A competition for the most inspiring communication of a peat related issue, is being held in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of peatlands to our environment and wellbeing.
The competition is being held in the run up to the IUCN UK Conference ‘Investing in Peatlands – the Climate Challenge’ this September, where shortlisted entries will be displayed. Winners will be announced at the conference by Guardian Environment Correspondent, John Vidal.
Clifton Bain, Director of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme said:
“We have some fantastic prizes on offer, including the opportunity to spend a day with the 2020 Vision Photo Team documenting a peatland issue, and the top three entries will take home a case of our specially brewed conference beer, ‘Old Sphagnum’.
“Peatbogs are fascinating ecosystems, home to colourful carpets of mosses, and carnivorous insect eating plants. They hold a wealth of historical information and even thousands of years old preserved human bodies. They have so much to offer in the way of inspiration.
“We would like to encourage anyone to take part in ComPEAT, whether as an individual or as part of an organisation, even if they don’t plan to attend our conference. We would particularly encourage entries from restoration projects, researchers, landmangers, NGOs, schools and community groups. All shortlisted entries will be displayed at the conference and on our website so it’s a great opportunity to get some publicity for your project, whether past, present or planned. ”
The aim of this competition is to showcase successful, ambitious and creative campaigns, projects and initiatives that communicate the importance of peatlands. Entries should captivate their audience and lead to awareness raising and, ultimately, action and engagement.
The closing date for entries is September 1, 2010. More information about the competition is available on the IUCN UK Peatland Programme website at www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/compeat.
The conference, ‘Investing in Peatlands – the Climate Challenge’, will form a platform for exchange and discussion between scientists, landowners and managers and policy advisers. There will be a strong focus on climate change, and the early findings of the IUCN UK Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Mary Church
Communications Co-ordinator
IUCN UK Peatland Programme
Phone: 0131 243 2716
Email: mary.church@iucn.org.uk
Notes
1. The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) UK Peatland Programme exists to promote peatland restoration in the UK and advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice. The work of the Peatland Programme is overseen by a coalition of environmental bodies including the Scottish Wildlife Trust, John Muir Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, North Pennines AONB, Moors for the Future and the University of East London. The Programme is funded by the Peter De Haan Charitable Trust.
2. ‘Investing in Peatlands – the Climate Challenge’ conference is to be held at Durham University on 28-29 September. Keynote talks by Professor Hans Joosten, International Mire Conservation Group, Dr Sam Fankhauser, UK Climate Change Committee, and Professor Pete Smith, University of Aberdeen, will focus on the international importance of peatlands for climate change mitigation and adaptation and UK climate targets and the role of UK peatlands. For more information visit www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme/conference2010
3. 2020 Vision brings visual media specialists together with the scientitific and conservation community, to create communication resources. Using the power of visual imagery 2020Vision aims to inspire and inform. Visit www.2020v.org for more information.
4. The conference is supported by Environment Agency, Natural England, Northumbrian Water Limited, the North Pennines AONB Partnership and Scottish Natural Heritage.