The Vancouver Island Coast Conservation Society has posted a proclamation on its web site calling on ‘all Nations and Peoples around the world’ to consider declaring December 11th ‘A Day For Our Common Future.’
A letter, inviting world leaders to join in the initiative has been sent to the United Nations, prior to the 2015 COP 21 Paris Conference on Climate Change, which will go ahead Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 despite the tragic events that took place during a Nov. 13 terrorist attack on the city.
At its Nov. 2 council meeting the Town of Ladysmith added its name to the list of British Columbian municipalities that have proclaimed A Day for Our Common Future. VICCS, headquartered in Cedar, can claim to be making good headway in its home region.
“In 2014 the Province of British Columbia and 15 BC cities signed the proclamation,” wrote VICCS president Laurie Gourlay in October.
She said that indicates support from elected officials and governments, representing approximately 4.7 million BC residents, and 13 per cent of Canada’s population.
Dec. 11 is a milestone because it was the day the United Nations formally received the report for global sustainable development from the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 – called the Brundtland Report.
After nearly three decades, it’s time to remember that milestone, and use it as a reference point to see how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.
“We believe the support of BC’s MLAs and government would go a long way to encouraging British Columbians and Canadians, as well as leaders from around the world, to take a good look at the practical goals and benefits of sustainable development,” Gourlay said.
You can find out more at VICCS website at viccs.vcn.bc.ca