Qingdao, China, October 2010

 

China's role

 

The 2008 Olympic Games have long been over, the sailboat races are only a distant memory, but crowds of tourists continue to flock to the seashore at Qingdao, a large city situated in the Northeast of China on the Yellow Sea. 

 

Flying over these few hundred meters of beach, I can't help but think of the over exploitation of our oceans with the thousands of shells and marine turtles sold as decorations, and even tiny living fish sold in plastic key chains.  I also reflect on the difficulties of the fishermen, who are now no more than circus animals trying to flaunt their meager catch under the cameras of passing tourists. 

 

My feathers freeze at the thought of so much proof confirming the uncertain future of our oceans!  It is not a toy, we do not own it and it does not contain infinite resources.  I would like to loudly chirp my dissatisfaction but before throwing accusations, it is necessary to explain and above all it is necessary to do better ourselves. 

 

So I whispered the story of the oceans to a few attentive youth; one day I will show them Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud's film, “Oceans” with it's breathtaking images which arouse so many positive emotions, simply by showing the beauty of the marine world, its power and its fragility. 

 

In China, like elsewhere, the youth are ready to take up the fight.  The just need to be made aware of the problems, the solutions as well.  They will find them too, I am sure.  Daniel, one of the region's youth, wants to hep me.  He is studying in Shanghai and with his friends he hopes to make a difference.  He loves nature and his country.  He is responsible. 

 

Him, his friends, others, behind a little ball of orange feathers, I chase my black ideas like the accidental pollution a bit further North in Dalian, and take to the sky again, confident in my dream to create eco-centers in China where the youth can go to learn about the fragile balance between nature and Man. 

 

China has an exceptional role to play in the future of our planet, and this new generation has the possibility to put their country in a model position.