CWF champions wildlife at the Vancouver Olympic Games

OTTAWA , Feb. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - As athletes and visitors from across the globe meet in Whistler for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the Canadian Wildlife Federation will be showcasing our native wildlife and the wildlife habitat they call home.

" Canada is known around the world as a country that boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes, natural spaces and wildlife. It is an intrinsic part of what people identify as being Canadian," says Wade Luzny, Executive Vice President of the CWF. "With the spotlight on Canada for the Winter Games, CWF is providing opportunities for international Olympic athletes, guests and spectators to gain an understanding of the wildlife we so dearly appreciate and work hard to conserve."

Hinterland Who's Who at the Canadian Pavilion

The United Nations Secretariat on Biodiversity will be airing two Hinterland Who's Who videos at the Canadian Pavilion throughout the Games. Hinterland Who's Who is a joint program of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Environment Canada's Wildlife Services. The original program, which featured well-known vignettes, was successfully re-launched in 2003. The videos shown during the Games will help promote 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity.

New Art Installation

CWF commissioned artists from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design to create a unique art installation that will educate its audience about water conservation. Part of the Cultural Olympiad, the interactive installation, entitled Waterfall, will be on public display at Whistler Canada Olympic House on February 13, 20 and 27 and at the TEDxWhistler "Tourism in a Sustainable World" conference on February 18 .

Animated Dreams

During the Winter Games, athletes will be striving to make their Olympic dreams come true. CWF will be cheering on our Canadian athletes and furthering the dreams of our Canadian wildlife. Through short animations featured on cwf-fcf.org and YouTube, CWF is inspiring people to share in the vision of a bright future for Canadian wildlife.

Sustaining Sea to Sky

CWF's presence in the Sea to Sky corridor extends beyond the 2010 Olympic Games. From CWF-funded Wetland Keeper workshops conducted by the BC Wildlife Federation to a grant for three permanent educational conservation signs at Whistler Blackcomb beginning in spring 2010, CWF is working in partnership with local organizations to ensure that wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation remain important priorities in this scenic region.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation

CWF is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending legislative changes and cooperating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians may live in harmony with nature. Visit cwf-fcf.org for more information.

For further information: Pam Logan, Communications Coordinator, Canadian Wildlife Federation, [phone] ext. 250, [email protected]