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LANDMINES:  AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

Roots of Peace Defines Landmine Issue at UN World Environment Day

May 31, 2005--SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA—Roots of Peace, a California based humanitarian non-profit organization, is coordinating a series of events to raise global awareness to expand the definition of “landmines as an environmental issue.” There are currently an estimated 70 million landmines silently poised in 70 countries, and these toxic seeds pose an environmental challenge to the soil for future generations. Typically limited to a military or health issue, this is also an environmental challenge.

The United Nations World Environment Day 2005 (WED 2005) convenes in San Francisco this week, and mayors from around the globe will strive to adopt sound environmental practices around the theme of “Green Cities”.  There are many roadblocks for many mayors around the world to becoming a “green city.” Cities from landmine-riddled countries such as Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, cannot be green with deadly landmines in the ground. Landmines render critical city infrastructure useless and prevent the return of refugees needed to fuel economic recovery in the aftermath of war. The removal of hazardous landmines for these cities is the first step towards becoming “green.”

The Media/Press are invited to attend a variety of events—See www.rootsofpeace.org :

June 2, 2005, 8:00 p.m.

Traditional Kurdish folk songs, performed by members of the Iraqi National Orchestra, St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco, No Charge, Open to the Public

June 3, 2005, 10:00 a.m.

“Baghdad by the Bay” Private Cruise with Iraqi Musicians and VIP’s

for WED “Transportation Day,” Five Star Yacht captained by John Scopazzi,

Yacht departs from Sausalito, Schoonmaker Point Marina, finger C

June 3, 2005, 6:00 p.m.

The Honorable Al Gore, Keynote Speaker for a dinner sponsored by

World Resources Institute, Earth Council Alliance, and Roots of Peace,

The Carnelian Room, Bank of America, San Francisco

June 3, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.

The Empress of China dinner featuring The Honorable Ambassador Sichan Siv, U.S. Representative to the U.N Economic and Social Council, sponsored by American Legion Cathay Post #384 and Root of Peace

June 4, 2005 at 10 a.m.

“High Notes Off the Same Page of Music,” private performance in Marin County featuring Traditional Kurdish Musicians from the Iraqi National Orchestra, 48 Fernwood Way, San Rafael

Roots of Peace (www.rootsofpeace.org) is a San Rafael, CA based nonprofit organization whose mission is to rid the world of landmines and other remnants of war by transforming toxic minefields into thriving farmland and communities.

 
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