Tag: Global vision

Greening the Future: Richard St. Barbe Baker’s Environmental Legacy at the United Nations

Introduction: A Pioneer’s Vision at the United Nations

On October 24, the world unites to commemorate the United Nations’ World Development Information Dayβ€”a day that calls attention to global development issues and the imperative for international cooperation. Among the many luminaries who brought environmental concerns to the forefront at the United Nations, Richard St. Barbe Baker stands as a pioneer, leaving an indelible mark on the fight against desertification and the global reforestation movement.

St. Barbe Baker at the United Nations:

Richard St. Barbe Baker’s tireless efforts to combat desertification gained international recognition when he addressed the first United Nations Conference on Desertification in 1977. His deep-rooted commitment to raising awareness about environmental challenges laid the groundwork for the World Day to Combat Desertification. This annual observance owes much to St. Barbe Baker’s advocacy, and his concept of a ‘Green Front’ became a reality, garnering approval from the Conference of Leaders and Heads of States members of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States in 2005.

The Influence of Hugh Locke: A Continuing Legacy:

Hugh Locke, a Baha’i-inspired environmental activist, played a pivotal role in continuing St. Barbe Baker’s environmental legacy. Having been St. Barbe Baker’s assistant during the last five years of his life, Locke imbibed a deep awareness of the importance of trees and forestry. Following St. Barbe’s passing, Locke led Canada’s national youth service program for tree-planting and later worked for the Baha’i International Community office affiliated with the United Nations in New York. This dynamic partnership exemplifies the enduring impact of St. Barbe Baker’s teachings on future environmental leaders.

The United Nations Billion Tree Campaign: A Global Movement Inspired by St. Barbe:

St. Barbe’s vision of a greener world transcended his lifetime. The United Nations Billion Tree Campaign, a global initiative that has already planted over a billion trees worldwide, draws inspiration from St. Barbe’s example. His advocacy for tree planting as a solution to environmental challenges has manifested in this ambitious campaign, proving that one individual’s vision can spark a global movement.

St. Barbe’s Clarion Call for Action: A Look into the Past and Future:

In a poignant reflection on the state of the world, St. Barbe Baker once wrote, “It would seem that the West is heading for a precipice.” Urging action, he saw trees as the solution to avert environmental catastrophe. His call for a “Year of the Tree” in 1982, coinciding with the Diamond Jubilee of the Men of the Trees (now the International Tree Foundation), emphasized the urgency of planting, protecting, and loving trees worldwide.

Exploring St. Barbe’s Legacy in Saskatoon’s Green Haven

As the United Nations World Development Information Day unfolds on October 24, we are reminded of environmental pioneers like Richard St. Barbe Baker, whose influence resonates through time and space. In Saskatoon, we are exceptionally fortunate to have the 326-acre woodlands, the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, named in honor of this visionary who brought his environmental visions before the United Nationsβ€”a pioneer ahead of his time.

In the face of current global challenges, St. Barbe’s foresight is more relevant than ever. Worldwide efforts are now underway, recognizing afforestation as a nature-based solution for climate action. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area stands not just as a local treasure but as a testament to the enduring impact of one man’s vision on a global scale. As we navigate the challenges of our era, may we draw inspiration from St. Barbe’s legacy and continue sowing the seeds for a sustainable and greener future, now more important than ever before.

Conclusion: Sowing Seeds for a Sustainable Tomorrow

As the United Nations World Development Information Day unfolds on October 24, it serves as a poignant reminder of the environmental champions like Richard St. Barbe Baker whose influence reverberates through time. From combating desertification to inspiring global tree-planting initiatives, St. Barbe’s vision lives on, intertwined with the ongoing efforts of individuals like Hugh Locke.

In a world facing environmental challenges, the words of St. Barbe Baker resonate: “If we are to enter the New Century with new forests, we must start planting now for our very lives.” As the United Nations continues its vital work, the legacy of St. Barbe Baker serves as a beacon, guiding us to sow the seeds of a sustainable and greener future.

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Richard St. Barbe Baker Commemorative Signage at the Meeewasin Trail near the Diefenbaker Center on the University of Saskatchewan campus, City of Saskatoon
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections,
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections,
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Areas Sign West Side. Saskatoon, SK
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71
  1. Have you ever celebrated World Development Information Day on October 24th to draw attention to global development issues and the need for international cooperation in solving them?
  2. Were you aware that Richard St. Barbe Baker, a pioneer in global conservation, went before the United Nations to address the first conference on desertification in 1977, bringing attention to the critical issue of environmental degradation?
  3. Did you know that St. Barbe Baker’s concept of a ‘Green Front’ became a reality, eventually gaining approval from the Conference of Leaders and Heads of States members of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States in 2005?
  4. Are you familiar with Hugh Locke, a Baha’i-inspired environmental activist, who worked closely with St. Barbe Baker during the last five years of his life, and later continued his legacy by leading Canada’s national youth service program for tree-planting?
  5. Did you know that the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign, which has planted over a billion trees worldwide, was partly inspired by St. Barbe’s example and his dedication to global reforestation efforts?
  6. Are you aware of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, a 326-acre woodlands in Saskatoon, named in honor of this environmental pioneer, and considered a local treasure?
  7. Did you know that St. Barbe Baker’s vision of afforestation is now recognized worldwide as a nature-based solution for climate action, with global efforts focused on planting trees for environmental sustainability?
  8. Were you aware that the United Nations has recognized St. Barbe’s idea of a ‘Green Front,’ highlighting the importance of trees and forestry, as a significant contribution to the global environmental movement?
  9. Are you familiar with St. Barbe Baker’s writings, where he emphasized the urgency of planting, protecting, and loving trees, especially during his proposal for a “Year of the Tree” in 1982?
  10. Do you agree with St. Barbe Baker’s perspective that afforestation and tree planting are critical for our survival, especially considering the current global environmental challenges and the need for sustainable practices?

Bibliography:

  1. International Tree Foundation. “World Day to Combat Desertification, 17 June.” https://www.internationaltreefoundation.org/news/world-day-to-combat-desertification-17-june
  2. Locke, Hugh. “The Inspired Life of Richard St. Barbe Baker.” https://vocal.media/earth/the-inspired-life-of-richard-st-barbe-baker
  3. St. Barbe Baker, Richard. “The Man of the Trees.” https://arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/saintbaker.pdf

For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52Β° 06β€² 106Β° 45β€²
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S Β½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 β€œGeorge Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
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Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
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β€œBe like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker