France

Rueil-Malmaison

In these polluted times, the earth was still very young but started to get dirty and became terribly ugly. Its face cracked like the arid soil in deserts and it cried dirty rivers ...

It was what was called the "Blue Planet"... Then its eyes became red with anger when it saw itself like this. In order to put an end to this nightmare, she called upon her messengers: the golden eagle for the air, the turtle for water, the bear for land and the snake for fire and underground.

-Help me, my animals! groaned the Earth. Look at how ugly I've become because of man!" she said sadly. "Go into the field and gather representatives from all countries on Machu Picchu.
- Why there? the bear asked respectfully.
- Because it's a place that is still preserved from pollution, replied the Earth, it was a sacred place for Incas who respected me and lived in harmony with nature... Now man has forgotten about me and look... I am gradually disappearing. There's no more time to lose, I'll give you five days to carry out your quest".

With these words the animals left for the four corners of the world. The eagle helped the birds leave for the Americas. The turtle helped its aquatic friends leave for Oceania. The bear left with the animals from the forest and others for Europe and Asia. And the snake and his reptile brothers travelled to Africa. Five days later, representatives from all the countries gathered on Machu Picchu. Every one impatiently awaited the Earth's arrival. When it came in, there was a long silence. Every one could see how it had become like a ghost in its long dark robe:

-Time is crucial, it said, look what you have done to me with your selfishness, you have forgotten about me and I crumble a bit more every day. If this goes on, I'll completely disappear and man will follow!!!
-We have to do something to stop this!! shouted several representatives.

The Earth came forward and gave each of them four items stating:

- This dove feather represents the air and if it becomes black, then the air will be unbreathable. -
- If these ice crystals stop dripping, then the drought will spread everywhere.
- Here is the seed of an olive tree, plant it so that it produces other trees. The first tree must not die otherwise all the forests will disappear.
- Here is a lit wooden torch, it must not go out otherwise I will die". Once they were back in their countries, man told of what it had seen and heard.

They took care of their presents from the Earth and lived in respect of nature. The Earth became beautiful once again.