mayor Van Aartsen of The Hague and Mr Kalden, Director of Staatsbosbeheer, I would also like to welcome everyone who has contributed to Wild Wonders. Two thousand and ten is a truly wonderful year. The United Nations has declared it the International Year of Biodiversity. This year we focus on life's wealth in all its countless shapes and forms. Across the world governments, nature organisations and businesses are pulling together to halt the loss of biodiversity. And most importantly: they also raise public awareness of the value of nature. Nature awareness starts with a sense of awe. This exhibition is a beautiful and poetic ode to life as it amazes and captivates us. Time and time again. We have all heard stories about environmental damage and loss of biodiversity. I've even heard it said that the Netherlands has no nature left. That Europe has no nature left. But I beg to disagree - just look here at this exhibition. Look and be amazed.
Wild Wonders shows a different world, a world in which the honey bee is still a busy bee. A world in which the common kingfisher can find food to raise its chicks. There's no doubt about it - European nature exists and is very much alive.
But it is not necessarily vital. We are all working very hard to preserve biodiversity. Governments and businesses and entrepreneurs all make an invaluable contribution.
And let's not forget volunteers and the people who work for the environment in their spare time. We are on the right road. This is our joint responsibility and we can all contribute. Take our unique European nature - it benefits from the input from us all.
And never think: but this doesn't apply to me, how could I possibly contribute - I live in the city. Every town has its own urban nature: plants and animals that have made their home in the city. From the tadpoles in the pond to the great tit pecking at the birdseed on your balcony. You can plant a tree or sow flowers to attract butterflies. And how about the products you eat or use - they are often also nature. By buying nature-friendly products we can all contribute to the small wonders around us. This can inspire a movement that does not distinguish between people, planet and profit. Or between continents.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This is about our shared responsibility. I would like to introduce you to a great expert in the field, a lady who has made experiencing nature the basic principle of personal growth. Please welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Irene van Lippe-Biesterfeld. In her latest book she quotes scientist Rupers Sheldrake who states there is no point in convincing people that nature is great and beautiful. The problem is not, and I quote, 'that people must find a new attitude but that we must find a way to break down barriers in people's lives.' And I agree. We are all part of a bigger whole. We are all part of nature.
Your Highness, the platform is yours.