James Cameron is taking steps to make our earth closer to the lush, green and eco-balanced world of Pandora. In accordance with the Earth Day release of Avatar on blue-ray and DVD, Cameron is embarking on an initiative to plant trees in 15 countries worldwide, to be completed by the end of the year.
Sunday in São Paulo, he and his star Sigourney Weaver planted a pau-brasil, a native Brazilian tree that is also 99 percent extinct. Planting this type of tree symbolizes the hope of recuperating the natural plant-life that has been destroyed by massive deforestation.
As the planting continues around the world by various global partner organizations, it will be sure that each tree is indigenous to the region so as not to upset the natural ecosystem. In addition to planting the trees, the organizations will also look after them until fully grown and help to protect them against landslides, fires and other natural disasters.
“Avatar sends a universal message about the danger of exploiting our natural resources and brings to the forefront of the global consciousness the need to protect our planet and humanity,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network in a press release. “We hope this commitment from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment to plant one million trees, will inspire others to stand up against climate change for Earth Day.”
The Earth Day network is an international nonprofit organization with partners in 190 countries. Their mission is to coordinate Earth Day events around the world to educate and inspire communities to take action in creating a sustainable, healthy environment.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to share the environmental messages from Avatar through the efforts during the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and with Earth Day Network,” said Cameron. “Earth Day Network’s commitment and actions to promote a healthy, sustainable planet go hand-in-hand with the themes of Avatar.”
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