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Index of Subjects Apologies for cross-postings, press release for distribution follows... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Halifax, 13 February 2001 A Call for Action... But No Letter Writing to any Government Officials!? We, the Coastal Zone 2000 Youth Forum delegation, call for the respect of all living systems, a drastic reduction in consumerism, and an end to complacency. To combat complacency, the Youth Forum participants have adopted the challenges outlined in the following letter, and we are challenging every citizen to do the same. This is collective action - the most effective - action at the personal level. >From September 15-17, 2000 over 100 youth from around the globe met in Saint John, NB at the Coastal Zone 2000 Youth Forum to discuss our coastal ecosystems, our oceans and the broader environmental challenges facing us today. We came from 10 different countries and from across Canada, yet despite this geographical diversity, we easily found our common ground. As one delegate from the Youth Forum said, "How do we become the next generation without becoming the next generation?" How do we avoid becoming complacent and falling into the trap of buying over packaged goods, accumulating "stuff", and commuting alone in a car to work? What happens to the devotion and commitment to our ecosystems? As Chair of the Youth Forum, Maxine Westhead claims, "one of the best ways to make massive societal change is to lead by example. If you see someone so committed to the environment that they're riding a bicycle in the dead of winter, using canvas shopping bags, or refusing excess packaging, you're bound to be inspired to follow suit." Youth have a crucial role to play when it comes to societal change. "Youth can really grasp this type of challenge and become true leaders and visionaries. They aren't jaded by realities and bureaucracy, and can keep their idealism, enthusiasm, and creative energy at a high," says Westhead. The Coastal Zone 2000 Youth Forum is a part of the Coastal Zone Canada Conference Series that takes place every other year in Canada. The next Youth Forum is scheduled for the summer of 2002 in the Toronto area, and Westhead is confident that the energy and drive to make change will carry on. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subject: Open letter to Global Citizens Date: 13 February 2001 Dear Fellow Citizen: Even if you have never seen seaweed, a starfish, or an ocean wave crashing on the beach, this letter concerns you. >From September 15th - 17th, 2000, over 100 youth gathered from 10 countries and 8 provinces and territories at the Coastal Zone 2000 Youth Forum in Saint John, New Brunswick. There, we discussed the health of our coasts, the global ocean, and broader environmental issues. We feel it imperative to share our discussions with you. Finding common ground was easy despite our geographical and cultural differences. We are all deeply concerned with the state of our planet's ecosystems - in particular our oceans and coasts, and we think you should be too. Our overall quality of life depends largely on the state these ecosystems. We call for the respect of all living systems, a drastic reduction in consumerism, and an end to complacency. We call for an end to depleting our 'natural capital' for the sake of short-lived economic prosperity and short-sighted political agendas. We have challenged ourselves to the following: * Reduce consumption: We must reduce our consumption now, particularly in North America. From refusing excess packaging to building smaller homes. We will teach others that having less 'stuff' is the goal. We will ask ourselves: do I really need this? We will simplify and reduce our impact on the planet. * Become better educated and more aware: We will help teach the youth of today about the fundamental principles of the democratic process, the workings of government, and our International agreements and obligations. We will help teach other youth how to make their voice heard. * Show Humility: A drastic shift in thinking has to take place. Instead of asking "How much environmental damage can I get away with?" we will ask "What's the least impact I can make?" We will start thinking about minimum, not maximum, impact, and always bear in mind that we share this planet with other living creatures. * Ask "Why?" We will challenge and question the existing ways of thinking, management practices and institutional arrangements. Youth have a large role to play with fresh ideas and open minds. * Show no complacency: We will not turn a blind eye when it comes to consumption or our environment. We will ask the questions and call for accountability. * Challenge industrial 'rights': No industry or company has a right to place profits over the fair treatment of people or the environment People have rights - not corporations. We recognize that it is a privilege to take and that with that comes the responsibility to care. We will challenge those who act otherwise. * Be an example: We will use our own lives as an example every day. We will help lead the way to sustainability through our own daily actions. We want you to take action, but we're not going to ask you to write a letter to any government officials. We, the Coastal Zone 2000 Youth Forum delegates, want each and every one of you to adopt our challenges listed above in your own life. We want you to ask yourself: "Could the Earth keep pace if six billion people consumed as I do?" This is action at the personal level. We want you to take full responsibility for your daily actions, and help others do the same. So start a carpool, build a community garden, use canvas shopping bags, refuse excess packaging - do as much as you can. Start reducing your impact upon our Earth today for the sake our Earth and our future generations. Sustainably yours, The Coastal Zone 2000 Youth Forum Delegation For more information please contact: Maxine Westhead, Chair Coastal Zone 2000 Youth Forum Phone: 902.426.4215, Fax: 902.426.3855 MaxWesthead@hotmail.com ### -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- The preceding message was posted on Sustainable Maritimes (sust-mar) -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- TELL A FRIEND! The more people who join sust-mar, the more interesting and diverse views we'll see ... and more people to read *your* messages. So ... pssssst! Pass it on ... To join sust-mar just send email to <majordomo@chebucto.ns.ca> As the text of your message type "subscribe sust-mar" (without the quotes)
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