Qingdao, China, October 2010

 

China's role

 

The 2008 Olympic Games have long been over, the sailboat races are only a distant memory, but crowds of tourists continue to flock to the seashore at Qingdao, a large city situated in the Northeast of China on the Yellow Sea. 

 

Flying over these few hundred meters of beach, I can't help but think of the over exploitation of our oceans with the thousands of shells and marine turtles sold as decorations, and even tiny living fish sold in plastic key chains.  I also reflect on the difficulties of the fishermen, who are now no more than circus animals trying to flaunt their meager catch under the cameras of passing tourists. 

 

My feathers freeze at the thought of so much proof confirming the uncertain future of our oceans!  It is not a toy, we do not own it and it does not contain infinite resources.  I would like to loudly chirp my dissatisfaction but before throwing accusations, it is necessary to explain and above all it is necessary to do better ourselves. 

 

So I whispered the story of the oceans to a few attentive youth; one day I will show them Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud's film, “Oceans” with it's breathtaking images which arouse so many positive emotions, simply by showing the beauty of the marine world, its power and its fragility. 

 

In China, like elsewhere, the youth are ready to take up the fight.  The just need to be made aware of the problems, the solutions as well.  They will find them too, I am sure.  Daniel, one of the region's youth, wants to hep me.  He is studying in Shanghai and with his friends he hopes to make a difference.  He loves nature and his country.  He is responsible. 

 

Him, his friends, others, behind a little ball of orange feathers, I chase my black ideas like the accidental pollution a bit further North in Dalian, and take to the sky again, confident in my dream to create eco-centers in China where the youth can go to learn about the fragile balance between nature and Man. 

 

China has an exceptional role to play in the future of our planet, and this new generation has the possibility to put their country in a model position. 

 

 

 

Sakya, China, October 2010

 

Hands of hope

 

Ten thousand hands rising under a magnificent blue sky, 10 000 times more hope for snow leopards.  Perched on one of the prayer flags, a lungta, that are strung everywhere in this area and colour the mountainsides, I help with the promise of the people reunited here during this annual Buddhist festival: protect snow leopards and do not engage in illegal trade of wild animals. 

 

In the high Tibetan plateaus, this ceremony is welcomed by snow panthers, still victims of poaching for their bones and skin.  The protection of this remarkable animal and it's prey is urgent.  Thanks to the cooperation of the Snow Leopard Trust and the Shan Shui Conservation Center, moments like today are great steps towards better educating the local population. 

 

China represents 60% of snow leopard habitat between Qinghai, Tibet and Gansu, and is home to close to 40% of the total population.  Interestingly, few Chinese know of their existence and it is rare to find someone who knows that this feline is native to their immense country. 

 

Now lets imagine 10 000, 10 000 hands lifting in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and throughout the country...; China will become the heart of conservation for snow leopards and other threatened species, with a strong message to the entire world.  Protecting its national treasure will become, little by little, second nature and it is now, with these hands almost touching the sky, that victory is built.