It’s Tuesday, and chances are that you don’t have much going on this evening. If that’s the case, we have something fun for you to do, and it’s also revolves around a potentially worthy distinction.
From 7pm to 8:30pm, the Atrium@Rich’s will be open to the public to recognize World Water Day. Since the Atrium@Rich’s sits along one of the most significant water sources in the world, it is only fitting to host such a honorary gathering inside – not to mention getting a chance to see the amazing atrium renovations that were recently completed.
There is an ulterior motive behind this tribute, which would cast Buffalo in an incredible light. A presentation will be held, which will discuss Niagara River’s big opportunity to be nominated as Ramsar Site. Only a handful of the world’s most significant water bodies are awarded this distinction, and as we all know, the Niagara River is worthy of these top honors. Designations of this nature are few and far between, and help to ramp up crucial sustainability, clean-up and preservation efforts moving forward.
If awarded the distinction, the Niagara River would become the first Transboundary Ramsar Site in the Americas. This would be a bi-national proposal. Other Ramsar designated bodies of water include the Nile River delta and the Everglades.
Please join water advocates this evening at the Atrium@Rich’s, and pay your respects to one of this city’s most notable natural resources.
Ramsar is the oldest of the modern global intergovernmental environmental agreements. The treaty was negotiated through the 1960s by countries and non – governmental organizations concerned about the increasing loss and degradation of wetland habitat for migratory waterbirds. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
This event will be hosted by the Niagara River Greenway Commission and the Niagara Corridor Ramsar Site Steering Committee.
Greg Stevens, Chair of the Niagara River Greenway Commission, and Sam Hoyt, WNY Regional President of Empire State Development, will introduce the event.
Presentations will be given by: students from UB’s Environmental Law and Policy Clinic; John Hartig, Manager of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Humbug Marsh Ramsar Site; and Jajean Rose-Burney, Development Director at the Western New York Land Conservancy and Co-Chair of the Niagara Corridor Ramsar Site Steering Committee.
The full Niagara Corridor Ramsar Site Steering Committee includes representatives from the Brock University Environmental Sustainability Research Unit, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Niagara Parks Commission, Niagara College, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, UB Regional Institute, and Western New York Land Conservancy.
Pay Tribute to World Water Day at the newly renovated Atrium@Rich’s
1 Robert Rich Way, Buffalo, New York 14213
Created for WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable
Presentations will begin at 7:15 and will be followed by a Q&A with the audience.