Category: World Wildlife Fund

Source: World Wildlife Fund

Belém do Pará, August 9th, 2023.

The Belem Declaration signed yesterday by the governments of the eight Amazonian countries brings an important political message: we must act now to prevent the biome from reaching the point of no return. Science has already shown that we are dangerously close to reaching that point: if we continue to lose the region’s forests and other ecosystems at the current rate, in less than 10 years the forest could enter a process of irreversible degradation. This would have severe climate, economic and social consequences for all of Latin America and the world.

It is significant that the leaders of the countries of the region have listened to the science and understood the call of society: the Amazon is in danger, and we do not have much time to act.

However, WWF regrets that the eight Amazonian countries, as one front, have not reached a common point to end deforestation in the region. Brazil and Colombia have committed to stopping deforestation by 2030, but this goal was not accepted by other countries. The presidents decided to create an “Amazon Alliance to Combat Deforestation”. Nevertheless, they did not come to an agreement on a unified goal between the countries, which is imperative to avoid the point of no return.

In the text, the governments of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela agree to “work jointly in the implementation of actions to eradicate the illegal exploitation of minerals and related crimes, including money laundering.” This is a necessary and an urgent measure.

Recent studies show that a great part of the Amazonian population, including indigenous peoples and traditional communities, but also those living in urban areas, are exposed to mercury contamination. Therefore, transnational policies and mechanisms for prevention, regulation, control, alerts, response, and remediation of environmental crimes and other illegal activities, including illegal gold mining, must be adopted.

A point to highlight in the declaration is the agreement to strengthen the ACTO (Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization) as a key institution for articulation and cooperation for sustainable development in the region. WWF views this decision with optimism since it will not be possible to carry out the implementation agenda of this summit without a more agile and politically supported body.

The text recognizes indigenous peoples and local communities’ rights to the territory, urging countries to move forward with the demarcation, titling, and protection of their territories, which provide immense ecosystem services to all societies. They are the true guardians of the Amazon, their involvement in the development of a sustainable economy is of fundamental importance for the region, with its cultural richness and ancestral knowledge.

There is still a lack of commitment from the Amazonian governments on how to harmonize national legislation and improve the guarantee of territorial rights in countries where these have not yet been developed.

Also missing are key elements to guarantee the conservation of 80% of the Amazon, such as defining common actions for protected areas expansion and effective management, the strengthening of conservation measures including recognition of indigenous territories, and a comprehensive landscape approach with ecosystem and cultural connectivity.

We recognize the importance of this Declaration as a political moment in favor of the Amazon. Despite not having reached concrete goals for some of the critical issues in the region, the fact that the presidents have met to discuss how to avoid the point of no return is to be commemorated.

In the coming months, the ACTO, already strengthened, must work on an action plan, with defined dates, goals, and resources to put the agreements of this summit into practice. ACTO’s efforts should be integrated into the commitments on the international agenda in the various multilateral processes in the future. Society organizations, including WWF, will be ready to help in any way possible, as the challenge of avoiding the point of no return belongs to all of us and it is now. Only together will it be possible.

Mauricio Voivodic, Executive Director of WWF-Brazil, says:

“It is positive that the heads of state have recognized the point of no return in the Amazon and the urgency of avoiding it. However, it is necessary to adopt concrete and solid measures that can eliminate deforestation as quickly as possible. Combating and eliminating illegal gold and mercury contamination, which have become an environmental and public health problem in the region, requires equal attention and urgency. It is also imperative to increase protected areas and indigenous territories. ACTO has emerged strengthened, which helps the rapid implementation of effective actions in the fight against deforestation, mercury, and illegal mining, as well as in the expansion of protected areas and indigenous territories”.

Media Contacts:

Monica Echeverria | Director, Media and External Affairs, WWF

[email protected]

Lauren Gleason | Director, Media and External Affairs, WWF

[email protected]

Source: World Wildlife Fund

Belém do Pará, August 9th, 2023.

The Belem Declaration signed yesterday by the governments of the eight Amazonian countries brings an important political message: we must act now to prevent the biome from reaching the point of no return. Science has already shown that we are dangerously close to reaching that point: if we continue to lose the region’s forests and other ecosystems at the current rate, in less than 10 years the forest could enter a process of irreversible degradation. This would have severe climate, economic and social consequences for all of Latin America and the world.

It is significant that the leaders of the countries of the region have listened to the science and understood the call of society: the Amazon is in danger, and we do not have much time to act.

However, WWF regrets that the eight Amazonian countries, as one front, have not reached a common point to end deforestation in the region. Brazil and Colombia have committed to stopping deforestation by 2030, but this goal was not accepted by other countries. The presidents decided to create an “Amazon Alliance to Combat Deforestation”. Nevertheless, they did not come to an agreement on a unified goal between the countries, which is imperative to avoid the point of no return.

In the text, the governments of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela agree to “work jointly in the implementation of actions to eradicate the illegal exploitation of minerals and related crimes, including money laundering.” This is a necessary and an urgent measure.

Recent studies show that a great part of the Amazonian population, including indigenous peoples and traditional communities, but also those living in urban areas, are exposed to mercury contamination. Therefore, transnational policies and mechanisms for prevention, regulation, control, alerts, response, and remediation of environmental crimes and other illegal activities, including illegal gold mining, must be adopted.

A point to highlight in the declaration is the agreement to strengthen the ACTO (Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization) as a key institution for articulation and cooperation for sustainable development in the region. WWF views this decision with optimism since it will not be possible to carry out the implementation agenda of this summit without a more agile and politically supported body.

The text recognizes indigenous peoples and local communities’ rights to the territory, urging countries to move forward with the demarcation, titling, and protection of their territories, which provide immense ecosystem services to all societies. They are the true guardians of the Amazon, their involvement in the development of a sustainable economy is of fundamental importance for the region, with its cultural richness and ancestral knowledge.

There is still a lack of commitment from the Amazonian governments on how to harmonize national legislation and improve the guarantee of territorial rights in countries where these have not yet been developed.

Also missing are key elements to guarantee the conservation of 80% of the Amazon, such as defining common actions for protected areas expansion and effective management, the strengthening of conservation measures including recognition of indigenous territories, and a comprehensive landscape approach with ecosystem and cultural connectivity.

We recognize the importance of this Declaration as a political moment in favor of the Amazon. Despite not having reached concrete goals for some of the critical issues in the region, the fact that the presidents have met to discuss how to avoid the point of no return is to be commemorated.

In the coming months, the ACTO, already strengthened, must work on an action plan, with defined dates, goals, and resources to put the agreements of this summit into practice. ACTO’s efforts should be integrated into the commitments on the international agenda in the various multilateral processes in the future. Society organizations, including WWF, will be ready to help in any way possible, as the challenge of avoiding the point of no return belongs to all of us and it is now. Only together will it be possible.

Mauricio Voivodic, Executive Director of WWF-Brazil, says:

“It is positive that the heads of state have recognized the point of no return in the Amazon and the urgency of avoiding it. However, it is necessary to adopt concrete and solid measures that can eliminate deforestation as quickly as possible. Combating and eliminating illegal gold and mercury contamination, which have become an environmental and public health problem in the region, requires equal attention and urgency. It is also imperative to increase protected areas and indigenous territories. ACTO has emerged strengthened, which helps the rapid implementation of effective actions in the fight against deforestation, mercury, and illegal mining, as well as in the expansion of protected areas and indigenous territories”.

Media Contacts:

Monica Echeverria | Director, Media and External Affairs, WWF

[email protected]

Lauren Gleason | Director, Media and External Affairs, WWF

[email protected]

Source: World Wildlife Fund

Washington, DC (August 1, 2023): World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announces the return of its highly anticipated annual Panda Paddle event from August 4 to 13. This unique fundraising initiative encourages individuals to actively engage with nature, connect with like-minded conservationists, and contribute to WWF’s global conservation efforts.

Panda Paddle is WWF’s premier athletic fundraising event aimed at raising awareness and funds for global conservation all while having fun on the water. Panda Paddle connects people to nature within their own communities. Given that the hottest day on record was just recorded this past July, WWF invites everyone to “cool off” and enjoy their favorite water activity such as standup paddling, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Panda Paddle is in its sixth year and over 3,000 paddlers have participated since 2018. The event has raised nearly $1 million for nature since its inception.

This year, for the first time, WWF will be hosting a virtual kickoff event with the founder of the Black Surfing Association East Coast branch, Lou Harris. Harris will join pro paddler and surfer Anthony Vela and Charles Sumpter, WWF’s Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a conversation about the Black surfing experience over time and the need for greater representation in both water sports and conservation. This virtual event will take place on Wednesday, August 2 at 1:30pm ET. The event is open to the public and participants can register here.

To join Panda Paddle, interested individuals can register via WWF’s Panda Paddle website and sign-up as an individual or as part of a team. Registration requires a fee of $40, and while there is no minimum fundraising commitment, participants are encouraged to raise critical funds to support WWF’s global conservation work. Between August 4 and 13, participants choose a preferred time and location to engage in their water activity, paddling with a purpose. As a token of appreciation, individuals who achieve significant fundraising milestones will receive exclusive rewards, including a Panda Paddle race shirt, a Panda Paddle beach towel, and other thank-you gifts. Moreover, all registrants will receive a Panda Paddle medal as a symbol of their commitment to conservation. The top fundraiser will receive a custom Infinity SUP paddleboard with Panda Paddle 2023’s official artwork.

To spread inspiration and encourage others to get involved, WWF urges participants to share their photos using the hashtag #PandaPaddle on social media.

For more details and to register, please visit WWF’s website worldwildlife.org/paddle.

Panda Paddle images for media use: https://hive.panda.org/Share/yw06l206l0jteb2pv222744ea86rm8h8

ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF)

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in nearly 100 countries for over half a century to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat the climate crisis. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following @WWFNews on Twitter and signing up for our newsletter and news alerts here.

Source: World Wildlife Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: WWF Statement on Failure of House Farm Bill

In response to the Farm Bill’s failure to pass in the House of Representatives, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released the following statement from Dr. Melinda Cep, senior director of policy for its Markets and Food program:
 
“The House just hit the reset button on the Farm Bill. Today’s failure offers Congress an opportunity to reconsider a bipartisan bill that reflects the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.

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Source: World Wildlife Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: WWF Expresses Deep Concern at Plans for Large-scale Logging in Selous Game Reserve

GLAND, Switzerland – The Tanzania Forest Service has closed a tender for the sale of over 2.6 million trees that would result in the large-scale logging inside Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most important wildernesses areas and home to globally important populations of elephants, black rhinos, African wild dogs and hippos. 

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Source: World Wildlife Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Critically Endangered Mongolian Saiga Antelope Population Drops by 40 Percent, WWF Survey Shows

Ulanbaatar, Mongolia — Populations of the critically endangered Mongolian saiga antelope (hereinafter ‘saiga’), which occurs only in Mongolia, have plummeted by 40 percent following large die-offs due to a harsh winter, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced today. The findings of a population survey show around 3,000 saiga remaining after the brutal winter kept them from their food source of natural hay.

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Source: World Wildlife Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: WWF Statement on the Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act of 2018

In response to today’s introduction of the Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act of 2018 (H.R. 5697) by Representatives Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) and Don Young (R-Alaska), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement from Will Gartshore, deputy director of legislative affairs:

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Source: World Wildlife Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: World Wildlife Fund Hace Olas con Evento Inaugural de Surf de Remo

WASHINGTON, DC, 30 de abril de 2018 – World Wildlife Fund (WWF) está haciendo olas con  “Panda-Remo”, el primer evento atlético de recaudación de fondos de la organización, a realizarse este otoño. El evento, que invita a los participantes a remar de pie sobre una tabla de surf, será patrocinado por Target y se llevará a cabo el 20 de octubre de 2018 en Mission Bay, San Diego.

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Source: World Wildlife Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: World Wildlife Fund Makes Waves With Inaugural Standup Paddle Boarding Event

WASHINGTON, DC, April 30, 2018 – World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is making waves this fall with the organization’s first-ever athletic, peer-to-peer fundraising event, Panda Paddle. The standup paddle boarding event, sponsored by Target, will take place in San Diego’s Mission Bay on October 20, 2018. 

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Source: World Wildlife Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Hope for Critically Endangered Mekong River Dolphins as Population Increases for First Time

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 23, 2018 — After decades of seemingly irreversible decline, results from a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Government of Cambodia census released today show that the population of critically endangered river dolphins in the Mekong has risen from 80 to 92 in the past two years – the first increase since records began more than twenty years ago.

Effective river patrolling by teams of river guards and the strict confiscation of illegal gillnets, which accidentally trap and drown dolphins, are the main reasons for this historic increase. Over the past two years 358 km of illegal gillnets – almost double the length of the dolphins’ remaining home range – have been confiscated from core dolphin habitat.

“After years of hard work, we finally have reason to believe that these iconic dolphins can be protected against extinction – thanks to the combined efforts of the government, WWF, the tourism industry and local communities,” said Seng Teak, Country Director, WWF Cambodia. “The tour boat operators are the secret ingredient in this success story as they work closely with law enforcement to report poaching and help confiscate illegal gillnets.”

The first official census in 1997 estimated that there were 200 Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong, a figure that fell steadily due to bycatch and habitat loss until there were only 80 left in 2015. But now the decline appears to be on the mend.

Along with the 10 percent increase in dolphins, the surveys also point toward encouraging signs for the long-term health of the population, with an improvement in the survival rate of dolphins into adulthood, an increase in the number of calves and a drop in overall deaths. Two dolphins died in 2017 compared with nine in 2015, while nine new calves brought the number of dolphins born in the past three years to 32.

“River dolphins are indicators of the health of the Mekong River and their recovery is a hopeful sign for the river and the millions of people who depend on it,” said Teak. “We celebrate this good news, but now is not the time for complacency. As threats to their survival persist, we need to re-double our efforts to protect the dolphins both for their future and that of the river and communities that live alongside it.”

“The Mekong dolphin is considered our country’s living national treasure and the results of this census reflect our many years of continuous efforts to protect this species,” said His Excellency Eng Cheasan, Director General of Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. “We will continue our conservation efforts to rebuild its population by eliminating all threats to the survival of this species.”

The surveys covered 190 km of the main channel of the Mekong River from Kratie in Cambodia to the Khone Falls complex in Laos. Surveys were done in both directions with teams photographing dolphins and comparing the distinctive marks on their backs and dorsal fins against a database of known dolphins.

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