David Attenborough praises Queen's Commonwealth canopy tree project

The Queen speaks with Sir David Attenborough at a Buckingham Palace event to showcase forestry projects
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Robert Jobson16 November 2016

TV legend Sir David Attenborough last night made an impassioned plea at Buckingham Palace to save our rainforests so they can "keep breathing life into our planet."

The popular broadcaster and naturalist, said the human race has an "obligation to nurture and replenish our natural environment."

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Queen, Sir David, who like the Her Majesty is 90, praised our monarch for her leadership by launching The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) so far in 20 Commonwealth counties.

The Reception was attended by high-profile guests including Sir David Attenborough, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Shawn Richards.

Sir David Attenborough told them: “Preserving the world's green corridors, forests, jungles and botanic gardens is the simplest and most effective way to keep breathing life into planet earth.

The Queen shares a joke with Sir David Attenborough at Buckingham Palace
PA

"Over my nine decades, I have witnessed the devastating effect of the destruction of our forests and disregard for the importance of trees.

"I do believe that we have an obligation to nurture and replenish our natural environment for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.

"I am immensely grateful to Your Majesty for showing great leadership by putting your name to this initiative.

"I am also pleased to see so many Governments here tonight responding to the call. We all have a role to play.

"And, in your 90th year Your Majesty, we are fortunate that you are still thinking about the future and how to make this a better world.”

Sir David Attenborough talks animatedly with the Queen
PA

Her Majesty presented a certificate of QCC partnership to the High Commissioners of each of the 20 countries, from Antigua and Barbuda to Zambia, that have dedicated projects to the QCC since it was conceived in 2015.

It is good that all 52 Commonwealth countries will have made commitments by the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Spring 2018. The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth.

The Reception was also attended by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson
PA

Claire Whitaker OBE, Chair of The Royal Commonwealth Society said: “The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy demonstrates the great potential of the Commonwealth network, as its 52 member countries unite to preserve indigenous forests and wildlife for future generations.

"Created in The Queen’s name, the QCC will construct a lasting legacy to honour Her Majesty’s service as Head of the Commonwealth.”

Sir David Attenborough was commended for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the Old Vic Theatre.

The popular English broadcaster and naturalist – and the only person to have won BAFTAs for programmes in black and white, colour, HD, and 3D - was presented with the Beyond Theatre award for his captivating commentary on British wildlife programmes.

Prince William presented Sir David with the prestigious award, praising the much-loved broadcaster for his "memorable romps with gorillas" and "deep concern for the natural world".

On Sunday, Prince Harry starts a tour of the Caribbean region where he will unveil QCC dedications in Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on behalf of The Queen.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched British Columbia’s dedication, the Great Bear Rainforest, during Their Royal Tour to Canada in September.

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