Following the launch of the State of Nature report, we are keen to raise awareness of what was discussed in the Hay festival as part of our RSPB Cymru sponsored debates. We are delighted to welcome a guest blog from Derek Moore, OBE, Conservationist and Ornithologist.
For me even going to Hay was an exciting moment because I had never been before. It was even more thrilling to see people packing into the auditorium as we too made our way onto the stage. The State of Nature report published last month (May) was our focus for discussion and in particular to concentrate on the language of nature and how we the conservationists could appeal to more people.
For me the report held few surprises as I have been involved in wildlife for most of my 70 years. What was most impressive about the report was the fact that 25 NGO’s had come together in its production. What the document did not suggest was any solutions to the obvious problems.
It was interesting that our discussion discounted the term “nature conservation” as being far too difficult for the average person to grasp. We obviously have to speak in a language that is more in use every day. We also discussed the way communication has changed in the last decade and how the use of campaigning websites and their petitions was probably more effective than most.
It is obvious to me that the NGO’s need to take a step back and reflect on how it is that despite huge memberships compared with the rest of Europe, and having spent considerable resources in recent years the declines continue. Should they consider mergers and reducing non-direct expenditure to concentrate on more direct action? Do they have to toughen their stance on decision-makers?
There was an excellent intervention by Jane Davidson a former Assembly Environment Minister who urged everyone to get at all political persuasions a year before any elections to ensure environmental measures were included in their manifestos. It was agreed that generally politicians have too short a life to commit to a long term vision which is needed if we are to redress the balance with our vanishing wildlife.
We also received several excellent questions from the audience. I am particularly excited by the suggestion that nature should be more linked to health issues. I am also sure that if we do not look after nature then our health will be in danger. We must not forget we are a species too.
What we definitely need is far less talk and much more action. We all need to look in the mirror and ask whether we should make fewer demands on the countryside otherwise little will improve.
What do you think? it would be great to hear your views.