Press Releases

Museum unveils a precious exhibit

Water put on a pedestal by Environment Agency Wales at National Museum Cardiff

It is vital for our survival and contributes to our enjoyment of life. A new exhibit, uncovered at National Museum Cardiff today (from 11am, Tuesday 16 June 2009) will encourage visitors to consider the significance of our water.

Water is precious - which is ultimately a glass a water formally displayed in the Museum - forms part of the launch of Environment Agency Wales' new ‘Water Resources Strategy: Water for People and the Environment.' The report urges consumers and businesses to use water more efficiently to protect our rivers and to help prevent possible future water shortages due to climate change and population growth.

"More people are using more water," said Chris Mills, Director, Environment Agency Wales. "We all need to realise that water is a precious resource."

This initiative highlights Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales' work with Environment Agency Wales to raise awareness of the importance of water in our environment and society.

"Water is precious is more than a glass of water!" said Graham Oliver, Head of Biodiversity and Systematic Biology, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. "The exhibit represents the importance of preserving our water not only for our well being but for the continuing existence of our natural world. It will be on display here for three months as a reminder to visitors and each month, the amount of water will be reduced to signify what will happen to the resource if we don't manage it carefully."

The exhibit will be on show in the Museum's Diversity Gallery, which displays the breadth of biodiversity that exists. It includes examples of species which could also be affected by these predicted water shortages. If too much water is taken from wetland habitats, it will have a detrimental impact on plant and animal species.

The Museum's scientists are involved in projects that monitor water quality and the wildlife that lives in or around water, both in Wales and further afield. Research like this can help us manage and use our rivers in a way that will protect and preserve our biodiversity.

In its new ‘Water Resources Strategy: Water for People and the Environment,' the Agency sets out measures to help protect water resources to 2050 and beyond. Water supplies in Wales will come under increasing pressure in the future and the Agency is warning that plans need to be put in place now to manage the increasing demand without damaging the environment.

"With the likelihood of less water available in future years, we need to consider carefully how we can help to save water," concludes Mr Mills from Environment Agency Wales. "Reducing the amount of water we use daily and becoming more aware of the hidden costs of water use can help save money as well as the environment."

Admission to National Museum Cardiff and to see Water is precious is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

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For further information, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer on (029) 2057 3185/07920 027067 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.

or

Monica Boehringer, Press Officer, Environment Agency Wales on 029 2046 6026 or email: Umonica.boehringer@environment-agency.gov.ukU.