T he Manila Aqua Marine and Aquatic Resources Expo 2009 (MAMARE 2009) will be held on August 20-23 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. It is a benefit trade show aimed at maintaining, and possibly enhancing further, the position of the Philippines as the center of marine biodiversity in the world.

It will focus on the young but fast growing Philippine Aquatic Industry. It will present lectures and seminars on the opportunities that the industry offers, as well as the threats to it. Topics that will be covered include maritime disaster response, the controversial Maritime Code, livelihood opportunities on fisheries, some aquatic sports, e.g., diving and surfing, with some demonstrations, aqua arts, and many more!

The Philippines is an island nation. Its 7,000 plus islands are surrounded by water that offers a gold mine that can last forever--if the marine and aquatic resources are harnessed in a sustainable manner. That is one of the biggest environment and sustainable development challenges facing the country today.

How could and should we respond to this challenge? Hear some answers from Kalikasan, Kaunlaran! (KK!) on August 5, 2009, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Manila time), at DZRH-AM radio (666 in Metro Manila, other kHz nationwide), TV (Ch. 9 in Metro Manila, other cable TV channels nationwide), and Internet (http://dzrh.tripod.com or http://dzrh.prepys.com).

G uests who will discuss the topic are MAMARE 2009 spokesperson and licensed diver Cristy Ramos, former chair, Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission; Mayor Alex Aranaz of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, a beneficiary of MAMARE'09; and Jun Reynales, marine conservation diver for Pola. Dr. Cora Claudio, president, EARTH Institute Asia, will moderate the discussion.

Join also the Quiz, contests, campaigns and projects of EARTH and Kalikasan, Kaunlaran! To join all, register at 2299: earth<space>your message.

The co-producers of Kalikasan, Kaunlaran! are EARTH Inst. Asia   and  DZRH, with the support of Unilever, Unilab, Toby's Sports, Delbros Supply Chain Solutions, Yehey.Com, MAP,  and  Brahma Kumaris,  and the cooperation of GREEN Army, PFST, TOWNS, PBE, AIJC, PEIA, DENR, MabuhayRadio.com, and  various groups/individuals.

Join also the EARTHnetwork for Sustainable Living —a network of producers, sellers, and  users of eco-products for the wellness of people  and  planet earth-- from decorative herbal plants to electric vehicles.

Inquiries: 671-3266, 0917-829-1718, or earthinstitute@gmail.com.