The launch of the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention will be celebrated on Sunday, 22 April 2012 at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The UNESCO World Heritage Convention was established in 1972 to protect and conserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention will also see the launch of the iSimangaliso school awards programme for 2012. The awards seek to enhance environmental education by inviting primary and secondary school learners to enter a competition by drawing, singing or writing in expression of their appreciation of the natural environment and heritage.
This 40th anniversary is significant to the country and the world’s achievements in conserving world heritage as it coincides with Earth Day. Earth day is a worldwide celebration observed annually on 22 April to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment.
In celebration, iSimangaliso and the Department of Environmental Affairs will host the screening of the “One Day on Earth project”- a documentary through the eyes of filmmakers, students and other inspired citizens across the planet who documented their human experiences over a 24-hour period showcasing the amazing diversity, conflict, tragedy and triumph that occurs in one day. The film will be screened simultaneously in every country of the world and is the largest worldwide screening to have ever been attempted.
Hosting of the launch of the 40th anniversary celebrations at iSimanagliso Wetland Park is pertinent as it was the first site to be declared a World Heritage Site in South Africa because of its biodiversity, outstanding examples of ecological processes and its superlative natural phenomena and scenic beauty.
Media are invited to the launch and screening of “One Day on Earth project” as follows:
Date: Sunday, 22 April 2012
Time: 10h00
Venue: Catalina Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia
RSVP:
Banele Mabena
Tel: 012 395 1607
E-mail: SMabena@environment.gov.za
Xolani Ngqoshela
Tel: 012 310 3078
E-mail: XNgqoshela@environment.gov.za
Enquiries:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Moses Rannditsheni
Cell: 082 448 2450
The launch of the 40th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention to be celebrated at Isimangaliso Wetland Park
