An environmental exposition is hoping to draw the weekend crowd, promising nearly 20 eco-themed attractions at the Botanical Gardens.

Eden Project organisers said the event addresses the environmental challenges faced in Bermuda, and tries to find `'honest, achievable solutions".

President and Eden Project founder Joy Williams spoke to Hamilton Rotarians yesterday. She told their weekly luncheon the exhibition covers an array of subjects, all relating to how we live, where we live and how we look after the ecosystem.

"Perhaps the most important part of the environment is how well we coexist with other life forms," said Ms Williams.

"We cannot ignore global challenges, but we can change our own little corner of the world for the better. We must try to come up with some attainable solutions to problems. Right now, we are facing several challenges that need to be addressed," she told Rotarians.

Among the problems to be addressed is "social separateness", which Mrs. Williams termed "widespread".

"Some only blame race, but it is also a question of snobbery. All over the world, there are people who believe they are better born than others.

"All the lofty persons who never see anyone on the street need a reality check. Make eye contact with your fellow man and perhaps even try to smile," said Mrs. Williams.

"The old-boy network, the caste systems - some people think they have a divine right to exclude. The massacre of the people of Tasmania, the Holocaust, the killings in Rwanda. . . Most of the time there is just an almost benign lack of respect for our fellow man," she said.

Mrs. Williams said the casualties in these problems include children, who have to contend with 100 million unexploded mines and "the gorillas who are truly lost in the mist of war in Rwanda".

The Eden Project environmental exposition will have 18 features, five pavilions, and runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Admission is free, but the Project is accepting donations.

The Sea Pavilion, in the Jack King building, will highlight the importance of the sea and address such questions as using the sea as a garbage dump, and "are our reefs dying. . ?"

Live children's art will be presented as well.

At the Earth and Sky pavilion, people can address questions such as: "Are we managing our open spaces?" and "How can we dispose of our garbage more efficiently. . ?"

The Kid's World pavilion will be run by local schools, showcasing their environmental projects as well as eco-lessons for kids.

Mrs. Williams advised people to visit the It's Your Body attraction, presented by the Health Ministry. There will be topics such as "Why people who floss live five to seven years longer" and "Why organs work the way they do".

In the main Agricultural and Fisheries offices, there will be a confidential Who Can I Call group composed of lawyers, Human Rights and Rent Commission, Women's Health, WindReach and Child Wish representatives, organised by the Consumer Affairs department.

Premier Jennifer Smith has allowed organisers to use Camden House for a variation of the popular TV show The Antiques Road Show, in an exhibit called Is It an Antique? Here a panel of experts will look at objects brought in by the public and determine their value.

There is a $5 charge for this service and a maximum limit of three items.

Dance Bermuda Dance features all the Island's dance schools presenting their own special styles of instruction.

Similarly, there will be an Energy Gardens attraction where there will be demonstrations of the Pilates and Feldenkrais methods of motion.

Also, take a walk to the Tranquillity Zone for an alternative therapy and massage.

In addition, animal lovers can stop by the Temple of the Animals, an informative trip into the world of exotic animals.

Lastly the Dog Trainers Association will be making a presentation.