Bodhi tree and pond at Lumbini from this page.
Thein, a Meditation Circle member, passed along this petition about an important subject in the larger Buddhist world. The information below is excerpted from the petition form, which you can find and sign online at this link. To read the group’s full petition with background information, see here.
INTERNATIONAL PETITION TO PROTECT LUMBINI’S ENVIRONMENT
Dear Friends of Lumbini:
The Lumbini Environmental Protection Alliance (LEPA) is writing to ask for your help in protecting Lumbini’s environment and the health of its local population. As you may know, Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha and is situated in Nepal. It is one of the four holy sites of Buddhism, the other three being Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kusinagar, all located in India. In recognition of its religious significance, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Lumbini as a World Heritage Site in 1997 …
Today, environmental pollution from heavy industry (cement and steel plants) that have located in the Lumbini region of Nepal is degrading air and ground water quality and local agriculture. It is likely impacting human health as well. A campaign has been underway for some years now to stop this desecration of Lumbini’s sacred space. As the collective voice of Lumbini’s friends around the world, LEPA is writing to humbly request your support in an international effort to protect and safeguard Nepal’s Lumbini from the growing impacts of environmental pollution …
This petition is an appeal to Nepal’s Ministry of Industry’s Industrial Promotion Board (IPB) to:
(1) create an industry-free zone around Lumbini,
(2) freeze the establishment of new industries outside of this industry-free area, and
(3) strictly monitor existing industrial firms.
… As the voice of concern for Lumbini, we urge you to sign this petition by adding your name and country of residence to the form (and by answering the optional questions as well if you wish); and clicking the ‘Submit’ button. You will be adding your voice thereby to that of other individuals and organizations around the world who understand the importance of cherishing and preserving this world treasure. The Lumbini Environmental Protection Alliance wishes to express its maha-gratitude for your anticipated support of its effort on behalf of current and future generations of beings everywhere!
With much metta! | Lumbini Environment Protection Alliance
Click here to sign on to the petition.
