U.S. AMBASSADOR DIVES INTO SHARK TANK FOR EARTH DAY 'UNDER THE SEA'

Jakarta, Apr 20 (ANTARA) - The U.S. Embassy on Saturday organized a day of environmentally-themed, youth-oriented Earth Day activities for approximately 100 Indonesian children from East and West Jakarta public elementary schools and "Rumah Kita" Indonesian Care for Cancer Foundation, it was reported here Monday.

While Earth Day traditionally conjures images of forests and land-based conservation efforts, with two-thirds of the world covered in water, and with Indonesia hosting the World Oceanic Conference (WOC) in Manado next month, this year's U.S. Embassy's Earth Day celebrations were aimed at calling attention to Indonesia unique underwater biodiversity.
After making remarks about the importance of preserving the world's underwater ecosystems, U.S. Ambassador Cameron R. Hume then dived into the Sea World Indonesia shark aquarium, according to a press release from the US embassy received by ANTARA on Monday.
"Next month, Indonesia will host the World Ocean Conference and Coral Triangle Initiative Summit in Manado. The U.S. and Indonesia are working together to ensure that the rich biodiversity Indonesia enjoys will be preserved for future generations," said Ambassador Hume.
The United States Government is supporting the Coral Triangle Initiative with a $40 million, five-year program for improving the management of marine and coastal resources in the region.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a key part of this effort, and already a partner of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and other Indonesian institutions.
U.S. corporations, including Starbucks, General Motors, Coca-Cola, and McDonalds generously sponsored the Embassy's Earth Day event, providing transportation, books, games and refreshments for the participating children