Leading South African Scientist to Head Up Enviromental Advisory board

LEADING scientist Dr Ian Raper was today announced as Chairman of The Earth Organization Scientific Advisory Board. The Earth Organization (TEO), a South African-based international environmental body which was founded in Zululand, regards the appointment of Dr Raper - the internationally respected President of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science (S2A3) - as a major coup.

“Dr Raper’s appointment is in keeping with The Earth Organization’s basic philosophy,” said local conservationist and TEO founder, Lawrence Anthony. “Our aim is to create a fundamental change in mankind’s awareness of, and relationship to, his environment and the plant and animal kingdoms.

"We do this by example and education, thereby reversing the downward spiral of the planet’s vital bio-diversity. We manage the interaction between mankind, agriculture, industry, commerce and the environment through applicable environmentalism using accurate data, workable tools, and a business and scientific approach,” said Anthony, who earned world acclaim with his efforts in saving the Bagdad Zoo early the Iraqi war. “The Earth Organization’s byline is ‘None Survive Alone.’”


To the surprise of many in the business world, Anthony went on to say,“Respecting bio-diversity means respecting our own survival. Commerce, agriculture and industry are an integral part of man’s survival, as are the plant and animal kingdoms and the environment. They cannot be set apart. Many industries are in fact setting the standards for environmental integration and should not be the automatic target of environmental groups, when in fact they are a large part of the solution. The key is the application of the correct ethics gradient.”

Dr Raper indicated that he considered TEO a critical role player as a global environmental watchdog. “There is no doubt that all our combined wisdom, expertise and passion are needed now as never before. Our collective well-being, in fact, is the final frontier. Increasing human consumption, species extinction, climatic deterioration, poverty and illness all demand to be met with courage and confidence,” said Raper. “The informed principles and resourceful activities of The Earth Organization should inspire people everywhere to work together. Acting in concert, we will make a difference."