Protect Wildlife Heritage – An Appeal By Children
Supported by Dr. Mike Pandey and Earth Matters Foundation

All living beings are woven inextricably in the web of life. When any link in that chain is harmed, others will be affected.
Earth is home to an estimated 10 to 20 million species. Although extinction is a natural process, there is nothing natural about the rate at which organisms are presently disappearing.

Over-exploitation of wildlife for commercial purposes, the introduction of harmful exotic organisms, environmental pollution, and the spread of diseases pose serious threats to our world’s biological heritage. Ecologists predict that 50 per cent of all mammals and birds will be extinct within the next century. The loss of these resources threatens the functioning of natural systems and the overall well being of human society.

Giant pandas, tigers, polar bears, endangered whales and dolphins, rhinos, elephants, marine turtles and great apes are species that not only need special measures and extra protection in order to survive, they also serve as umbrella species: helping them helps numerous other species that live in the same habitats.

‘Protect Wildlife Heritage’ is a 6-7 year project in the shape of a global appeal through drawings and paintings by children and artists across the world, to protect wildlife.

Objectives

The purpose of the project is:

• To enhance awareness and consciousness about importance of biodiversity and protecting wildlife, amongst children and youth around the world, by inviting them to paint on the subject.
• To create awareness about species facing extinction, amongst the general public and inculcate a sense of urgency to ‘protect wildlife heritage’ by viewing inspiring artwork by children and youth and artists at work.
• To provide a forum for artists from different countries, to jointly express concerns about ‘degeneration of biodiversity’ through their art. • To promote art as a ‘medium of expression’, amongst children and youth.
• To provide a platform for children to interact with each other and with professional artists in art workshops.
• To provide a forum for cultural exchange between artists from different countries

And last but not the least…

To play a role in leaving a richer and secure planet for our children!

NEXT STEPS IN THE GLOBAL JOURNEY

Phase 2 - Africa
2011
Exhibition of drawings and paintings by children from Africa
Workshop for school children and artists from Africa and Asia

Phase 3 – South America
2012
Exhibition of drawings and paintings by children from South America.
Workshop for school children and artists from South America and Africa .

Phase 4 - Australia
2013
Exhibition of drawings and paintings by children from Australia.
Workshop for school children and artists from Australia and South America.

Phase 5 – North America
2014
Exhibition of drawings and paintings by children from North America.
Workshop for school children and artists from North America and Austral

Phase 6 – Europe
2015
Exhibition of drawings and paintings by children from Europe.
Workshop for school children and artists from Europe and North America.