Mar 01 - GONHS “Redoubles Efforts To End Balloon Releases”
GONHS is asking the Government and Gibraltar as a whole to consider alternatives the National Day balloon release.
The renewed call comes following a meeting last week between GONHS the UNEP Patron of the Seas, pioneer swimmer Lewis Pugh.
A statement from the society continued: “Albert Yome, who is heading the GONHS effort and had closely followed Lewis' adventures over many years, had been involved in GONHS’ campaign to end mass balloon releases in Gibraltar since at least 2006*. Albert had noted that Lewis had succeeded in a similar campaign in South Africa, which had seen this polluting activity outlawed there, and so asked for his help.
“We were therefore delighted when he not only offered to help, but said he would be coming to Gibraltar himself, and we set about arranging meetings with key decision makers.
“The details of his visit were well covered by the media, but GONHS would publicly like to thank him for answering our call for help.
“GONHS will now be working with Lewis and the ESG, with the hope of building a partnership of local organisations to achieve our goal of ending mass balloon releases in Gibraltar.
“In reiterating its position, GONHS would particularly like to thank the SDGG for meeting with Lewis Pugh during his visit and for engaging with us over the past year.
“Both of our organisations have a ‘G’ in our initials and we both care deeply about our Gibraltarian homeland, whether that be in defence of self-determination or of our environment.
“We are lucky to have a deep pool of creative talent in Gibraltar: artists, poets, dancers, musicians and more. The challenge now is to find another way of celebrating National Day without standing on a beach wondering where what went up will come down, and what damage they will do to what.
“In the months leading up to National Day 2006, GONHS quietly appealed to the Ministry of the Environment, asking it not to include a “Balloon Release” as part of the day’s festivities. Balloons were released; apparently it was too late to change the plans. The Ministry has indicated that it will look into the matter. GONHS is now publicly asking Government to replace the balloon release with a more environmentally friendly gesture.
“Perhaps you have your own ideas for an alternative event? Please let us know at GONHS, PO Box 843, Gibraltar, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."
* (Nature News -Autumn 2006) - "What Goes Up Must Come Down, by Albert Yome
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