spring 1970 NATURE IN FOCUS

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BULLETIN OF THE EUROPEAN INFORMATION CENTRE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION

COUNCIL OF EUROPE european information centre for nature ed ito rial conservation

The beginning of European Con­ lead. If to plan means to husband NATURE IN FOCUS servation Year seems the right mo­ our natural resources by preserving ment to cast a backward glance as far as possible the surviving and, to a certain extent, take stock natural regions, and sparing the of the situation. maximum number of woods and forests, alpine grasslands, uncultivat­ The need to protect nature and its ed valleys, unspoilt coastlines, un­ riches, whether known or unsus­ polluted rivers, lakes and ponds and pected, was originally a fairly dis­ their shores, then such planning SPRING 1970 interested idea, an ethical concept w ill be a sane, long-term, forward- which could be understood and looking policy. But it must be adopted only by an elite. The idea realised that great sacrifices are gained ground, slowly at first, as involved, in particular the com­ Editorial E. p . Dottrens 1 it became abundantly clear how pulsory suspension of speculative true it was, in face of the increasing encroachments on the natural en­ and thoughtless encroachment of The need for green space 2 vironment. J. P. Ribaut modern civilisation. This essentially liberal and altruistic view, in violent If on the contrary the stress is contrast with the materialism of our laid exclusively— as tends to happen Green belts in the time, led to a dilemma: the conflict increasingly in order to convince United Kingdom A. C. Hetherington 14 between the intransigence of the the indifferent and resist the self- idealists, confirmed by repeated dis­ seekers— on the need for man to European committee for the illusionment, and the self-interest of organise the environment to his the pragmatists, champions of tech­ own advantage, then this will be conservation of nature 16 nical progress. When the Com­ a short-sighted policy whose effects mittee of Ministers took the extremely will soon be swept aside by the Short notes 17 praiseworthy decision to include (in ever swelling wave of population. the Council of Europe Work Pro­ Given the basic egoism of human gramme) the problems of preserving nature, it is to be feared that the European conservation year 19 nature and natural resources, the appeal to common sense which is situation evolved rapidly. The danger being prepared for European Con­ " N atu re in Focus" is published by th e of the catastrophies caused by human servation Year may in this particular European Information Centre for the activity became obvious: specialists case be turned aside from its goal: Conservation of Nature of the Council of in economics, industry, technology to slow down, and then to stop Europe, Strasbourg, France. and town planning began to take the human expansion, which, as it accel­ Editeur responsable: Mr. J.-P. RIBAUT natural environment into their cal­ erates, destroys our reserves of vital Printed by : Imprimerie H. Studer, S.A., culations. The idea of nature con­ energy, which must remain the very Geneva, Switzerland. servation became more widespread, foundation of all civilisation. Articles may be reprinted providing a but, while becoming more effective, reference is made to the source and a it may have lost in purity what it copy sent to the Editor. has gained in persuasive force. That E. P. DOTTRENS Honorary Director of the Museum " Nature in Focus" may be obtained is the present state of affairs. It is of Natural History, Geneva. by application to the appropriate National therefore important to have a clear Former Chairman of the Agency. idea of the situation and its dangers. European Committee for the Conservation of Nature and We often speak of planning the Natural Resources environment. This is all very well, Cover design and Lay-out Cover: Plan of Lee Valley Regional Park, London/City Street: Barnaby's but we must still define what that Jean PERCET, Strasbourg implies and realise where it will Every tree counts. The value o f open space in crowded cities may be measured, not in surface area but in the volume of greenery relative to the volume of bricks and concrete, or the total plant biomass relative to the total human biomass. Even small parks can give an air of space and relaxation to a busy city. A tree-lined avenue softens the hard THE NEED FOR GREEN SPACE angles of a city street and during the day the green leaves absorb carbon dioxide, refreshing the air with oxygen

Population growth is no longer risen from 2% to 13% over the leading to often irreparable mis­ centrated in the town than in the make any quantitative study of the a dominant factor in the temperate past 150 years. This is certainly a takes: whole areas being built piece­ country. This again is food for effects of noise, it should be noted countries, the majority of which significant factor. To take an even meal and parks and woodland being thought! that complaints about noise are destroyed. have more or less succeeded in more concrete example, in France We could go on citing spectacular growing from day to day. controlling demographic expansion. the urban population was barely a Does man lead a better life in figures almost indefinitely. An in­ All these assaults of modern life Thus in Austria it has taken 140 years quarter of the total in 1846 but these great conurbations? Is he teresting study in Paris has cal­ have direct repercussions on our to double the population, in Bel­ had risen to 60% by 1969. There happier in them? Is he healthier? culated that 47% of the air pollution physical and mental health. The gium 117 years, and in Great Britain is thus at present an irreversible Does he find greater satisfaction ? there is caused by exhaust from number of heart attacks is steadily and Italy 100 years. This factor exodus from the country to the We shall refrain from answering motor vehicles, 33% by domestic increasing, as is the incidence of obviously plays quite a different town, the causes of which are w ell- each of these questions individually. heating, and 20% by industry. psychological disorders, which may part in the developing countries, known and do not need to be But it is significant that all are be as high as 25% in big industrial These factors have immediate con­ since in many Latin-American and studied here. It is enough to remark agreed that a number of problems and urban areas. sequences: an increase in lung Asian countries the population that the main factors are economic such as air pollution, noise and lack cancer, chronic bronchitis, and other All these factors are scarcely con­ doubles in 20 or 30 years. and social. of space, now need urgently solving. respiratory diseases. Unfortunately ducive to optimism. And yet man In Europe, the intensity of urba­ As we have shown, urban expan­ Urbanisation is thus far from being it has been found that there are has the means to fight these things nisation is essentially due to the sion has taken place at an astound­ an unmixed blessing. The city- also more long-term effects. Thus, which are slowly ruining his environ­ growing desertion of the country­ ing, indeed an excessive, speed. dweller is paying more and more as a result of all forms of combustion, ment, this increasingly unbearable side. The population living in towns A great deal of building has been dearly for what he gains in comfort the proportion of carbon dioxide noise, this feeling of suffocation, Urbanisation, of over 100 000 inhabitants has carried out with no overall plan, and convenience. We shall now in the air is increasing by 0.2% both physical and mental. Among look briefly at the problems men­ every year. The process is a slow the many remedies which should be a world-wide envisaged — simultaneously — are Man in harmony with nature. Bellapais tey nearA Kyrenia where the tow n has tioned above. one but, because it affects the stricter regulations on industrial phenomenon evolved over the centuries as an integralirt of the landscape absorption of radiation from the sun, Air pollution. All town-dwellers is in danger of causing the world's fumes, more efficient filters for motor It is well-known that the urban are only too familiar w ith this prob­ atmosphere to become substantially vehicles (filters have been found population is increasing, often at lem. Unfortunately they end up by hotter, which would lead to con­ that reduce the carbon monoxide a terrifying rate. In Paris, the popu­ becoming almost accustomed to it, siderable climatic changes. content from 2.1% to 0.3%), and lation has risen from 1.5 to 7.5 mil­ regarding the polluted air they more effective silencers for motor­ Dust is another very important lion in the last 80 years, and, to breathe in the city as normal and cycles and scooters. There is also factor in pollution. A big power take an example in quite a different the fresh, pure air of a pine forest a remedy which we shall now station can discharge 50 metric area, Nicosia, which had 45 000 as abnormal. Are we aware of the examine in greater detail— the exten­ tons of dust into the atmosphere inhabitants at the end of the 1930s, many factors, which admittedly may sion of open spaces. every day. This dust eventually set­ had as many as 110 000 in 1969! not appear sensational, that day tles on the ground, or enters people's The process is world wide, affecting after day erode our health? The purpose of open spaces lungs. In some towns, dozens of the urban areas of Europe and of In Europe, trees have always been Just in case we are not, here are tons of dust settle on a single the developing countries. The fact to a greater or lesser extent associat­ two examples. The number of mi­ square kilometre every year. The can be illustrated by another ex­ ed with houses; and when there crobes per cubic metre is 12 on the particles also mix or combine with ample: in 1800 there was only one were no trees, there were hedges, Ballon d'Alsace, a mountain in the other substances suspended in the city in the world with a million lawns and flower-beds. Some big Vosges, 88 000 in the Champs- air sometimes forming smog, which inhabitants, London; in 1956 there towns have parks of very ancient Elysées in Paris and 4 000 000 in has often been so deadly in London. were 82 such cities. origin, which have been preserved a Paris department store ! The con­ It is hardly surprising that all this for ornamental reasons. Such parks This phenomenon, occurring clusion, I think, is self-evident. pollution is harmful to health. everywhere on a substantial scale, were also intended to provide quiet has two main causes: the general Motor-vehicles discharge millions Noise. This growing scourge has and restful surroundings for people increase in the population; and the of cubic metres of carbon monoxide, a direct effect on our behaviour: tired by the noise and many other migration from the contryside to as well as a substantial amount of it increases irritability and changes irritants of tow n life. This is w hy the towns, which is helped by the cancer-producing carbides. These our psychological reactions gen­ these large open spaces were often are often 100 times more con­ erally. Although it is still difficult to increasing mobility of the individual. Cyprusmuseum partly enclosed and covered with notices to prevent people climbing have a very important effect on the the sight of two martens Martes trees, walking on the grass, playing composition of city air. foina chasing each other along the ball, riding bicycles, or otherwise A tree, like any other living thing, tram lines at tw o in the morning in disturbing the peace. constantly gives off water: it does the middle of Lausanne. As a result of the changes in urban so by transpiration. This, too, is a There is thus a fair amount of society, after the war public gardens very important factor. A birch Betula animal life in our towns, even in gradually came to serve another gives off an average of 300 litres of the very small parks which may be purpose: recreation, instead of re­ water as vapour each day, and a completely surrounded by buildings. laxation, for children as well as beech sometimes 500 litres. This It is obvious that the greater the adults. They are now mainly open process of evaporation, and an up­ open space, and the richer in dif­ to the public, and the authorities lay ward air current, takes with it the ferent species of plant, the greater them out in such a way as to dust and other particles suspended will be the variety of animals found encourage as many people as pos­ in the air, which are then blown there. Some big parks on the edges sible to make use of them. The away by the wind. of large towns even contain large purpose of the park today is an Trees also help to absorb noise mammals— red deer Cervus elaphus, increasingly social one. An interest­ and cut down wind force by the roe-deer Capreolus capreolus and ing survey on this subject has density of their foliage, at least fallow deer Dama dama— in either recently been carried out in Amster­ when they are fairly large. One partial or total liberty. dam. People living near a number more detail is the restful effect of the of different parks were asked how colour green on the nervous system Planning and amenities often they went to them. The replies by means of a process of regenera­ showed that, whatever the area, tion in the retina. Before we discuss the planning the results were the same: 60-70% Finally, open spaces play a part in of open spaces, we should attempt went to the park occasionally and the conservation, and even the in­ to classify them. I should like to 30-35% at least once a week. This crease, of fauna. It is true that say right away that it is wrong to means that open spaces are now many surveys of nesting birds have try to assess total open space in a IOO playing a decisive part in the town- shown that the number of species built-up area solely in terms of the dweller's everyday life. living in towns is smaller than in the surface area of parks. To form a In the heart of London, the lake in St. James Park is a famous bird sanctuary, popular with both the birds and the people who woods. The same studies indicate, really true picture we should include The role of open spaces is very come to feed them. There is often a greater concentration of common (pigeons species Columba, mallard Anas platyrhynchos, all trees bordering avenues and important in a number of ways, however, that the density of these and black-headed gulls Larus ridibundus)in the city parks than in the countryside but here there are also a few Canada geese but is sometimes difficult to assess birds is much higher in tow ns than boulevards and all cemeteries and Branta canadensis, pochard Aythya ferina, tufted duck A. fuligulaand one black swan Cygnus introduced from Australia accurately in quantitative terms. in the country, even leaving aside private gardens (both lawns and Plants, by means of the chloro­ the house sparrow Passer domesti- clumps of trees) however small phyll in their leaves, play an im port­ cus, which is in fact dependent they may be. The total plant growth Table 1 — Relative populations of birds in town and country ant part in the regeneration of the on man. is in itself significant. Town (or area) parks, which cater air. They absorb some of the carbon Birds are not the only vertebrates We shall, however, deal here only Author Place No. of Density per for all the inhabitants of a small dioxide which accumulates in urban to have adapted to man. There are w ith parks. species 10 hectares town, or of a whole area of a large areas and give off oxygen, w hich is also certain mammals, particularly Breman proposes four main town; covering between 50 and one of our vital needs. The extent the squirrel Sciurus vulgaris, not to groups: country Williamson Berkshire, G.B. 26 110 100 hectares. of these exchanges of gases, due mention the rat Battus rattus and Local neighbourhood parkswhich, Ferry Citeaux, Saône, France 42 68 to photosynthesis, is often under­ other rodents. It is often surprising as the name suggests, are used by Ribaut&Chessex Bois de Chênes, Nyon, 65 75 Wooded parks, which are used the residents of the immediate neigh­ estimated. A hundred-year-old beech to find how much a completely Switzerland by the inhabitants of a large town bourhood and have an average area Fagus in one hour absorbs 2350 built-up area can still be a home or a whole region. The surface area grams of carbon dioxide, that is the for nocturnal animals such as the of 1 hectare. tow n Ribaut&Chessex Lausanne cemetery 18 178 of parks of this type may vary Tyto alba District parks, which are frequent­ volume of carbon dioxide given off barn-owl and the tawny Switzerland between 200 and 1000 hectares. by 10 single-family houses. During owl Strix aluco which completely ed by a greater number of the Hortigue Sports ground, Dijon, France 20 85 the same period the tree gives off escape the notice of the man-in-the- population and whose area is gen­ Ferry Parc Darcy, Dijon, France 14 350 Let us take a closer look at these 1710 grams of oxygen. Plants thus street. I myself shall never forget erally between 5 and 10 hectares. types. Local neighbourhood parks open-air theatres and nature trails. The latter are of special interest and These parks are as a rule entirely are most widespread in the United the work of man; they may be Kingdom. The aim is to make use of called artificial. They are very costly the natural features of the park in to lay out and maintain. Benches order to introduce the visitor to are their special feature and may be problems concerning nature and very numerous indeed. For instance, nature conservation and to teach the parks in the Kremlin moats him some elementary ecology. have a bench every three metres. A small park of this type often has Such schemes should be intro­ a playground for young children, duced on a far wider scale. One including sand pit, roundabout and example is the sentier Jean-Jacques slide. Rousseau on Mont Pilat, in France; but in many countries this kind of thing, though very instructive, is District parks still unknown. Nature trail models are available at the European Informa­ These parks have practically the tion Centre for Nature Conservation. same function as the previous kind, but there is much more variety in Plan of the Kelvingrove Park nature trail, Glasgow. The numbers indicate points of their lay-out. Groups of trees take Wooded parks interest on the trail which are described in a trail booklet on more importance and alternate with lawns and flower beds. The These parks, which are in many Phoenix Park, on the outskirts of equipment provided on the spot. same amenities are there, together cases natural forests, include areas Dublin, is also equipped in a wide The whole course requires an effort with sports grounds, adventure play­ of widely differing types. The greater variety of ways, in particular for equivalent to a gymnastics lesson grounds and skating rinks. Visits by part may be intended for quiet sports activities. Its 160 hectares have and takes place in the open air. schoolchildren are, or should be, walks, while other zones provide 15 Irish football and hurling pitches, These Vita tracks, as they are called, arranged to parks of this type to give facilities for active recreation. For three Camogaiocht pitches, 28 asso­ are becoming more and more popu­ the children a practical introduction example, the Lee Valley Park, which ciation football pitches, three cricket lar and anybody can do the course to nature study, but this is not yet is part of Greater London, will have fields, a polo field, a cross country at any time he chooses. a very common practice in most an area of 4000 hectares (10 000 course and a pony riding centre. acres) when completed and will European countries. There are also motor-cycle, go- This is obviously a very interesting accommodate one million people I kart and bicycle racing tracks and idea. One of the most striking We should note that all too often Given the vast area available the an open-air amphitheatre. things about it is the close co­ in both these types of park very planners have been able to provide operation between the local author­ young trees are to be found, simply Nature in a city. The richly wooded Kelvingrove Park for, in addition to nature reserves An interesting scheme for the in the middle of Glasgow includes a nature trail laid out ities and organisations which make because it is easier to replace a dead and other quiet open areas, golf laying out of wooded parks was by the City's forward-looking Parks Department. There, the wooded areas available and the tree with a sapling than with a courses, miniature golf, sports stadia, introduced in Switzerland two years children, who may rarely see the countryside, can private company which pays for the maturer tree. But older trees are a car racing centre, racing tracks ago. A life assurance company decid­ explore and discover nature for themselves installations. what are needed, even if this does for motor cycles and bicycles, a ed to set up tracks on the outskirts raise technical problems. dog racing track, caravan and chalet of large towns to enable town- sites, camping grounds, a riding dwellers to regain contact with To conclude this brief survey of school, indoor and outdoor swim­ nature and to make up for their the various possibilities, especially T o w n parks ming pools, fishing facilities, canoe­ lack of physical exercise. The tracks in large parks, it should be said that some conservationists will per­ This is the multipurpose park. Its ing, motor-boating and play grounds. in question are about 2 or 3 km long haps have misgivings about setting large area means that various facili­ A cultural centre, a number of and consist of 20 stages. At each up motor cycle tracks (or any ties are possible such as restaurants, museums and an information centre stage the individual carries out a similar amenities) within a park. picnic areas, m ini-golf, tennis, kiosks, are planned as well. number of exercises, with or without Personally, I think such schemes like to take the particular example of Within the rural zone the forest are justified provided that the park the city of Luxembourg. In an sectors include outstanding land­ is big enough to include nature important report, provisionally ap­ scapes and woods w hich are to be reserves, w hich might even be closed proved by the municipal council preserved. There may not be any to the public, and, most important, on 17 April 1967, P. Vago, the building, any change in appearance extensive areas for the physical and author of the project, defined the or any deforestation w hich is not in mental relaxation of towndwellers role of open spaces as follows: conformity with the requirements of in search of peace and quiet, fresh "The extent and quality of its open nature protection and landscape air and nature—the songs of birds spaces... are one of the features of conservation. and the scents of flowers. Luxembourg that must be safe­ In zones where building is for­ We cannot deal with the extremely guarded and improved. Thus most bidden (open spaces, parks, gardens complex problem of traffic, but one of the fine planted areas... are and their extensions) building, re­ thing is certain—strict regulations under strict protection which the building and conversions are absol­ must be made for it and properly general public interest, requirements utely forbidden except in the case enforced. of health and even economic con­ of light structures put up in the siderations (the tourist trade) amply interests of the tourist trade. Present and future justify... " He divided the city as follows: The example of the city of Luxem­ schemes bourg shows how difficult it is The biological and, above all, I. w ithin the built-up area to lay down clear and well-defined the social function of open spaces (a) residential zones guidelines while at the same time is given more and more prominence central sectors making it possible for the executive in tow n planning. In many cases the sectors with high population density departments to be flexible in their Klaus Rohmeyer " How can we compare one hectare of lawn and three small birch trees with one hectare of parkland with deciduous woods tendency is to establish a green belt sectors with low population density application of the principles laid and thick undergrowth ?" The introduction of a little green space fails to offset the overpowering nature of this block of flats around existing built-up areas and protected sectors and monuments down. Unfortunately such flexibility then to create new towns outside — old town sometimes leaves the door wide the green belt. This policy, which — park open to abuse and the general for the urban population. The coast into a public walk in the 19th century Vauban fortified Strasbourg is set forth in the United Kingdom — other protected sectors interest is neglected to the advantage here w ill be developed in such century. The rebuilding of the railway at a number of points including a of economic, political and personal a way as to preserve as far as station between 1962 and 1965 formidable citadel with five bastions, Abercrombie plan, is applied in the (b) industrial zones case of London (see Green Belts interests. It should be noted that possible the main parts not yet built made it possible to effect con­ three of which have disappeared. on page 14). It is a technique (c) deferred development zones owing to the various pressures to on— w hich are relatively few and siderable changes in the area and to There are various other remains in w hich is used in many different II. outside the built-up area: which they are subject local author­ far between—and so bring out its create an extremely convenient and the neighbourhood, which has been cases. A spectacular example is in the rural zone ities often find it very difficult to special character. This seems quite popular neighbourhood park. The laid out in such a way as to preserve, the area, w hich consists of sandy apply what in theory is the ideal natural if one considers the particu­ total area is 2.4 hectares and the indeed to enhance, what is left of III. throughout the m unicipal area: wastes, around the Soviet town solution, w hich in any case is not larly suitable configuration of that terrace garden laid out partly on the the citadel. The public park which zones where no building isallowed of Voronezh. A green ring to curail easy to find. part of the coast with its low sandy station roof occupies 1.1 hectares. surrounds it has very varied features: wind erosion has been created by the W ithin the built-up area we shall Whereas attempts to plan large islands and dykes. Between the dykes The best possible use was made of large clumps of trees, walks, play­ town's workers and at present covers devote our attention to the protected cities often raise practically insoluble and the coast there is a stretch of the available space and this green grounds for the very young and for 5811 hectares. It includes planta­ park sector. The author defines this problems, things get easier as one's shallow water, a sort of lagoon, with oasis for relaxation in the midst of bigger children, etc. The whole tions of pines each established in sector and goes on to describe scale reduces. In Copenhagen we large seaweed deposits. increasing hubbub is naturally very covers about 13 hectares, so it is an accordance with the local environ­ means of protection, for instance by may note the very interesting scheme popular. important district park. It in fact A completely different example forms part of an entirely new district ment. Undergrowth is gradually de­ private agreement. Residential sites for the southwest of the city, the which illustrates the opportunist ap­ Town planning comes up against a of very interesting design, which veloping and as a result wildlife are subject to building regulations: Kdge Bay area; a general plan was proach to these problems is the number of special problems; I should raises some quite new problems. is becoming more numerous and those parts of plots w hich are not approved in 1968 and the com­ Grosse Schanze public park in Berne, like to mention that of historic The plan for this (the "projet varied. built on are to be laid out as lawns, mencement of the main works fixed Switzerland. Every town council has a plan for parks or gardens. What has already for 1970. The northern part of the remains. The example of the Parc Esplanade") was drawn up in 1957 development and expansion; but been planted, especially tall trees, area is earmarked for clearance to In the heart of the federal capital de la Citadelle in Strasbourg is and covers 74 hectares, 30% of rather than talk generally I should is to be preserved whenever possible. provide extensive recreation zones a former bastion was converted typical in this respect. In the 17th which is earmarked for open spaces. In 1967 2542 flats had been allocated was passed on 26 June 1935, Zoological gardens most of which breed in captivity. in buildings of between 10 and 20 supplemented on 18 March 1936 and other special forms Examples of animals likely to become storeys, which dwarf the surrounding by an Order. Although these cover extinct in their wild state very soon trees, even though these latter are rural areas only, the three cities of of open space are Przewalski's horse and the giant not all young saplings. West Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg panda; and in the near future we decided after the war to apply them Zoological gardens may cover very may have to include several cats... Medium and large-size parks thus to urban areas as well. Their example large areas and their abundant play an essential role in the planning was followed by other conurbations vegetation contributes to the balance Lastly, zoos are veritable labora­ of areas of this type, for they alone and so it became possible to give needed in every city as described tories, where mutations and the can restore, if only partially, some very effective protection not just to above. Zoos everywhere are well transmission of hereditary charac­ balance between nature and habita­ New life for dead lands. Disorderly development is increasing the area of derelict open areas that are threatened but attended: the London and Tokyo teristics and certain aspects of animal land every year. Electricity generating stations produce large and ugly tips. The tions, a balance which is indispens­ also to hills, ponds or other especially Zoos have more than half a million behaviour can be studied. able to man. Let it not be thought grey wasteland (above) has been converted into green playing fields by spreading characteristic features. Table 2 gives visitors every year. that I am against vertical develop­ pulverised fuel ash and covering with topsoil W hile the future is becoming an idea of what has been achieved. ment; quite the contrary, I personally Zoos are therefore interesting from doubtful for an increasing number With the constant increase in the am convinced that it is the only many points of view. They help of species, this is not the case with number of threats to natural environ­ means of preventing housing from educate the public, children in parti­ zoos, which are developing fast. ment, new legislation is introduced. biting too deeply into our natural cular. With the variety of species on They are rapidly growing in number, The most interesting that I know environment. But I do think that view, the child can satisfy his innate especially private zoos, despite very of has been adopted by the City the planning of open spaces depends attraction towards living things, and considerable financial problems. of Frankfurt to protect arable land. directly on a whole number of the words and definitions learned in Examples of the sort of small zoo When any excavation or levelling factors, one of which is population the classroom suddenly take on a run as a family business which is work is being carried out, the top 20 density. It is no longer enough new meaning. This is especially rapidly expanding are the Tertre cm of earth has to be considered simply to compare the acreage of true for schoolchildren in towns rouge zoo, at La Flèche in France, separately from the earth below. open spaces with that of built-up who see fewer and fewer animals, the Norfolk Wildlife Park in England, The upper layer cannot be used for areas; the volume of vegetation must domestic or wild. Some zoos now and the La Garenne European zoo filling purposes; it must either remain be compared with the volume of even include cows and chickens. at Le Vaud, Nyon, in Switzerland. on or be returned to, the surface or, housing. The recommendations of if this is impossible because of Zoological gardens have an in ­ the Reith Commission in the United building, it must be taken elsewhere, creasingly important role to play Kingdom endorse this to some extent, for instance to a new public park in preserving species on the point for they advocate 4 hectares of that is being made. of extinction, especially mammals, recreation space for every 1000 inhabitants. It may be noted in passing that this is rarely achieved, for the proportion is only 2.8 at Table — 2 Protected landscapes and nature reserves in six large German cities Crawley, 2.1 at Cumbernauld and 0.8 at Harlow, although each of Area (in hectares) of Total number of these new towns is surrounded by Total area open countryside. City Inhabitants (sq km) Protected Nature Protected Nature landscapes reserves landscapes reserves Legislation is obviously decisive in all matters of the preservation and Hamburg .... 837 1,827,000 12,240 (15%) 1,827 5 ? extension of open spaces, as we West Berlin . . . 480 2,151,000 9,558 (20%) 233 17 1,371 have already seen in respect of the B re m e n ...... 404 754,000 16,550 (41%) 9 3 24 city of Luxembourg. We may also M u n ic h...... 311 1,260,000 5,077 (17%) — — 43 mention the example of Germany Essen ...... 189 702,300 6,002 (32%) 27 1 84 in this respect. A Nature Conserva­ Hanover .... 135 524,500 799 (6%) — — 10 tion Act (Reichsnaturschutzgesetz) Crown/MH LG Crown/MHLG Botanical gardens garden in Edinburgh, for example, to develop open spaces. So what is particularly acute in districts con­ future buildings are to cost well over is to be done? We might imagine taining tall blocks of flats. Moreover These have a long history, for that £200,000 sterling. that it is enough to create parks we must distinguish between the of Salerno, in Italy, dates from on the outskirts of towns, since more expensive residential buildings A rboreta 1309 and that of Leipzig, in the almost everyone has a car, or else and blocks of low-rent flats: the GDR, from 1542. They vary con­ These are large botanical parks, to make it easier to build secondary latter contain more children so the siderably in size: in the Federal generally situated outside towns. residences—which are very much surrounding open spaces must be Republic of Germany the smallest Their chief characteristic is that they in vogue at present and provide larger and differently laid out. The cover about 1 hectare or even less, are collections of trees and shrubs, ample evidence of man's need of town planner clearly has some dif­ whereas that of Berlin-Dahlem covers generally specimens foreign to the a counter weight to life in the ficult problems. 42 hectares. The great majority are country. The trees may be grouped office and flat. But these are not Can nature conservationists do attached to university institutes which systematically or by bio-geograph­ satisfactory solutions since all our anything in this field? Can they are able to undertake studies in the ical regions. True arboreta are still experience shows that man needs actively contribute to the creation fields of systematics, morphology, fairly rare. to have nature within easy reach of parks and other open spaces? geobotany and ecology; genetic In offering educational facilities of his main place of residence; it studies are particularly in vogue at and " lungs" to the city they have forms part of his habitat (to borrow Certainly they can, and European present. the same functions as botanical a term from the ecologists) whose Conservation Year is a unique op­ gardens, and should therefore be composition it influences in many portunity to find better solutions to Botanical gardens are thus field given every encouragement. ways, as we have seen. this problem, for the action taken laboratories and can provide large in many cities is, unfortunately, numbers of important specimens for C em eteries Thus the creation or preservation laboratory work. unsatisfactory. The important thing The importance of cemeteries in of open spaces must be given very in this field, as in so many others, This explains why the general this context varies considerably ac­ high priority in all town planning. is to arouse and inform public public has long overlooked their cording to how much vegetation What standards should be applied? opinion in such a way as to con­ existence. At present, however, num­ they contain. In Paris there is one square metre vince it of the need to make over bers of researchers are developing of open space per inhabitant, in large urban areas to vegetation. attitudes that are leading to an Conclusions Rome 9 square metres, in London 10 The authorities and big property square metres and in Washington opening-up policy. Participation is a Urbanisation is in full swing. In a interests are more likely to agree 50 square metres. The generally current word in science too. Biol­ large number of towns new dis­ to make the necessary short-term accepted average is 10 square ogists are making greater efforts to tricts are appearing and new towns financial sacrifices required by the metres per person, or 1 hectare per come out of their isolation and are springing up in every country. new outlook if they are under thousand inhabitants. But how can associate the public with their studies. Depopulation of the countryside pressure from the public, for in the we compare one hectare of lawn Everywhere we see a growing desire continues; it is forecast that by last resort it is the citizens them­ and three small birch trees with to instruct and be instructed. 1975, 80% of the French people selves who must pay. one hectare of parkland with deci­ w ill live in urban areas and by 1980 Jean-Pierre Ribaut Thus botanical gardens have be­ duous woods and thick under­ Within the borders of the city of Frankfurt " Enkheimer is 90% of the population of the United come more accessible to the public growth ? Do the tw o areas have Ried", a well-known bird sanctuary which is the home States w ill be town-dwellers. The author thanks the National Agencies of Cyprus. and in many cases the institutes the same regenerating effect on the Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany. Ireland. of several rare species. The German Nature Conservation Luxembourg. Switzerland and the United Kingdom for their responsible for them have taken the Act. passed as early as 1935, has enabled many One of the most important prob­ air and on men? The answer is help in preparing this article. initiative. In Dresden, for instance, German cities to establish nature reserves or protect open lems which this situation raises is obvious. That is w hy it is no longer Interesting documents were also supplied by the City of Strasbourg, the Town Planning Office of the Canton of Vaud lectures, guided tours and exhibitions landscape within or near their borders how to use and allocate land within enough to compare surface areas; and F. G. Breman. Director o f Parks, Amsterdam have been held regularly and have a town. An increasing proportion we must introduce the concept of The following works and reviews are among the principle met with considerable success. As of the available space is being used plant biomass for comparison with sources of reference: scientific research is costing more for communications and parking the human biomass, the number of J. Dorst: Avant que nature meure P. Merlin: Les villes nouvelles and more and it is the tax payer who areas (w hich account for 40% of inhabitants. This new approach is Fédération internationale des Ingénieurs municipaux (3e congrès) ultimately foots the bill it is quite the area of L o s, Angeles, for in ­ more than ever necessary with the Le Courrier de la Nature natural that he should be kept inform ­ stance) while at the same time increasing diversity of present-day La Revue forestière française Garten und Landschaft ed of spending. At the botanical there is an increasingly urgent need building; the problem of open spaces Forêt-Loisirs et Equipements de Plein-Air Many children brought up in the cities of the industrial revolution may pass their whole lives and hardly ever see a green field. In the modern city of Hamburg, however, the " Fischbeker Heide" nature reserve touches the built-up area, well within reach of public transport. Barnaby GREEN BELTS Where the street is a playground and no green thing grows

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM Gunther Helm

The green belt was to be kept could only be established, how­ for the building of new houses. In cause of the time-consuming pro­ creased in recent years. There is open and undeveloped, and there ever, if the proposal was approved 1964 the Government of the day cedure necessarily involved in formal often room for genuine argument For many years planners and local was to be a clear preumption against by the Minister and the procedure re-affirmed their belief, however, Ministerial approval. It was accepted as to the interpretation of the policy authorities in the United Kingdom any new building, and against any for achieving this approval included that the metropolitan green belt that local planning authorities should in the case of specific sites and in have realised that open countryside new employment which might create many safeguards for individuals or should remain a permanent feature deal w ith proposed green belt areas these more detailed matters the around the larger towns must be additional building, within its area. other interested parties. Conse­ and agreed not only to maintain but as though the formal order was in results of appeals from decisions of preserved for the benefit of both Permission to build in a green belt quently. the procedure was slow to consider important additions to it. operation, and successive Ministers local planning authorities to the the countryman and the townsman. would only be granted when the and somewhat cumbersome. Relying on the co-operation of of Housing and Local Government Government vary. The general con­ Several attempts were made by building was needed for purposes local planning authorities in the have given general support to local cept of green belts is, however, Up to 31 December 1968, only various authorities to keep green appropriate to a green belt, for Southeast of England, the Govern­ authorities in this practice. firmly established as can be seen in seven green belts covering some areas intact, even where there was example, farming, or where there ment had decided that enough hous­ a recent Government development 1270 square miles, had been form­ great pressure for urban develop­ was some other very special reason ing land could be provided within In addition to the green belt control policy document: ally approved by the Minister but ment from all sides. for it. In established villages, build­ range of London without use of policy, around London and other some of these were very small in "There are special restrictions on ing . to fill gaps might well be the green belt. The approved metro­ large urban centres, there have also In 1955 the Minister of Housing area. A further fifteen green belt development in the green belts permissible but it was not to be politan green belt at present covers been parallel policies in the United and Local Government drew the proposals involving 4450 square which have been established around assumed that any building would 846 square miles but the adjoining Kingdom for the preservation and attention of local planning author­ miles had also then been made, and London and several other large be allowed adjoining houses that local planning authorities are pro­ creation of open green areas w ithin ities to the importance of checking these were at various stages of the urban areas. The purpose of these already existed. Uses of land which posing extensions to increase it to towns, and for the creation of the unrestricted sprawl of built-up required procedure. green belts is to check the further did not interfere with its open nearly 2000 square miles. Its even­ National Parks and Nature Reserves areas and of safeguarding the sur­ spread of the urban areas they character were also to be permis­ tual size will depend on recent and in the rural areas of the country. rounding countryside against further Undoubtedly the most important surround and prevent neighbouring sible, for example, recreation fields, continuing discussions between the encroachment. He recommended green belt in the United Kingdom towns from merging together, and burial grounds and certain mineral London and adjoining local plan­ Suitable sites for housing and planning authorities to consider the is the metropolitan green belt around at the same time to keep stretches workings. ning authorities and the Government other development within a reason­ formal designation of clearly defined London; and it shows both the of unspoilt country within easy on the availability of housing land. able distance of large urban centres "green belts" around the areas con­ Thus was established in the advantages and the main problems are always in short supply so there reach of town dwellers. Inside the cerned. These could check the fur­ United Kingdom the formal green of such a concept. There has been It is important to note when a is, of course, great pressure on the green belts as defined in the devel­ ther grow th of a large built-up area, belt concept and local authorities and is now in the prosperous and green belt is proposed the green Government and planning author­ opment plans, permission will not be prevent neighbouring towns from immediately began to consider which rapidly developing Southeast area belt policy is, in practice, applied at ities to release more land for housing given except in very special cir­ merging into one another, or pre­ parts of their area should be des­ of England, and particularly round once, even before it is finally ap­ development. The pressures on green cumstances for the construction of serve the special character of a town. ignated as green belts. A green belt Greater London, a shortage of sites proved by the Ministers. This is be­ belts and adjoining areas have in­ new buildings or for the change of One of the few remaining strong-holds of the mouflon, practically the only truly wild sheep of Europe, is to be studied by a scientific expert, sent by the European Committee. The Cypriot authorities hope that, with a greater knowledge of the behaviour and needs of the mouflon, they w ill be able to take steps to ensure its survival on their EUROPEAN island. Today the mouflon, Ovis orientalis ophion, is found wild in COMMITTEE Cyprus only in small numbers in the forest of Paphos. It once existed in all the wooded mountains, and recently discovered mosaics show that it was already known FOR THE in the Greco-Roman period. Coursing the mouflon with cheetahs was a popular sport in the Middle Ages. At the end CONSERVATION of the last century, however, the number of animals decreased notes considerably and the survivors took refuge in the southern mountains. They were still fairly numerous, but the growth of OF NATURE the human population, the import of modern firearms, the construction of roads opening up previously inaccessible The drastic effects of oil pollution use of existing buildings for pur­ regions, contributed to reducing their number considerably. European Water Charter New Conservation Centre poses other than agriculture, re­ In 1937 the mouflon colony at Paphos was estimated to on wild life and the importance of — Epping Forest (U.K.) creation, or other uses appropriate contain only 15 individuals. Goatherds, with firearms and nature conservation in regional plan­ to a rural area. Special care w ill be a perfect knowledge of the moutIon's habits, had killed ning were the subject of two resol­ "A new cry of alarm has drawn taken to prevent breaches of the them in large numbers, while their goats competed with utions adopted by the Committee our attention to an impending dan­ On a summer weekend thousands inner edge of the green belt, which the mouflon for the scant grazing. of Ministers last October. ger". Such were the words with of Londoners seek the cool shade marks the outer limit of the urban In 1938 the authorities amended the game law and in 1939 which Mr Kuhlewind from Düssel­ and peaceful glades of Epping Forest declared the forest of Paphos a permanent game reserve. area." dorf introduced the European Water which stretches like green fingers The region was cleared of goats so the pastures improved Oil pollution Clearly in one form or another to the benefit of the mouflon. Charter to the Assembly of the deep into the great conurbation of The Ministers' resolution on oil it is accepted that there should be About 100 individuals now live in the reserve. Eighteen European Confederation of Agri­ Northern London. This ancient forest, pollution recommended immediate green belts or open and undeveloped animals— eight male and 10 female— are being raised in culture, held on 30 June-4 July once a Royal hunting reserve, now areas around all towns, both for captivity for breeding. They are also an attraction for visitors and intensified research into its 1969, at Helsinki. has so many visitors that the very which helps develop public support in favour of preserving effects on marine plants and ani­ life of its trees is threatened as the the benefit of the inhabitants of "This Charter may be considered the species. The Government of Cyprus, which in 1967 mals; the adoption of measures to soil above their roots is packed those towns and of the country as a " pioneer" document deserving signed the IUCN document on accepting full responsibility safeguard marine life; and the study hard by trampling feet. As part of as a whole. Although they may vary the praise and support of agriculture for the protection of wildlife threatened by extinction, of ways to combat disasters quickly. its task of maintaining the forest as in detail from time to time this intends to continue these efforts to educate the public. and forestry" said Mr Kuhlewind. policy and its implementation are The resolution asked that the Inter- a public open space, the Corpora­ It is planned to make similar expert advice available to Governmental Maritime Consulta­ now fully accepted and in operation Turkey where the same problem exists. "The European Water Charter will tion of London is building a new tive Organisation should be in­ throughout the United Kingdom. prove fully effective if it paves the Conservation Centre at High Beech formed of research results and cur­ way to a common European policy in Epping Forest. The Centre w ill rent experiments on ways of pre­ in hydrobiology" said Mr. Kuhle- be staffed by a warden and four A. C. HETHERINGTON venting or dealing with accidental wind. "The aims of the Water resident teachers whose task will be M.B.E. oil spillage and again emphasised Charter demand not only wide un­ to make the public more aware of County Councils Association, the possible harmful effects of oil derstanding within Europe but also the need for conserving the natural Eaton House clearance on marine life. 66 A. Eaton Square intensified research, training and structure of the forest which is held London Westminster S.W.1 publicity. Many pressing tasks can­ in trust for them. Regional planning not be dealt with solely on a national basis. The research and The Centre w ill be run by the Field The Ministers were convinced that training programme should be Studies Council (which has 26 years nature and the natural environment founded on co-operation at all levels, of experience in running Field Studies must be a fundamental factor in the allowing students, administrators and Centres in England and Wales, of development of civilisation, and it practical workers to be exchanged. which it now has 9) together with the must therefore be managed wisely Harmonisation of the European already existing Forest Museum near­ as an irreplaceable heritage. They economy should be preceded by by, which will be developed as a pub­ made special reference to the Eu­ harmonisation of its hydrology. In lic visitor centre and base for nature ropean Conference of Ministers res­ order to ensure a dynamic hydro- trails. The new Conservation Centre ponsible for regional planning and logical policy, the European Water itself will have three teaching labo­ asked that nature conservation be Charter requires constant and ratories (one specially designed for given proper priority in regional thorough development. To this end, use by young children) a lecture planning. This implies that nature the establishment of European unity theatre, library and a research labo­ conservation is just as important as in the sphere of biology, including ratory. There will also be some space for visiting research workers, a per­ any other interest. Areas which are the hydrological system, is a burning manent exhibition on local con­ part of the national heritage because issue in the politics of our con­ of their natural, cultural and historic tinent." servation problems and an informa­ qualities should be delimited to tion desk. The Centre is planned ensure their future protection and (Extracted from the CEA Informa­ to take 100 children a day and will management. These could then be tion Bulletin, Vol. XVII, No 3, be available at weekends for use permanent elements in regional plans. July/August/September 1969.) by amateur naturalists and during Ministry Ministry of Agriculture Forestry Department 1970 european CONSE R VAT ION notes year the school holidays it will run Bird-Snaring Nature The German Nature Conservation special courses. conservation fleet Conference will be held in Berlin from 25 to 30 May 1970. This city The Centre's first warden, Mr. Paul has already seen, from 30 January Moxey, has already been appointed 171 000 signatures were collected In the Netherlands a brochure to 8 February, " International Green and it is planned to open in autumn by a 15 year-old Brussels student, written and edited by experts special­ Week", during which the Federal this year as a permanent contribution Regis Gysemberg, for a petition ly to attract attention to threats to Ministry of Agriculture organised a by the Corporation of London to condemning the practice of bird the natural environment will be special exhibition illustrating pres­ European Conservation Year. netting. As part of an " SOS Nature— widely distributed, with the col­ sures on the countryside. The Inter­ Operation Noah's Ark " project he laboration of booksellers, during the (Field Studies Council, 9 Deve- national Forest and Timber Technical presented his petition to Mr. Charles week 10-16 May, which will be reux Court, Strand, London, W.C. 2, Seabird deaths continue. In one week last winter Fair w ill be held at M unich from 6 to 9000 eiderducks and 8000 velvet scoters died from oil Héger, the Belgian Minister of Agri­ devoted to nature conservation. 14 June, when an exhibition on England.) pollution on Dutch beaches. A small sample is here laid out in culture, on 1 October, the very day man and his environment, taking groups of species with some of the thousands of guillemots, that the netting season opened. A film on the w intering areas of the Greater Munich area as an razorbills and puffins that also died. Similar reports Thanks to this initiative, the young wild geese will have its première (in continue to reach us from other countries. The example, will be arranged. man is well in the running for the November). Various measures to Message in the Seine picture is dramatic evidence in support of the Ministers' last lap of "Operation Noah's Ark". conserve these regions are, more­ call to governments (mentioned on page 17) to pay Various ceremonies, meetings and attention to the effect of oil pollution on wildlife A European Jury will meet at the over, being studied, as is the protec­ "The growing number of incidents Council of Europe headquarters in tion of field birds and birds of prey. exhibitions have been organised in of pollution in Europe, in the sea and Strasbourg to choose those young the Länder. Important events are: rivers, is evidence of a worsening protectors of nature who have made During one week-end all news­ situation— so much so that we can the greatest contribution to the papers will carry an illustrated sup­ — the creation by the Verein N atur­ speak of a state of emergency." With international operation. plement devoted to nature con­ schutzpark e.V. of a prize for these words the Secretary General of servation. landscape conservation, which the Council of Europe concluded a was awarded for the first time ceremony in Paris which has been Throughout the summer, a nature at the European Conservation performed throughout the world but conservation fleet will tour the Conference in Strasbourg in never before in a European capital. Picnic Sites Netherlands, organising various February; events at each stop. A t Paris, Quai de la Concorde, — a European youth camp de­ on 25 September 1969, an Operation The Countryside Commission of A considerable effort will be made monstration by the German Youth "Message in the Seine" was carried the United Kingdom has recently in nursery, primary and secondary Association for Nature Conser­ out, in the context of World Opera­ published a 20-page, illustrated schools: special lessons w ill be vation; tion "Message in the Sea". booklet on picnic sites. This work given, and a record of bird songs contains much practical advice on — a Keep Germany's Countryside During the ceremony, Mr. Bernard will be distributed as well as 300 000 the management of these sites, such Clean campaign by the Deutsche Falay, Secretary of State at the coloured pictures of different species as location, car parking, sanitary Na tursch utzring; Ministry of Industrial Development of birds. A sum of 300 000 fl. was installations, various services, equip­ and Scientific Research, Mr. Georges officially allocated for educational — an exhibition train of the German ment, signs, litter and nature trails. Housiaux, President of the Assembly and propaganda activities. Federal Railways; The booklet is essentially a practical of W.E.U. and Chairman of the guide for those responsible for the Organising Committee for the launch­ — the organisation of a "Tree Day"; management of such sites, with ing of the European Water Charter, diagrams, excellent illustrations, a Nature on a railway train and Mr. Lujo Toncic-Sorinj, Secre­ Most significantly, it is intended list of useful addresses and a biblio­ tary General of the Council of to re draft legislation concerned with graphy. Europe, immersed the first messages The National Committee of the the protection, preservation and con­ in the Seine. The naval dredge Countryside Commission (Can be obtained from Her Maj­ Federal Republic of G. J. de Germany Haan has trolled use of the countryside and DAHLIA then proceeded to drop Picnic site. A few well-chosen facilities ensure that visitors go where they are esty's Stationery Office, London, drawn up a very full programme of to create German-Belgian and Ger­ the first batch of messages. welcome and do not invade forest nurseries or strict nature reserves price 6s 6d.) events. man-Dutch nature reserves. NATIONAL AGENCIES 1970 OF THE CENTRE

european AUSTRIA IRELAND Wirkl. Hof rat Dipl. I ng. Forestry Division H. H ANSELY Department of Lands CONSERVAT ION Chef der Abteilung 22 Upper Merrion St. Landesplanung und DUBLIN 2 Naturschutz year KLAGENFURT ITALY Bureau des Rapports internationaux Ministère de l'Agriculture ROME BELGIUM Service des Réserves naturelles domaniales et LUXEMBOURG New National park M an's place in nature Turkish postage stamps de la Conservation de la Nature Conseil supérieur de la Nature auprès de l'Administration Direction des Eaux et Forêts des Eaux et Forêts 26 rue Philippe II The Icelandic National Council The official opening of ECY 1970 European Conservation Year will Ministère de l'Agriculture LUXEMBOURG for the Protection of Nature, re- will take place at the Villa Falconieri be inaugurated officially during the 32 Boulevard Bishoffsheim sponsiblefor preparing ECYactivities, (Frascati) in the spring. third week of March 1970. The aim BRUXELLES 1 is helped by several private orga­ of the various events planned is to MALTA Many events are planned by the Director of Agriculture nisations: the Icelandic Natural create an awareness in Turkey of the Organising and Co-ordinating Com­ Department of Agriculture History Association, the Icelandic broad problems of environmental 93 Archbishop Street mittee and some have been com­ Forestry Association, the Icelandic conservation, to create wide support VALLETTA pleted: CYPRUS Tourist Association, the Federal for the necessary actions, and define Ministry of Foreign Affairs Youth Organisation, the Soil Con­ — the production of documentary guidelines for the conservation of For the attention of the NETHERLANDS servation Service. films on nature conservation, to the environment. Director of the Mr. J. J. Zweeres Department of Forests be distributed by provincial Voorlichtingscentrum Ministry of Agriculture voor Natuurbescherming audio-visual centres, school film On the third Monday in March, and Natural Resources Among activities planned or in Herengracht 540 libraries and the Provincial In­ the Year will open with a national NICOSIA AMSTERDAM preparation, are: spection Board; congress, under the patronage of — the production of a teaching the President of Turkey. Many mi­ NORWAY — the adoption of new conserva­ film in colour Man's place in nisters, high officials, representatives The Administration for Outdoor tion legislation; Nature, which has been distribut­ of the universities and interested DENMARK Life and Nature Conservation Ministry of Labour and ed to 3,000 schools; bodies w ill take part. Statens naturfrednings-og — the creation of a new national Landskabskonsulent Municipal Affairs park; — the organisation of a drawing Parallel regional congresses will Nyropsgade 22 Kommunaldepartmentbat OSLO DEP competition; be held under the chairmanship of COPENHAGEN V — the organisation of a Conserva­ — the publication of some books, the provincial governors. tion Day in schools and of a the first of which deals with SWEDEN Conservation Week at national The Ministries of Agriculture, the The National Environment Man's place in Nature; level, with wide publicity given Interior and National Education will FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY Protection Board by the press, radio and television; — the organisation of competitions co-operate with the Army in three Bundesanstalt für Vegetationskunde Smidesvägen 5 Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege Fack in schools, with prizes totalling festivals to be held during Turkish — foundation of public nature con­ Heerstrasse 110 171 20 SOLNA 1 more than 2 million lire; Nature Conservation Week. D53 BONN-BAD GODESBERG 1 servation societies and of a — the organisation of a nature national union of such societies; Three sets of postage-stamps will SWITZERLAND conservation congress at the be issued: Ligue suisse pour la — organisation of public lectures 1970 Verona Fair. Protection de la Nature by a well-known conservationist; — natural sites—Antalya resort FRANCE Wartenbergstrasse 22 tow n; Mr. COUTROT CH-4052 BALE Moreover, the different adminin- — film shows, issue of postage Chef Département de istrations and interested bodies are — plants— Liquidambar orientalis; Protection de la Nature stamps, and poster displays in helping in the organisation of certain — animals. CERAFER TURKEY shop windows, travel agencies, Ministère de l'Agriculture projects such as: a travelling photo­ Mr. Z. BAYER airline offices, hotels; Booklets, posters, films, exhibi­ B P . 114 Head of National Parks Department graphic exhibition, the creation of SAINT-MARTIN-D'HÈRES - 38 Turkish Forest Service — wide publicity, in co-operation a prize for the XIX International tions are also in preparation, togeth­ Tarim Bakanligi with the Scout Movement, youth Festival of Mountain and Explora­ er with a practical handbook on Orman Genei Mudürlügü ANKARA and women's associations, trade tion Films (Trent, September 1970), carrying-out the programme for the Year. unions and other bodies; and school outings in national parks. ICELAND Mr. B. K JA R A N UNITED KINGDOM — wide distribution of a calendar Press, radio and television cover­ Moreover, the Ministry of Na­ Chairman of the Icelandic The Secretary devoted to nature conservation, age is expected for these events and tional Education will endeavour to National Council for the The Countryside Commission produced by the Icelandic Steam­ special articles and programmes will introduce nature conservation Protection of Nature 1 Cambridge Gate ship Company. be devoted to them. Hafnarstraeti 5 Regent's Park courses in school curricula. REYKJAVIK LONDON, N.W. 1.