Queen Noor of Jordan, an avid campaigner for global environmental issues, will be the speaker and guest of honour at The Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) fundraising gala on March 10.

The gala evening, which will take place at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, will benefit BBSR?s century-old marine research and educational programmes.

The black-tie event will also include a silent auction of luxury getaways, sports tickets and other items, dinner with Queen Noor, and dancing to The Tom Ray Band.

Queen Noor said: ?Environmental protection is a prerequisite for the social, economic and even political security of people, for the sustainability of natural resources on which so many depend for sustenance and for the reduction of human suffering.?

Queen Noor is patron of The World Conservation Union, honorary president of BirdLife International and a board member of World Wildlife Fund International.

In addition, the Queen is a leading voice for a better understanding of Middle Eastern culture and politics, Arab-Western relations and other vital global issues.

Since 1978, she has initiated, directed, and sponsored projects and activities in Jordan to address specific national development needs in the areas of education, culture, women?s and children?s welfare, sustainable community development, environmental conservation, human rights and conflict resolution. She has also worked closely with the United Nations and other international organisations to address global challenges in these fields.

Those interested in more information and in purchasing tickets or tables for the event should telephone BBSR at 297-1880 extension 204 or e-mail vshortobbsr.edu