'Everything is connected – everyone can make a difference'

'Everything is connected – everyone can make a difference' so says Jane Goodall and when she speaks for Animals and the Planet people do listen.

Biodiversity and how we can all play our part in saving it is the core theme of the Anima Event at Brockenhurst Village Community Centre on Saturday 30th September. There will be over 30 stalls and all of the exhibitors at the event are addressing this issue in their own way helping us all to have a gentler footprints on the planet which we share.

Some of the organisations represented are addressing the problems directly like the Orangutan Appeal, Bumblebee Conservation, Population Matters, Born Free, Sea Shepherd and Jane Goodall Institute.

Orangutan Appeal UK is dedicated to the rehabilitation and preservation of orangutans and the conservation of their habitat. The Appeal strives to protect remaining wild populations of orangutans by providing support and funding for projects across Borneo; and by raising awareness of the plight of this great ape across the globe on behalf of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Pictured in media attachments is Orang-utan Appeal’s founder Susan Sheward MBE with baby orangutan Archie, who was heavily featured in 'Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans' on ITV. Paul fell in love with little Archie on his trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was established because of serious concerns about the 'plight of the bumblebee'. In the last 80 years our bumblebee populations have crashed. Two species have become nationally extinct and several others have declined dramatically.
Bumblebees are familiar and much-loved insects that pollinate our crops and wildflowers, so people are rightly worried. They have a vision for a different future in which our communities and countryside are rich in bumblebees and colourful flowers, supporting a diversity of wildlife and habitats for everyone to enjoy. They are growing fast and have over 10,000 members.
There is an excellent success story featured here: http://bumblebeeconservation.org/about-us/our-projects/bees-for-everyone/

Born Free Foundation promotes Compassionate Conservation to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats while respecting the needs of and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals. Born Free seeks to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world.

Population Matters addresses population size and environmental sustainability. Population growth contributes to environmental degradation, resource depletion and other problems. They conduct research, inform the public and advocate improved family planning and sex education, women’s empowerment, smaller families and moderate consumption.
Their film Sense and Sustainability will be shown at 10.30 am followed by a talk at 11.30 am by world-famous explorer and sustainability ambassador, Adrian Hayes, who will tell of his direct experience of humanity’s effects on the wild places and what we can do in our lifestyle to bring about the changes the planet needs.

Sea Shepherd Established in 1977 by Captain Paul Watson, one of the founders of Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Their mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. To do this Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

The Jane Goodall Institute
Dr. Goodall has long been an advocate for the dignity and well-being of all living things, and the Jane Goodall Institute shares her belief that speaking out on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves is our responsibility as fellow inhabitants of this shared earth.
Environmental advocacy, animal welfare and human rights are just a few of the issues we are passionate about both by being thought leaders and influencers, and by bringing all voices into discussion rooms on topics that matter. Dr. Jane Goodall discovered that when we put local communities at the heart of conservation, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Jane Goodall Institute advances Dr. Goodall’s holistic approach through a tapestry of nine programs that build on each other and bring the power of community-centered conservation to life.

“When you live in the forest, it’s easy to see that everything’s connected.”

The New Forest Small School will be showcasing the work they did to be shortlisted for Jane Goodall Institute ‘Roots and Shoots’ campaign.

Compassion in World Farming’s ‘ Dead Zone ' campaign focuses on how our eating habits are causing huge habitat loss throughout the world.

Keith Taylor, Green MEP and member of the European Animal Welfare Committee will be talking about the cost of meat consumption on the environment.

The event has been organised by No More Dodos a charity which uniquely uses Art and Sport to inspire change in our lifestyles.
If you are in any way interested in animals and the planet we live on, this should be the day for you.
Please do share and put it in your diary right away!
http://www.nomoredodos.org/events/

Entrance to Anima is a very affordable suggested donation of £2.50 per person and £5 for a family.

For all press and other enquiries please call Geoff Francis on 07581221462
Photo reference available.