June 5th - World Environmental Day

4 June 2010

Dear URI Members, June 5 is World Environment Day. This year's theme is  'Many Species. One Planet. One Future', to celebrate the incredible diversity of life on Earth as part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. One event I just learned about is called Water Sounding.  To celebrate, protect and to deal with tragic ways water is being abused – oil spills, polluting farm practices, city and factory sewage, the misuse of  international laws of the sea and naval attacks – visit a local source of water.  Listen to the water and the environment through which it passes. Honor the place, the flow, the elements.  Listen to the sound of the water.  Then share your reflections in words with others, writing or a form of creative expression. Our local waters and those near Gaza, Korea, and in the Gulf of Mexico need our prayers, love and protection. From Wendell Berry: If we will have the wisdon to survive, To stand like slow-growing trees on a ruined place, Renewing, enriching it, If we will make our seasons welcome here, Asking not too much of earth or heaven, Then a long time after we are dead The lives our lives prepare will live here. On World environment Day, think about the biodiversity we have and how our lives prepare the water for future generations. May Peace be in our waters. May Peace Prevail on Earth, Monica Monica Willard United Religions Initiative United Nations NGO Representative www.uri.org