In a special Year of the Dolphin event on 4 November, the Dolphin Fund (DF) and Naturpuunt being the campaign co-coordinator in Belgium, presented results and activities as a contribution to dolphin conservation and awareness raising in that country.

In the presence of Prince Laurent of Belgium and official representatives of the National Committee, a Dolphin Charter was signed by the Executive Secretary in the old town hall of Nieuwpoort. HRH Prince Laurent and Mr. Hepworth participated in a question time on how individuals could support the Year of the Dolphin and long-term dolphin conservation.

At the official opening of the closing event at the North Sea Market the Dolphin Charter was read out to the audience in the presence of the Federal Minister of Transport and the North Sea, Mr. Renaat Landuyt, the Flemish Minister of Nature & Environment Minister Hilde Crevits, the Chair of the National Committee and Natuurpunt Walter Roggemann and Lord Mayor Roland Crabbe. The Dolphin Charter states that dolphins are a “barometer” for healthy seas, nature and the impact of human activities. Dolphins therefore need to be protected by dedicated individuals, private organizations and governments at a regional and international level. It invites politicians, nature wardens, scientists, fishermen and others to commit themselves as North Sea activists and act as permanent ambassadors for dolphins and a healthy and prosperous North Sea.

Patrick Lagrou, Belgian author of children literature who dedicated his recent book “Can dolphins fall in love?” to the Year of the Dolphin, awarded prizes to the winning classes participating in the Dolphin Week.

Ms. Ineke Dezentjé, Dutch Member of Parliament and Chair of the DF, handed over two symbolic cheques with the proceeds of the Belgian campaign to Mr. Hepworth. In his address to the public, Robert Hepworth acknowledged the contribution of Belgium and the Netherlands to the Year of the Dolphin and to dolphin conservation as Parties to CMS and ASCOBANS.

After the public event, CMS participated in a meeting with the Dutch Member of Parliament and Chair of the Dolphin Fund Ms. Ineke Dezentjé, the President of the European Coastal Union, Albert Salman, and the Campaign Co-ordinator in Belgium, Bart Slabbinck to discuss the possibility of a partnership between the Dolphin Fund and CMS.