World Environment Day Festival in San Miguel
By Krishna Villena
The week of June 1–7, the World Environment Day celebrations are scheduled in San Miguel, with the participation of local government departments, the universities of Querétaro, UNAM and Guadalajara as well as several nongovernmental organizations. More than 50 events including music, exhibitions, dances, lectures and workshops will be presented within the city and in rural communities. All the events in the program are free, except the inaugural-donation concert. A simultaneous translation to English will be provided in most lectures.
Gerardo Arteaga, PAN’s city councilor, explained this is the sixth year San Miguel has celebrated World Environment Day, “but this edition represents a more ambitious project because instead of having all the events in one day, we’ll present more and distribute them through a whole week.”
The local government departments of Education and Culture, Traffic and Public Transport and Education and Sport are supporting the event. Teatro Ángela Peralta, Bellas Artes and schools in the city and rural communities will host the conferences, exhibitions, concerts and workshops. National and local experts and researchers in the field will be participating as well. Arteaga said they’ll be working with students and society in general from six communities “such as Puerto de Nieto where experts will talk about reforestation of the mountain, or in Cruz del Palmar where the rescue of the San Marcos river is already in process,”
“Among the exhibitions, one of the most noteworthy is from Green Group, which will be presenting in their installations several projects such as rainwater harvesting, recycling of vegetable oil in order to use it as bio-diesel as well as refuse collection for recycling.”
Nine schools of the city have been invited to participate in the Construye tu Cuenca (build your own basin) competition. Students will exhibit their scale models in Bellas Artes. The University of Querétaro’s science department will coordinate the activities and the best projects will be awarded prizes. At a youth business fair, public high schools, such as CEBETIS and CECYTEG, will show products and ideas to take care of the environment. “The students of CEBETIS are patenting a product for removing muérdago, a plague of trees of the region. The objective is to promote these initiatives at an enterprise level,” added Arteaga.
Art exhibitions will be displayed at Bellas Artes and the museum of Ayuntamiento (former local government building across from the Jardín). Schools and organizations will have tables in the Jardín with information about environmental issues.
An inaugural cello, clarinet and piano concert will be held at Teatro Ángela Peralta with renowned musicians such as Gilberto Munguía, Luis Humberto Ramos and Thomas Hrynkiw. “This is the only event where we’ll have a green fund module for donations to support further festivals like this one,” said Arteaga. He added that the green fund is where they get the money to pay the expenses of the festival.
La tierra se prepara para rejuvenercer (The earth is getting ready to rejuvenate), a dance spectacle with music and pre-Hispanic instruments will be performed on June 5.
At the Jardín, Gregory Colbert’s video Ashes and Snow will be shown “on a big screen installed in front of the Parroquia and we’ll turn off the lights, but before that we’ll meet at Parque Benito Juárez to start the march, each participant holding a candle all the way through to the Jardín,” said Arteaga
During a City Council session, the Environment Merit prize will be given for the sixth time to different candidates of the municipality. The nominations are made through the Ecology department. This year candidates are from the communities of Cruz del Palmar and San Marcos and another one is from the city. “We’ll give a 5,000-peso prize each as well as their formal recognition,” said Arteaga.
The program is extensive and with a variety of activities promoting the culture of taking care of the environment throughout the municipality. “We also have decided to extend it for a week in order to attract tourism to the city, especially after the sanitary contingency and the low season. The promotion is already via internet through the universities inviting their alumni; if we manage to attract more people than what is expected, it’s much better,” emphasized Arteaga, who said he’ll coordinate the whole event.
Diffusion and participation are essential in order to plan further editions of this type of event in the city. “Just as Huatulco has its own festival of Music for the Earth, we can have our World Environment Day Festival during the low season for tourism,” ended Arteaga.
 |
World Environment Day Festival, San Miguel de Allende
June 1-7,
Monday June 1
Scale model exhibition, 10am
Build your own basin (Construye tu Cuenca)
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Lecture, 12pm
Rain water collection and care in the community
By Lila Gay Alaniz
Elementary school, in
Agustin González community
Master conference, 7pm
Biosphere reserve in Sierra Gorda Guanajuato,
By Gabriel Vázquez Sánchez
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Opening ceremony concert, 8pm
Cello, Clarinet & Piano
Gilberto Munguía, Luis H. Ramos &
Thomas Hrynkiw,
Teatro Ángela Peralta,
Tuesday, June 2
Scale model exhibition, 10am
Build your own basin (Construye tu Cuenca)
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Lecture, 12pm
Reforestation and re-vegetation of the mountain,
By Tamara Osorno,
Video-Bachillerato (high school)
Puerto de Nieto community
Round table, 4pm
City-country
By Seminar group of territorial studies and
Patricia Roitman,
Community Sports Center CEDECOM,
Calle José de Landeta s/n, Fracc. Izquinapan
Master conference, 7pm
Ecosystems and human development in the state of Puebla
By Patricia Dávila Aranda,
UBIPRO-IZTACALA-UNAM
Teatro Ángela Peralta
Exhibition, 7pm
Collective paint & sculpture
ARCOSMA group, local artists
Museo del Ayuntamiento
Plaza Principal 8
Master conference, 8pm
Integral process in the Ayuquila river basin
By Manuel Martínez Rivera
University of Guadalajara,
Manantlan Ecology Institute and
Biodiversity Preservation
Teatro Ángela Peralta,
Wednesday June 3
Scale model exhibition, 10am
Build your own basin (Construye tu Cuenca)
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Talk, 12pm
Taking care fo the river
By Gerardo López Mora
Telesecundaria
Cruz del Palmar community
Presentation, 1pm
Interdisciplinary Action Group, A. C.
Ecology & Sustainable construction,
By Enrique Caldera and
Citlalli Caldera
Salida a Celaya 24
Presentation, 2pm
Energy use & saving
By Miguel Gil, Walthoo SMA,
Salida a Celaya 24
Presentation, 4pm
Recycling of solid waste
By Keña Zavala
Salida a Celaya 24
Presentation, 5pm
Floor application
By Eduardo Obregón
Salida a Celaya 24
Theater, 6pm
Skin change
Cornisa 20
Jardín Principal
Master conference, 7pm
Public policies and environmental services
By Ma. Zorrilla Ramos, COIZE and UNAM
Teatro Ángela Peralta
Master conference, 8pm
Strategies to eradicate poverty in the urban perimeters of San Miguel
Irapuato and Yuriria
By Imelda González Gómez, UAQ and UNAM.
Teatro Ángela Peralta
Thrusday, June 4
Scale model exhibition, 10am
Build your own basin (Construye tu Cuenca)
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Lecture, 12pm
How do we take care of the earth´s surface?
By Gabriela Lucas Deecke,
Video-high school,
Guanajuatito community
Presentation, 1pm
Rain water collection in rural & urban communities
By Ilan Alder,
Salida a Celaya 24
Presentation, 2pm
Recycling vegetable oil in order to produce bio-diesel fuel,
By Carlo Muñoz López, University of Guadalajara,
Salida a Celaya 24
Presentation, 3pm
Water purification treatment and reuse,
By Manzaneque
Salida a Celaya 24
Presentation, 4pm
Sustainable construction,
By Mario Orozco and
Heriberto Guevara
Salida a Celaya 24
Presentation, 4pm
Reduction, reuse and recycle
By Rossana Quiroz
Salida a Celaya 24
Music & theater spectacle, 6:30pm
Children of San Miguel taking care of the environment,
Los Tiliches del Baúl group
and Mónica Hotch
Jardín Principal
Master conference, 7pm
Micro-basins and multi-sectorial participation,
Impact in the management and administration of integrated basins
By Juan Antonio Casillas, FIRCO
Teatro Ángela Peralta
Master conference, 8pm
Biodiversity, climate change and basins
By Luis Hernández Sandoval, UAQ
Teatro Ángela Peralta,
Friday, June 5
Exhibition, 9am
Youth Bussines environment fair
Local high-schools, universities and ONG´s
Jardín Principal
Scale model exhibition, 10am
Build your own basin (Construye tu Cuenca)
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Information center, 10am
Students of the Masters in basins of the
University of Querétaro,
Museo del Ayuntamiento,
Plaza Principal 8
Opening & exhibition, 1pm
Environmental products
Salida a Celaya 24
Round table, 4pm
Integrated basins administration
Diana Bustos Contreras, INIFAP
CEDECOM, Community Sports Center,
Calle José de Landeta s/n, Fracc. Izquinapan
Collective exhibition, 4pm
Temperature at the top,
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Prize giving, 7pm
Environmental merit awards,
outstanding people in the region
who exemplify practices in conserving the environment,
City Consul ordinary session,
Former presidencia building
Plaza Principal 8, Centro
Master conference, 7pm
What should we do in order to make it?
By Elena Cotler, INE- SEMARNAT
Teatro Ángela Peralta,
Dance, 8pm
Xipehualiztli, The earth is getting ready to rejuvenate
Huehuetl & Teponaztli
Jardín Prinicipal
Master conference, 8pm
Proposal: Payment for environmental services system,
By Josh Ellsworth- Ecosystem Science,
Agustín Madrigal- Bulnes- Salvemos al Río Laja
Teatro Ángela Peralta
March, 8:30pm
World Environment Day,
Departs from Parque Benito Juárez-Jardín
Film, 9pm
Gregory Colbert´s
Ashes & Snow,
Jardín Principal,
Saturday, June 6
Scale model exhibition, 10am
Build your own basin (Construye tu Cuenca)
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Exhibition, 10am-6pm
Salida a Celaya 24
Information center, 10am
Students of the Masters in Basins of the
University of Querétaro,
Museo del Ayuntamiento,
Plaza Principal 8
Lecture, 12pm
What do we need in order to take care of the flora & fauna?
By Bertha Zúñiga Tovar,
Cerritos community´s elementary school
Master conference, 7pm
Reduction of disaster risk and
the adaptation to the climate change,
By Elizabeth Mancilla Menéndez, UNAM´s
Geophysics Institute,
Former presidencia building
Plaza Principal 8, Centro
Concert, 7pm
The Four Seasons (Vivaldi),
State of Querétaro,
Youth symphony orchestra,
Jardín Principal,
Master conference, 8pm
By Ken Oyama, UNAM-Morelia
Ecosystems Research Center,
Former presidencia building
Plaza Principal 8, Centro
Sunday June 7
Scale model exhibition, 10am
Build your own basin (Construye tu Cuenca)
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante
Hernández Macías 75, Centro
Information center, 10am
Students of the Masters in Basins of the
University of Querétaro,
Museo del Ayuntamiento,
Plaza Principal 8
Lecture, 12pm
We can take advantage of trash!
By Erandi Natalia García Vázquez
CECYTEG San Miguel de Allende
Master conference, 7pm
The balance between development &preservation in San Miguel,
By Raúl Francisco Pineda López,
UAQ- Cuenca Alta del Río Laja team,
Former presidencia building
Plaza Principal 8, Centro
Closing ceremony Concert, 7pm
Aguascalientes Symphony
orchestra band,
Jardín Principal,
All the events are free and subject to changes. Simultaneous translation will be provided for the master conferences. For more information call, 152- 9600 (exts. 116, 168) or 120 -4339, 120 -4332
_____________________________________________
Celebrating World Environment Day in Mexico
Press release from www.semarnat.gob.mx
 |
|
Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources SEMARNAT announced that Xcaret, Quintana Roo will be the site for the celebration of World Environment Day on June 5. |
More than 180 countries around the world will be able to see the celebration via satellite. He explained the event has been adapted to conform to measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A call to all the inhabitants of the world to be aware of the effects of climate change will be Mexico’s aim in commemorating World Environment Day, the SEMARNAT secretary pointed out.
Elvira Quesada said that with the realization of this event, Mexico affirms its leadership in the protection of the environment, and gives a clear signal that the country succeeded in overcoming the health emergency and has returned to business as usual.
He explained that following WHO safety recommendations, modifications have been made to the initial proposal of the organization that had contemplated visiting four ecosystems; now, the event will be carried out in only one: “Mexico will be kept as the seat and the United Nations gives us its confidence.” He indicated that all events will be set in open spaces, with an established distance between seats.
As well, he emphasized that Cozumel and Xcaret will be the sites on June 4–5 where experts in environmental subjects, business leaders, academics, governors and important UN people will meet to reach agreements that can be presented at the UN climate convention meeting in Copenhagen in December.
Elvira Quesada commented that although about 400 people will attend, the event will have a great diffusion on an international level, by way of satellite technology and an internet portal where one can follow the activities. “The signal will be available to more than 180 countries and the event will be supported on the United Nations Environment Programme portal.” UNEP is the voice of the environment in the UN system.
In Cozumel on June 4, he said, panels of business and academic experts will discuss how to move toward a green economy. “Climate change will affect finances and the economy in Mexico; that’s why we must make decisions to protect ourselves from the phenomenon.”
Elvira Quesada also said that debates will address the following themes: the pertinence of incorporating environmental criteria in economic recuperation packages and revision of experiences in promotion initiatives for sustainable economic development, with special interest in actions against climate change.
As well, he added, a panel for communicators will analyze the role of the media in creating consciousness about the effects of global warming in society.
Elvira Quesada indicated President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa will head the official commemoration of World Environment Day in Xcaret on June 5. He will award the winners of the Fans del Planeta, Campeones Ambientales, Hagamos un Milagro por el Aire and Children’s Drawing contests.
As well, cultural and academic events will be directed primarily at the public. Among those that stand out are the premiere of the movie Home and a concert by the World Heritage Symphonic Orchestra.
Among the guests at the celebration will be Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California; Félix González Canto, governor of Quintana Roo; Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the PNUMA; Carter Roberts, President and Executive Director of the World Wildlife Foundation; Carlos Slim Helú, empresario; and Armando Paredes, President of the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (Coordinating Business Counsel).
About World Environment Day
From the United Nations Environment Programme website
The UN General Assembly established World Environment Day (WED) in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The General Assembly adopted another resolution the same day which led to the creation of the UN Environment Program.
Commemorated each year on June 5 in a different city, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
The day’s agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnerships which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. WED also is a popular event, with colorful activities such as street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns.
On this day, heads of state, prime ministers and ministers of environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the Earth. Pledges are made which lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management. WED also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.
Green your daily routine
This year’s theme for World Environment Day (WED) is Your Planet Needs You! UNite to Combat Climate Change. But too often we are presented with environmental problems without being given the tools to act. WED is about taking action to be a part of the solution.
The United Nations Environment Program website features a page called “Daily Do Something Tips.” Here are 10 tips you can start to incorporate into your daily routine, if you haven’t already. Going green is not as difficult as you might think.
Visit http://www.unep.org/ for more tips on going green.
1. Find needy homes or charitable organizations for things that you no longer need or want rather than throwing it away.
2. It would seem to go without saying, but many of us forget that we can save water in simple ways like not letting the tap run while shaving, washing your face or brushing your teeth.
3. Use towels for drying your face and hands instead of tissues that are used and thrown away. Also, hang your towels to dry so that they can be reused several times. You are, after all, clean when you use them!
4. When taking food to go, opt for reusable containers for food storage instead of wrapping the food with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
5. As you leave the house, don’t forget to switch off all the lights and appliances at the wall unit (if you have this feature) and unplug chargers as they continue to consume even if they are not charging; saving energy helps reduce air pollution.
6. Don’t go anywhere without your cloth bag, so you can just say no to plastic whenever you shop.
7. Using a washable mug for hot and cold drinks is an environmentally friendly alternative to non-biodegradable styrofoam or plastic cups.
8. When you need a pad for lists and messages, turn over old papers and pads and write on the back instead.
9. When cooking, match the size of the pan to the size of the heating element to lower energy wastage.
10. Plant a tree! Help achieve UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign target of planting seven billion trees—one for every person on the planet—by the end of this year! Three billion are planted. Five billion are pledged. On every continent in the world, trees can be planted in June; so start your efforts on World Environment Day, June 5.
If you have green tips that you would like to share with the community, send them to:
edit@atencionsanmiguel.org.
|