Bear Ban Controversy Prompts the Declaration of International Bear Day

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 4, 2014) - On September 11, Artists for Conservation will announce the first International Bear Day at its second annual BC Conservation Symposium, hosted at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at the University of British Columbia. A panel of conservation experts and guests will together select the date to be recognized annually as International Bear Day.

"The Symposium offers a unique forum to explore how principles, passion, art and education can strengthen the conservation movement," said Jeff Whiting, founder and President of Artists for Conservation. "Given the recent spotlight on bear trophy hunting, we're aiming to stimulate healthy dialogue around the critical role bears play in our ecosystem, their economic and cultural value, and the strong relationship between a healthy bear population and healthy overall forest ecosystem."

This year B.C. has issued the highest number of hunting authorizations in decades, with roughly 1,800 trophy-hunting licenses sold. According to a recent survey, 88 per cent of B.C. residents oppose bear trophy hunting. The bear theme at the Symposium will tie into the fourth annual Artists for Conservation Festival beginning on September 26 at Grouse Mountain.

"Guests attending the Symposium will have the opportunity to engage with some of the most well-respected conservation leaders and artists," said Whiting. "Conservation experts from the David Suzuki Foundation, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Bears Forever, Coastal First Nations and Grouse Mountain's Refuge for Endangered Wildlife will offer presentations throughout the day."

For online registration please visit: www.ConservationBC.org

Artists for Conservation

Artists for Conservation (AFC) is the world's leading group of artists supporting the environment. Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world's most gifted nature artists from 27 countries, across five continents. Dedicated to nurture, promote and leverage its world-class community of artists in support of our natural world, AFC drives its mission through three key programs: Art & Environmental Education; Field Work & Research; and Artist Development. The Artists for Conservation Festival is AFC's annual flagship initiative to showcase, support and further these programs. For more information, visit http://www.artistsforconservation.org.