Singaporeans flocking to the Shanghai expo will be able to visit the WWF pavillion as WWF is the only international non-governmental conservation organization with its own venue at the global event.
Inspired by the traditional Chinese philosophy of the balance between Yin and Yang, the pavilion will promote harmony between humans and nature under the slogan “The future of the planet is up to me.”
The pavilion is divided into two main areas that reflect WWF’s work around the world: conserving biodiversity and reducing human impact on nature. The HSBC Climate Partnership, a five-year global programme that aims to inspire action on climate change, supported pavilion construction costs.
“Expo 2010 will be an excellent opportunity for WWF to showcase the innovative work we’ve been doing in China for the last 30 years,” said WWF-China Country Representative Dermot O’Gorman.
“It offers WWF and partners an exceptional opportunity to illustrate the dynamic nature of conservation efforts taking place across the country, from our Low Carbon City Initiative in Shanghai and Baoding, to protecting the Yangtze River’s rich resources.”
The pavilion is divided into four sections: the wonders of nature, challenges to the planet, WWF solutions, and how everyone can help make a difference. WWF will also highlight different key themes during the Expo’s six-month duration.
Additional features include a large aquarium at the center of the pavilion that will host Chinese Sturgeon and other species endemic to the Yangtze River. From May to October, new species of fish will join the family every two weeks, putting hundreds of freshwater fish on display. All of them will be returned to the Yangtze after the Expo.
Monthly campaigns start with ecological footprint. Ecological footprint, a measure of human demand on the planet’s ecosystems, will be the first topic integrated into the WWF pavilion. Visitors are invited to calculate the impact they have on the planet with the aid of customized footprint calculator, available on site and online. Calculations are based on details including the types of food people consume and the means of transport they choose in their daily lives, the amount of energy and water they consume, and the amount of waste they produce. WWF is also suggesting ways to reduce impacts, such as taking a shower rather than a bath, or unplugging unnecessary electronic appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
It is estimated that China is already demanding two times what the country’s ecosystems can sustainably supply to support its current population and economic activity. This means that if the entire world lived like China, almost two planets would be needed to support human life.
Every Sunday in May WWF will also feature a sand painting show to highlight that the goods we use in our daily life have an impact on the planet – sometimes far away from home.
