This postulate is one of the commitments that the Royal European Academy of Doctors (RAED) has reflected in a manifesto for the defense of the oceans, prepared after a debate process that took place in the paradisiacal Galapagos Islands, in western Ecuador.
It is necessary to “take care of this ecological treasure and allow it to continue being the great laboratory from which Charles Darwin was inspired to change the history of biology and the concept of evolution”, it is pointed out in the manifesto signed this Monday at the San Francisco University of Quito (USFQ).
Among the subscribers are the Israeli biologist Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004; the German Erwin Neher, Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1991; the British Richard John Roberts, Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1993; and the American Richard Schrock, Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2005.
Also the Spanish Alfredo Rocafort, president of the Royal European Academy of Doctors (RAED), and more than 90 prestigious biologists, jurists and economists who since last August 26 participated in the “First Scientific and Cultural Expedition to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador ”.
The meeting has been organized by the RAED, the Quo Artis Foundation, the My Planet First organization, with the support of the Fidal Foundation and the San Francisco de Quito University.
The so-called “Galapagos Manifesto”, signed by scientists, collects the points of view and proposals regarding the environmental problems that affect this Ecuadorian archipelago.
However, the manifesto goes further and describes the main threats that threaten the planet, especially those that have an anthropogenic origin; that is, caused by man.
“Plastic pollution is perpetual, persistent and omnipresent. It is a growing global problem, particularly for isolated islands”, states the document.
Likewise, it asks the world to “figuratively take an evolutionary leap and go from ‘homo sapiens’, which given the problems we cause on the planet, we are less and less so, to become ‘homo galapaguensis’; a term that would represent a respectful and harmonious coexistence between human beings and the natural environment”.
It declares education as a “cornerstone to preserve our biological wealth” and urges that “the universal use of the Internet be considered as a fundamental human right for free access to culture and training, without these depending on economic variables” .
They also suggest that philanthropic organizations, governments and international institutions promote human creativity in the search for “effective and viable solutions for the preservation of the seas and oceans”, so that the marine currents that run through the planet “carry life and not garbage”.
“The most effective way to reduce the effects of plastic pollution and its impact on human and animal health is to prevent its arrival in the ocean. For this, the use of science is essential to find effective solutions”, the manifesto points out.
“We believe it is essential that a global commission be created to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution in the oceans,” he adds.
Finally, it suggests that the European Union (EU) establish “a special office for the preservation of the seas and sources of drinking water”, in order to “straighten a course that for the moment is heading straight for a storm whose consequences may seriously compromise our future and that of future generations.” EFE
The entrance Scientists devise the “homo galapaguensis”, human respectful of nature was first published in diary TODAY.
