Europe Fights Pollution

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32210, 31 January 1970, Page 17

Europe Fights Pollution

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, Jar. 30. A deeply disturbed Europe has launched an unprecedented programme to defend itself against pollution and other disfiguring effects of modern society on the environment. More than 20 countries are taking part in the project, known as European Conservation Year and sponsored by the Council of Europe. Experts fear that urban sprawl is destroying the land and poisoning water and air. They have prepared documents to prove the point at the European conservation conference to be held in Strasbourg, France, in February. One document will deal with the growing menace of noise in the cities. Another warns against the eating-up of valuable farmland by airports. highways and constantly growing glass-and-steel cities with their expanding suburban communities. Royal Team A Royal father-and-son team has been enlisted in Britain to fight for the cause of conservation. The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles are leading committees and groups designed to protect the countryside from the encroachment of the built-up communities. The Duke told a dinner in London; “Control of our environment can only be effective if nati »ns can agree to their plans together and act in concert to put their plans into practice.” There was a gathering awareness among ordinary people that action was needed before man became unable to survive in his own environment, he said. One major aim of European Conservation Year is to make every European more

conscious about the adverse effects of the modern environment on his own health and welfare. Every person is being asked to help in the campaign. This can mean an individual action such as planting a tree or organisational work for the local and national communities. In densely populated Europe, the problem of environment is more critical than in other parts of the world. Everybody wants new homes, industries, roads and airports. At the same time, each country wants to use its farms and forest for the production of food and timber—and still leave space for parks. “Wise use and management of what we have, and careful planning for what we will need—that is the real meaning of conservation," says a spokesman for European Conservation Year. The idea for the year originated in Britain seven years ago when a national wild life exhibition illustrated the effect of growing pressures on the countryside. International Programme The European Conservation Committee in Strasbourg received reports that all countries in Europe were suffering from the same problem and suggested an international programme. In 1967 the Council of Europe decided to name 1970 as European Conservation Year. Countries from Iceland to Turkey are co-operating in the conservation programme. The Strasbourg conference will consider four major issues: urbanisation, industrialisation, agriculture, including forestry, and leisure. Results of the campaign will be studied at a London conference next October under the presidency of the Duke of Edinburgh. Scientists will report on prospects in each country. For instance, in Britain the

population is expected to reach 70 million by the end of the century and the number of cars on the road should triple from the present figure of 10 million. Mr Reginald Hookway, a member of Britain’s Countryside Commission, will deliver a paper at Strasbourg on the impact on the countryside of increasing leisure time.

Special Stamps Many of the participating countries will issue special stamps during the year to mark the campaign. Lectures, travelling exhibitions and a number of competitions will help promote the cause of conservation.

Austria will hold Forest Week from April 27 to May 2 In all schools to explain the importance of wild life and the impact of forestry on the economy. Belgium, like many other countries, will sponsor national tree-planting days and an anti-litter campaign. Denmark and neighbouring nations will launch a “keep the Nordic countries clean” programme. International Green Week began in . West Germany today to emphasise growing pressures on the countryside. A nature conservation conference will be held in Berlin on May 25. Ireland is also sponsoring a school conservation day

and a tree-planting pro< gramme. Portugal will open a new national park and every other country included in the conservation year hopes to improve the environment of its citizens. Outlook Gloomy But conservation leaders fear that time is short and the outlook gloomy. Mr E. Kesteloot, of Belgium, coordinator of European Conservation Year, says Europe is reacting too late to halt pollution and the extinction of some species of wild life. He told a London meeting that at least the new programme could spearhead a search for a more positive approach to conservation in Europe.