Britain's best-known natural history film-maker Sir David Attenborough delivered the opening address at the landmark Conference for Nature, held at Westminster venue Church House Conference Centre yesterday (3rd September).
The conference was organised by the State of Nature Partnership, a coalition of 26 organisations including the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and Plantlife.
The invitation only event, aimed at finding game-changing solutions to the crisis facing nature, was attended by more than 250 people. Other high profile speakers included The Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Germaine Greer and other key people from business, politics, the utility sector and conservation.
Ahead of the event Sir David Attenborough commented: “From the food we eat to the popular bedtime stories we read to our children, nature touches everyone’s lives more deeply than we can possibly imagine. The escalating erosion of wildlife from our planet is a direct threat to many facets of our own quality of life. Because of the complex relationship society has with nature, it is obvious that our response to saving it must extend from every possible quarter too. From you and I in our own domains, from business magnates to politicians, and from farmers to faith leaders, everyone has an opportunity to save nature. With an increasing global footprint, mankind is intensifying the crisis for wildlife, but as individuals we can all be a part of the solution for saving it too.”
Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive, said: “Last year’s State of Nature Conference set out the context for the devastating declines in some of our best-loved species, such as the turtle dove, common toad, and Atlantic salmon. However, saving these and other threatened species requires inventive solutions and creative partnerships with many sectors, underpinned by a meaningful commitment from Government. This conference is the platform for all to come together and achieve just that.”
Church House Conference Centre is often in demand for high profile events due to its location in the heart of Westminster, with exquisite views of Westminster Abbey. The Grade II listed venue offers an elegant and tranquil setting for private and corporate events and is one of London’s most versatile conference and events venues.
