Half Earth Day 2023
One of the important organizations I support is the E.O. Wilson Foundation and its core program, the Half Earth Project, whose mission is to reimagine the way we care for our planet. We are reminded that given the current extinction rate, half of all species could be lost before the end of the century. Guided by the vision of world-renowned scientist E.O. Wilson, and propelled by the ingenuity and optimism of its partners and communities around the globe, the Foundation is powering conservation action that ensures we leave no species behind.
Last month, I was thrilled to be able to attend the Half Earth Day 2023 meeting in Montreal whose focus was on how we can link information to action in order to use the best available science to support communities in their understanding and stewardship of biodiversity and empower them to ensure truly successful conservation outcomes. I was also happy to be able to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of another icon of an endangered species to the Foundation.
With Walter Jetz, Yale Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Half Earth Scientific Chair and Amy Tidovsky, Vice President Of Development at E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and the Half-Earth Project.
Held October 12 in Montreal, Canada, the event featured distinguished scientists, conservationists, thinkers, educators, businesses and community activists and leaders working to conserve global biodiversity. I had the great pleasure of reconnecting with evolutionary biologist Walter Jetz, who was part of the panel discussion at the opening of my one woman exhibition Sacred Biodiversity at Yale University last spring. The partnership between science and the arts is only starting to kick in as one of the most compelling ways to convey vital information and animate the human heart to understand and care for our fragile, living world.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the ambitious Half Earth Project Map of Life, described by Dr. Jetz in this inspiring and informative three minute video. For inspiration and encouragement, I encourage you to watch it!
Still and excerpt from the video: “Species are the element that are behind a healthy planet. If we want to protect species from extinction, we need to carefully manage remaining untouched lands. The Half-Earth Project is an initiative to identify and help protect the places where biodiversity is most at threat from extinction.”