Unfolding Earth Justice - Meeting the Needs of Our Time

We bring you news of another great workshop opportunity from our friends at Gaia:

Unfolding Earth Justice - Meeting the Needs of Our Time

With Ian Mason, Head of Law and Economics at the School of Economic Science, Director if the Earth Jurisprudence Resource Centre, and practicing barrister.

SATURDAY 7th JUNE 2008, 10 AM - 4.30 PM

£45 including a delicious seasonal, organic, vegetarian lunch.

Gaia Learning Centre, 18 Well Walk, Hampstead, London, NW3 1LD

Nearest tube, Hampstead, Northern Line

Real law is discovered, not made. What can be discovered by observing nature? How do we come to a natural way of living? Earth Justice is a search for a new philosophy of law based on reverence and respect for nature, the natural world and human dignity.

This workshop will integrate practical sessions on connecting with the natural world and learning how to learn from it. Discussion and reflection will enable participants to formulate core concepts and reach a deeper understanding of Earth Justice principles for themselves. We will consider how these principles can be translated into law and governance. The workshop will conclude with an ideas session to formulate practical initiatives for applying Earth Justice at the personal level.

For lawyers and non-lawyers alike, come and spend an inspiring day discovering the principles and origins of Earth Justice.

For more information or to book a place, please visit: http://www.gaiafoundation.org/learning/online.php or contact Guy Fisher on guy@gaianet.org or 020 7428 0055

April IJW Now Available

The April issue of the International Journal of Wilderness is now available! Renew your subscription today - and you’ll receive April’s issue within the next few weeks and the August and December issues when they arrive. The April IJW highlights El Triunfo RAVE (Rapid Assessment Visual Expedition) and the continued work of our in Europe, working tirelessly to expand the wilderness concept in this region of the world. The issue is also full of great feature articles, editorials, book reviews and announcements, as is each and every issue of the IJW. Be sure to renew today!

Information Meetings on Stansted Expansion Plans

More than 40 community presentations have been lined up for the coming months by Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) to help people get to grips with proposals for a second runway at Stansted and to explain how to lodge objections.

SSE has agreed to speak at parish and town council meetings across Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk as part of its drive to alert local communities to the threat posed by BAA's plans, with more dates being added all the time.

Development on the scale being proposed by BAA would have far-reaching effects across the region both during the four year construction phase - which would make Stansted the biggest building site in Europe - and when fully operational.

Each meeting will feature a speaker from the SSE team, including Chairman Peter Sanders and other members of SSE's executive committee. They will draw on the airport operator’s recently submitted planning application to explain how, if it were approved, Stansted could become bigger than Heathrow today in terms of flights and passengers, plus an enormous landgrab that would entail destruction of homes, heritage, countryside and ancient woodland.

Advice will be given to those wanting to lodge their views on the plans before the cut off date of 26 June set by local planning authority, Uttlesford District Council. Thereafter, the application is expected to be the subject of a ‘call in’ for public inquiry next year and different rules for expressing views will apply.

Commenting on the programme, SSE Campaign Director Carol Barbone said:

“Yet again we’re faced with a planning application from BAA which tries to pretend that the development of Stansted would have virtually no impact on the environment or on people’s quality of life. Our presentations will help reveal the true picture.”

The SSE website contains the full list of meetings that have been planned and will be kept updated to reflect additional events as they are organized - see ‘Coming Events’ at: http://www.stopstanstedexpansion.com/events.html. Further information can also be obtained by calling the campaign office on 01279 870558 or emailing info@stopstanstedexpansion.com.

Information on accessing the planning application, with advice on how to respond, is also available on the SSE website (see link to ‘Second Runway Application – Quick Links’ www.stopstanstedexpansion.com/second_runway.html).


LIST OF MEETINGS

The meetings at which SSE will speak are largely parish and town council meetings open to the public. Details of the programme as at 8 April 2008 appear below. See website for more detail including timings and venues at: http://www.stopstanstedexpansion.com/events.html

10 April Braughing Parish Council Annual Meeting
10 April Weston Parish Council
14 April Radwinter Parish Council
16 April Birchanger Parish Council
17 April Saffron Walden Town Council - Public Meeting on Airspace Proposals
23 April Rushden and Wallington Parish Council
28 April Helions Bumpstead Parish Council
1 May Henham with Elsenham Parish Councils
8 May Hormead Parish Council
10 May Ashen Parish Council (near Sudbury)
12 May Epping Upland Parish Council
12 May High Roding Parish Council Annual Assembly
12 May Hadstock Parish Council
13 May Great Canfield Parish Council
14 May Hatfield Heath Annual Parish Meeting
15 May Redbourn Parish Council
19 May Little Bardfield Parish Council
20 May Chrishall Parish Council
21 May Sible Hedingham Public Meeting for c10 neighbouring parishes
21 May Ickleton Parish Council
22 May Chantry Community Association
2 June Brickendon Parish Council
4 June St Paul's Walden Parish Council
4 June Saffron Walden Town Council
9 June Sawbridgeworth Town Council
10 June Woolmer Green Parish Council
12 June Nazeing Parish Council
16 June Hertford Town Council
18 June Broomfield Parish Council
25 June Sheering Parish Council
26 June Great Easton (with Broxted) Parish Council
3 July Widdington Parish Council
7 July Stapleford Abbots Parish Council
8 July Willingale Parish Council
17 July Good Easter Parish Council
17 July Stanstead Abbotts Parish Council
31 July Theydon Bois Parish Council
8 September Barnston Parish Council

The Wilderness Foundation UK encourages free debate on all aspects of development which have a potential detrimental effect on both our local and global environment. The information in this article has been supplied to us by the Stop Stansted Expansion group and is presented here to you for your own evaluation. Views and comments expressed are not necessarily those of WFUK.

Africa’s Indigenous Peoples and Their Special Role in Adapting to Climate Change'

Our friends at Gaia have a packed events schedule this year with some amazing guest speakers. Here are details of a great talk coming up on 10th April 2008:

You are invited to a special evening on 'Africa’s Indigenous Peoples: Their Special Role in Adapting to Climate Change' with Dr. Nigel Crawhall, Director of the Secretariat for the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC). Please find a flyer with directions attached.

Thursday, 10th April 2008

6.30pm Drinks and buffet at Gaia House (18 Well Walk, London, NW3 1LD)

7.30pm Talk and discussion at Burgh House (Opposite Gaia House, New End Square, London NW3)

Nearest tube, Hampstead, Northern Line.

Africa’s indigenous peoples have been pushed ever further into marginal lands over the centuries. But over the last decade they have been linking up into what is becoming a movement of the indigenous peoples of Africa. They are engaged in struggles to protect the last remaining intact forests and other fragile ecosystems, which they have guarded despite external pressures. They have also been participating in United Nations initiatives to recognise the rights of indigenous peoples, challenging the dominant view that development is rooted in industrial agriculture, which, inevitably involves capital-intensive extraction of the Earth’s precious resources.

Dr. Nigel Crawhall will explain how they are helping to create new spaces for dialogue around the relationship between cultural and biological diversity. He will show how the vast and diverse pool of Africa’s cultural knowledge, practices and languages play an essential role in reviving Africa’s biodiversity. Recognising Africa’s rich knowledge and cultural heritage is a vital dimension for any strategy dealing with the challenge of increasing climate instability.

For more information or to book a place, please contact Sarah Nicholl on sarahn@gaianet.org or 02074280055.

A contribution of £10 will be appreciated

Dr. Nigel Crawhall is Director of the Secretariat for the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC), a network of 120 indigenous peoples’ organisations covering 20 African countries. He is currently Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Social Anthropology at the University of Tromso, Norway. Nigel has an MPhil in Linguistics from the University of Zimbabwe and a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Back to Basics - a presentation by Quinton Coetzee

We are pleased to bring you news of an opportunity to hear the inspirational Quinton Coetzee speak at the South African High Commission, London, in conjunction with The Mantis Collection:

Back to Basics - San Solutions

South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London
6:30pm for 7pm Thursday 1Oth April 2008

A 75-minute presentation by Quinton Coetzee for people who want to tap into their natural potential to improve their business skills and performance and gain a better understanding of themselves and others.

Quinton believes that every person is endowed with a deep-seated instinct to survive.. ..SURVIVE AT ALL COSTS AND AGAINST ALL ODDS! His powerful and riveting introduction leads an audience into the fascinating world of a San Bushman Tribe (the Company), their bush environment (the Marketplace), the wildlife on which they thrive (the Clients) and the predators with which they compete (the Competitors).

Using spectacular slides, he illustrates that everyone has dormant or under-utilised business skills. These skills need only to be set free or "unlocked" in order to realise maximum gain, both personally and for the company. In this regard, no-one beats the San. This is how successful business has always been done, is currently being done and will continue to be done. Everyone has the natural ability to do the same! This is the BACK TO BASICS approach.

THE PRESENTATION LOOKS AT THESE IMPORTANT BUSINESS ISSUES:

* Thriving on teamwork
* The challenge of change
* Knowing your clients
* Creativity and innovation
* Growing your income source
* Vision, strategy and self-motivation
* Adaptability, flexibility and versatility
* Dealing with competitors
* Boosting efficiency, effectiveness and productivity
* Stress and lifestyle management
* Recognising and exploiting hidden opportunities
* Coping with setbacks and adversity
* Complacency
* Work smarter, not harder
* Time management
* The Growth Imperative
* The necessity of training and skill development
* Planning and strategy

This highly energetic, professional presentation not only inspires and
motivates, it enthralls, moves and punches home the reality of personal commitment and survival in the corporate world.

It’s very different and humorous, and its straight-forwardness is invigorating. It will be talked about, recounted and remembered as a unique and fresh approach to business essentials with huge practical value.

PROFILE of QUINTON COETZEE

Quinton was born in the Namib Desert and, having spent most of his young life in the bush, he began his working career as a hunter. He later attained a university degree in the natural sciences after which he specialised in bush survival. Today he is considered one of the leading bushcraft specialists in southern Africa.

Quinton has always had a passion for expeditions. He has explored remote areas from the icy sub-Antarctic to the sweltering deserts of the Middle-East and has spent time with ‘vanishing’ tribes in Africa and in the Amazon jungles.

As a conservationist, he has managed the animal collection for one of the largest Zoological Gardens in Africa, where he was committed to the breeding of many endangered species worldwide. In this regard he is well known for his commentary in print, on air and on television as presenter of the popular South African wildlife programme “Veldfocus” on 50/50. He has
also trained as a classical pianist.

Quinton’s message has universal appeal which has been addressed to audiences worldwide.

For further information or to book your place, please RSVP to louisa@mantiscollection.com Please remember to mention WFUK when contacting them. Thank you.

Earthwatch Lecture - Dolphins across the Med

WFUK is always looking for leactures and events that may be of interest to our Friends, to supplement our own Events Calendar. This week the team at Earthwatch present "Dolphins across the Med".

Earthwatch Lecture - Dolphins across the Med

Thursday 27 March 2008, 7.00pm - 8.30pm, at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR

Joan Gonzalvo Villegas & Ricardo Sagarminaga van Buiten

Two talks by leading scientists, who, with Earthwatch volunteers, are monitoring the status and health of dolphin populations in Greek and Spanish waters, and implementing plans to secure their future.

Doors open at 6.00pm (cash bar); lectures followed by a second cash bar, 8.30-9.30pm.

Entrance free to Earthwatch supporters; otherwise a small donation will be requested on the door.

For tickets and more information, please contact the Events Department on (01865) 318856; events@earthwatch.org.uk ;

www.earthwatch.org/europe/events08/dolphins.html

Please remember to mention WFUK when making enquiries/bookings.

Events Programme 2008

We now have in place our programme of major events for 2008, but will be supplementing this with extra gatherings throughout the year, so check back regularly for updates!

9th June 2008 Art of Africa Week - WFUK Open Day at the Smithfield Gallery, London

Your chance to enjoy some of the most wonderful art coming out of Africa, as well as meet the WFUK team and learn more about the work that we are engaged in. Come along and say hello to Jo, Richard, Eddie, Sue, Carol and our new Membership and Events Secretary and Education Officer.

11th June 2008 Art of Africa Week - Dinner at the Smithfield Gallery, London

Join WFUK with guest speaker Cameron McNeish for this wonderful dining event, set in one of London's most charming galleries, surrounded by a range of works of art brought to us by some of the most dynamic talent from the continent of Africa.

6th July 2008 British London 10k Run

Join us once again to cheer on the brave souls running through the streets of London to raise money for WFUK. We're delighted to be represented by a team of three from Alladale in Scotland this year, but still have three places available under our debenture. Minimum sponsorsphip to be raised £100 per entrant. Go on - get out and make a difference!

Autumn 2008 - Tranquility Walks

In conjunction with the Stop Stansted Expansion group, we will be running a series of guided walks through the tranquil areas of Essex countryside that will be impacted by the proposed expansion of Stansted Airport.

Winter 2008 - Wilderness Youth Congress, London

Building on our Wilderness Trails Programme, we will be holding our inaugural Wilderness Youth Congress in the Winter of 2008. We will be inviting our current trails participants and alumni to join the Foundation for a day of structured workshops and seminars around the environmental and conservation issues that matter to young people. The event will be rounded off by an evening of celebration with a live band and party atmosphere.

For further information or to register your interest in any of these events, please email the events team

We look forward to seeing you soon!