Artwork 2008
The Erfurt Urbio 2008 Flags: Ecology, Passion, and Culture
Erfurt Urbio 2008
The Erfurt Flags are a celebration of the natural wealth contained in the world´s urban spaces and of the people who, inspired by this beauty, together work to help it thrive.
Participants at the Urbio 2008 Conference were asked to express what led to their own personal ‘Ureka’s’ – the sparks that ignited their interest in ecology and nature.
These moments of inspiration are fundamental to understanding how to celebrate and share the vital importance of urban ecology and biodiversity to all our lives.
As a creative statement, the Erfurt Flags compliment the exciting ambitions of The Erfurt Declaration, which was composed at the culmination of the Urbio 2008 Conference.
COP 9 and The Mayor`s Conference 2008: Local Action for Biodiversity
Norbert Müller will bring The Erfurt Declaration to the COP 9 and the Mayor`s Conference in Bonn: He will also share the Erfurt Flags as an expression of the passion and skills that exist throughout the world amongst individuals, urban communities, organisations and research institutes.
In turn, the Mayors will be invited to add their own flag. This will be a chance for them to express their own aspirations for the role of ecology to urban life and its enrichment. In this way, the flags are a cultural statement that people from all walks of life can engage with.
A ripple effect: passing on the passion
After the Mayor`s Conference, the Flags will be showcased at the National Wildflower Centre and other venues in Liverpool as part of the city`s European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations. Participants will add their own ‘Eurekas’ to the growing chain of Flags, creating an artwork to inspire new thoughts, feelings and actions.
The passion expressed in the Flags will then be passed on to further international venues through the CBD (Citizen Biodiversity Network).
On behalf of Urbio 2008 Conference
Richard Scott, Landlife, Liverpool,UK.(rscott@landlife.org.uk)
Prof. Dr. Norbert Müller, Erfurt
