One good tern deserves another, as they say. At this year’s “Summer Dream” evening – an event bringing together individuals committed to championing environmental causes – BirdLife CEO Patricia Zurita proudly presented an Arctic Tern statue to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, in recognition of his support to BirdLife’s cause.
The species on BirdLife’s logo, the Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea, wasn’t selected at random; this globetrotting seabird embarks on possibly the most amazing migration of all birds, flying from pole to pole twice a year in its quest for survival.
It’s a journey we feel best typifies the global reach and impact of the conservation work of BirdLife International and its Partners, and that’s why it is the Arctic Tern, of all birds, that flies majestically over our logo.
And so, when we had the opportunity to properly thank His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose support to BirdLife over the years has contributed greatly to our global conservation efforts, we could think of no way more fitting, than by presenting the monarch with a BirdLife Tern of his own.
With Bernard Fautrier (right)– the Vice President and CEO of the Prince Albert II Foundation. © Alex Bastello, Palais Princier
BirdLife CEO Patricia Zurita, who presented the tern to the Prince of Monaco during a speech at the ‘Summer Dream’ concert and gala dinner event in the country on July 18th, said: “This tern is just a small token of gratitude for all the invaluable support HSH Prince Albert II has given BirdLife International, whether it’s as a Species Champion of the Northern Bald Ibis, or through his Foundation support, which is a key Partner in supporting our conservation work worldwide”.
“Like the Arctic Tern, the positive effects of the Foundation’s work has helped us reach all across the globe”
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is an environmental charity that was set by Prince Albert II in 2006, a year after he became the reigning monarch of the south European principality. The ‘Summer Dream’ gala is a yearly event which began in 2011, and serves to bring together talented individuals sensitive to the environmental causes defended by the Foundation.
Co-hosted by BirdLife, the event at Monte Carlo Beach had a heavy focus on sustainability, with a menu prepared by Michelin-starred chef Paolo Sari, designed to minimise the impact of the food eaten on the environment and threatened species.
The night was also an opportunity to discuss BirdLife’s ongoing ‘Protect A Penguin’ campaign, with the 140 attendees having an opportunity to try for themselves the new Virtual Reality ‘Walk with Penguins’ video as part of the evening. The video, which can be viewed below (click for full screen), not only offers the users a rare glimpse into the secret lives of penguins, but also helps to tell the story of why penguins need our protection.
Source: http://www.birdlife.org/
