With the release of a new coin issue, Cook Island, a natural Insular State which has an intense political connection to New Zealand, points out the endangered environment in the Polar region and the possible global consequences.

New Zealand belongs to the Antarctic Riparian States and to the twelve founders of the Antarctic Treaty which came into force in 1961. This agreement regulates the right of ownership and the legal right of use on this frosty continent and guarantees unrestricted scientific research. Furthermore it aims to substantially protect the delicate ecological system.

This issue is more newsworthy than ever due to the climate change which has been self-induced by all of us. Fortunately our awareness is slowly maturing and we have realised that an efficient environmental protection is not only the affair of economy, politics and science but also begins with each one of us.

“Be considerate”, “live in close communion with nature” and “refrain from unnecessary things”, are just a few keywords which we should always bear in mind to make the future of our children worth living.

The Emperor Penguin which is an original inhabitant of the Antarctic and the Ice Bear with its cub who live on the opposite pole, represent the whole animal kingdom which is endangered by the human’s moral conduct.