|
IAC 2008 Conclusions
More than 700 delegates representing over 290 aquariums and institutions from 45 countries and regions from around the world spent the week exploring the stresses facing our aquatic environments and the need for their better protection and management.
They focused discussions on the increasingly central role played by aquariums in engaging their public, politicians and business leaders in the search for appropriate solutions.
Delegates confirmed the status of aquariums as unique public institutions that welcome over 300 million visitors around the world each year.
All aquariums are involved in raising awareness of aquatic life and of the many conservation issues that need to be addressed. The consensus of the congress is therefore that their institutions are uniquely placed as instruments to promote actions towards a better management of the Earth’s aquatic ecosystems.
Delegates agreed to act together in collaborative techniques, in strategies and to strive to better engage their public and influence governmental policies towards positive actions.
This need for action is perhaps best highlighted through the words of an original song ‘Make the Ocean More Beautiful’ that was composed by the Chinese Olympic theme song studio, and sung by school children at the opening ceremony.
Make the Ocean More Beautiful
We live in this world together
With the blue clear water surrounding us
The source of beauty and happiness
The ocean is our common home
We cannot lose it
Let’s extend both our hands
To protect it
Heart to heart, together we are
The ocean and us will never depart
Let’s create miracles out of the ordinary
Hand in hand, you and me
Let’s work together to make this an even more beautiful ocean
|
