News from the CEPA e-mail list

Wetlands and multiculturalism - request for information (29/10/07)

Good morning CEPA list members:

I have received an interesting request from Merebeth Switzer, National Education Coordinator for Ducks Unlimited, Canada. If you think you can help, please contact Merebeth directly at m_switzer@ducks.ca. If Merebeth receives a few interesting replies she will let me know and I can get the information back to the list. She needs this information rather urgently for a publication deadline (preferably by 9th November, but it would still be useful after that). Please do pass this on to other colleagues you think might be able to help.

Merebeth writes “I am currently working on several pieces for children and their families relating to wetlands dealing with multiculturalism and for teaching English as a Second Language. Hopefully these will be launched on World Wetlands Day. Your site is a great resources but I am looking for something specific and wondered if you could help. I know you refer to some of these in your Cultural Heritage section but I wondered if you have an easily accessible list. I am looking for quotes from different cultures that express valuing of wetlands or closely related aspects – e.g. species that live there, water, rivers. I would expect these would be from great writers, cultural icons, scientists, religious documents, popular or traditional songs, etc. I am looking for all languages but most specifically for French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Punjabi and Korean.

Any help you could provide or suggestions on where to look would be most appreciated. (We have been doing a great deal of internet research and speaking to groups locally but our success has been minimal.)

Merebeth Switzer, National Education Coordinator, Ducks Unlimited Canada, 7171 Torbram Road, Unit 4, Suite 2, Mississauga, ON L4T 3W4, Ph: (905) 673 4794, Cell: (416) 573-5762, www.ducks.ca, m_switzer@ducks.ca”

With best wishes, Sandra Hails, Ramsar Secretariat

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