WWF - Conservation news & stories

Total to keep out of Virunga World Heritage Site

2013-05-17

Addressing investors in Paris today, Total Chairman and CEO Christophe de Margerie affirmed that the company will not explore for oil within the boundaries of Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Responding to questions posed by conservation group WWF, de Margerie told the annual shareholder meeting that Total is making a "commitment to respect the current limits" of the park, which is Africa's oldest World Heritage Site.

"We welcome Total's clear and comprehensive assurance that no oil exploration or exploitation activities will be conducted by the company within Virunga National Park. We urge British oil exploration company Soco International PLC immediately to stop all activities in the park and to make a similar commitment," said Lasse Gustavsson, Executive Director of Conservation at WWF International.

"Virunga National Park has been recognized by UNESCO and the DRC government as a place of outstanding natural value, and we will continue to fight to preserve it for the people that depend on it for their sustainable livelihoods. This is our line in the sand. Oil exploration in Virunga National Park is simply unacceptable," Gustavsson said.

WWF presses Total for protection of World Heritage Sites

2013-05-16

WWF today has issued an open letter to investors in French oil giant Total expressing concerns over the company's ongoing activities on the edge of a prized national park in Africa. The conservation group is calling for assurances from Total that it will keep out of Democratic Republic of the Congo's Virunga National Park.

WWF believes that the area currently covered by Africa's first national park and the continent's oldest World Heritage Site is a 'no go' zone for oil exploration. The organization fears that possible future changes to park boundaries could open a loop hole that would allow for drilling in sensitive habitats, which would endanger wildlife and local livelihoods.

"At its annual general meeting, Total has a unique opportunity to live up to the expectations of our fellow citizens and some of its shareholders and financial partners," said WWF-France's J.B. Roelens. "By making a public commitment never to operate within the current boundaries of Virunga National Park, nor any other UNESCO World Heritage Site, Total could make May 17th a landmark date in corporate social and environmental responsibility."

An opinion poll conducted by an independent surveyor this month on behalf of WWF has revealed significant public support for protection of World Heritage Sites from oil and gas extraction. Fully 8 out of 10 French citizens say they would "very much" like French companies to promise not to exploit such places. Even more think that the financial partners of these companies bear some of the responsibility for the environmental impact of exploiting these hydrocarbon deposits. Similarly, 80 per cent of the French declare that they would be more likely to buy petrol or heating oil from an oil company if it promised never to engage in oil or gas extraction in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

WWF message to Total investors in advance of tomorrow's meeting is that the risks inherent in exploration activities could compromise the integrity of Virunga National Park. WWF is seeking a clear and comprehensive guarantee by Total that this exceptional natural place and all other World Heritage Sites will remain forever untouched by the company.

WWF tool measures cumulative impact of hydropower, mining projects in Amazon

2013-05-16

Brasilia — WWF is calling for a widely shared, common vision for Amazonian river basins that are the site of large-scale mining and hydropower projects.

"There should be a qualified debate in the national sphere regarding what kind of Amazon we wish to preserve in the future. That means defining which rivers are to be preserved before the accumulated effects of the innumerable hydroelectric and mining projects – which so far have always been analysed individually – create environmental impacts that could be really disastrous," said Pedro Bara, leader of WWF's Living Amazon Initiative infrastructure strategy.

Bara presented WWF's ecological vision for the Tapajos river basin at an event in Foz de Iguaçu organised by Sustainable Planet and Editora Abril publishers on the theme of Business, Energy and Environment.

The vision is based on an analytical tool known as the Hydrological Information System and Amazon River Assessment (HIS-ARA). The tool integrates hydrological and ecological information to support development of regional ecosystem conservation strategies.

Bara said the overall objective is to mitigate conflicts and boost opportunities generated by projects that are decided on in a participatory and transparent manner, and are capable of contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for the Tapajos basin.

Cumulative Impacts
HIS-ARA makes it feasible to identify critical areas for biodiversity and for the maintenance of connectivity among the rivers to ensure the integrity of the hydrological networks and the aquatic ecosystems. The same tool takes into consideration the functioning of the ecological systems and all the social and cultural territories in the entire river basin area.

In the specific case of the Tapajos River basin, which occupies 6 per cent of Brazilian territory and is highly relevant in scenic, cultural, ecological and hydropower terms, 42 hydroelectric plants of varying dimensions are planned. The so-called Tapajos Complex alone will consist of seven plants, two of which, the Sao Luiz and Jatoba dams, will be mega-installations. The damming of two more free-flowing rivers in the Amazon, the Tapajos River and the Jamanxim River, will flood an estimated 2,500 km2 of land and fragment ecologically, culturally and socially important ecosystems. Among the major social impacts, it will affect the Munduruku indigenous lands, home to more than 10,000 people.

"The application of science in the form of tools like HIS-ARA can support decision making and streamline the crucial dialogues associated with large-scale infrastructure projects," said WWF-Brazil CEO Maria Cecilia Wey de Brito.

Deer finding documents success of prey recovery program for endangered Amur tigers and leopards

2013-05-15

Jilin, China – The recent discovery of a preyed upon deer is seen as a major sign of progress in the efforts to boost the populations of endangered Amur tigers and leopards in China.

The body of the dead sika deer was discovered by a ranger of Lanjia forest farm, located at the east foot of the Changbai Mountain, one of WWF's Tigers Alive Initiative's landscapes, in China's northeastern Jilin Province.

The deer's injuries were consistent with an attack by a large predator, conservation officers said. The finding comes two months after some four sika deer were killed by predator from a scene one kilometre away.

The latest victim was among a group of more than 30 captive-bred red and sika deer that were released in July 2012 by WWF and Wangqing nature reserve administration in the hope of restoring prey population to attract Amur tigers and leopards in the Wangqing area. It was confirmed to be from the released herd according to the chip implanted into its ear.

The body was barely consumed, indicating that the predator left the scene, possibly because of disturbance, according to Shi Quanhua, a WWF Amur Tiger Programme Officer. A camera trap has been set up nearby in order to identify the predator in case it comes back for the prey.

"Again, it proves that big cats like tigers or leopards do live in Wangqing's forests and the Wangqing Forestry Bureau has yielded impressive results at the demonstration project of the wild Amur tiger and leopard habitat ecosystem," Shi said.

Meanwhile, a large number of feces, hairs and constant beds were found on the site proving the spot to be a place frequented by a herd of sika deer, which indirectly demonstrates that the released sika deer of last year have survived the winter.

"Despite heavy snows in the passing winter, none of the released deer died of coldness, hunger or illness, but only by predators," Shi said.

Amur tigers and leopards have been recorded more frequently by WWF and the Wangqing Forestry Bureau during patrolling and monitoring since winter.

"At Lanjia forest farm alone, we have captured photographs and videos over 20 times, which is three times more than those of the last three years.

"This indicates that the prey recovery project has made preliminary progress and it has been proved to be very important for the survival and settlement of Amur tigers and leopards in Wangqing," says Wang Fuyou, Director of the Conservation Division of the Wangqing Forestry Bureau.

"That said the density of sika and red deer in this area is still very low. Through the prey recovery project, WWF looks to establish a self-recovery red and sika deer population there, so as to provide sufficient food for wild Amur tigers and leopards as well as realize their settlement and reproduction habitat," said Zhu Jiang, head of WWF Northeast China Office.

A WWF-backed survey shows that the lack of prey is a major hurdle in supporting the settlement of tigers in Northeast China.

The wild tiger population declined from an estimated 200 to about 20 today within the past five decades in China. The adjacent forested habitat of the Russian Far East holds a significantly larger population, between 430-500 tigers.

Recent sightings show that the population is slowly moving across the Chinese border and into the country's Wanda and Changbai mountains, part of the Wangqing Nature Reserve.

WWF-China and its partners are carrying out a number of conservation measures to save the Amur tiger. These include helping ungulate populations such as wild boar and roe deer to recover; stopping poaching by helping local authorities carry out anti-poaching activities; and increasing and connecting protected tiger habitats so tigers can safely move from one area to another.

One tiger needs to eat the equivalent of a medium size deer every week to survive and without adequate food, the tiger population rapidly declines.

Final speaker list unveiled for prestigious TEDxWWF event

2013-05-15

Dubai: WWF and EWS-WWF have announced the stellar speaker line-up for the TEDxWWF event, which will be held in the capital Abu Dhabi next Tuesday.

The event, which aims to enable insightful and relevant ideas to encourage other individuals to support or even seek more sustainable solutions in their daily lives, is free to attend but there is limited seating remaining. The UAE community is encouraged to visit the event website www.tedxwwf.com to register for a ticket ahead of the event on May 21.

The diverse and interesting final line-up of speakers will cover a number of issues related to sustainability, art, sport, renewables, innovation and music:

●Andreas Keller - the co-founder of the iShack project, using solar power to improve slums
●Andy Ridley - Co-founder of Earth Hour, the biggest global environmental grassroots movement
●Bruce Ferguson – Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a professor at Masdar Institute
●Elham Al-Qasimi – the first Arab and Emirati woman to complete an unassisted expedition to the North Pole
●Ginger Dosier Krieg - inventor of the bio brick revolutionizing the building materials industry
●Julie-Ann Odell – Founder of Dubai Drums – using music to connect to life's rhythm
●Luc Marin – Dubai based French sand artist
●Lucy Orta - British contemporary visual artist who tackles ecological and social factors through her artwork
●Majid Al-Qassimi - one of the most prominent and vocal Emirati environmentalists and strongest advocate of using culture and education in environmental conservation
●Sara El Sayed - certified Biomimicry Professional and biologist who uses biomimicry to create opportunities for positive change in Egypt
●William Gaillard - Senior Advisor to the President of UEFA on using sports as an arena for social change

For more information on the inspiring speakers please visit: tedxwwf.com

Sudhanshu Sarronwala, Executive Director, Communications and Marketing of WWF International, said: "The TEDxWWF platform brings together thought leaders and entrepreneurs from a range of disciplines who challenge us to think about sustainability in different ways - for the planet and for its people."

TEDxWWF will take place at the Sofitel, Abu Dhabi on Tuesday May 21, 2013 from 9am – 5.30pm. A limited number of tickets are available to the public and interested parties need to fill out an online application following which a registration form will be issued: www.tedxwwf.com

Ida Tillisch, Director General of EWS-WWF, said: "All our TEDxWWF speakers are impressive individuals bringing to the table very interesting and innovative ideas. We welcome the community to join us in Abu Dhabi or by watching the event live at www.tedxwwf.com. EWS-WWF is very excited to be hosting what we anticipate to be a truly inspirational event."

To live stream TEDxWWF on May 21, log-on to www.tedxwwf.com
TEDxWWF in Abu Dhabi is organized with the generous support of Etihad, ADMAF, Sofitel, IRENA, Farnek and Abu Dhabi Events.

Fisheries deal fails to bridge gap with ambitious European Parliament

2013-05-15

Brussels, Belgium: After pulling yet another all-nighter, fisheries ministers unfortunately remained predictable with little effort being made to meet the European Parliament half way on their ambitious proposal to save fisheries in Europe.

"The devil is in the detail as they say, but in this case it's the lack of detail, as fisheries ministers decided on a legally neutral text with few binding timelines and concrete measures. If implemented it would enable them to continue badly managing our oceans and ruining our fish stocks for yet another decade." says Roberto Ferrigno, WWF's Common Fisheries Policy reform coordinator.

"On the opposite side of the coin, the European Parliament demands an ambitious reform that would deliver new fishing laws aimed at restoring fish stocks, through transparency, fixed timelines, accountability and enforceability"

"This new law that is currently in the making will be used for the next 10 years to protect our oceans and fish stocks. A new WWF analysis¹ shows that recovery of fish stocks could take more than 100 years under current proposals by EU Fisheries Ministers, whereas with the Parliament's offer, it could only take 10 years for 75% of the stocks to recover – the latter is by far the better deal and it's what we urgently need", concludes Ferrigno.

The council has dealt its cards and it is now up to the European Parliament, led by MEP Ulrike Rodust, to decide whether they accept the so-called 'compromise' that the council is offering - or whether they reject it and stand their ground by sticking to their ambitious position for reform. It remains to be seen if they will use their new co-decision powers to say "no deal now is better than a bad deal for the next 10 years", or not.

Jim Leape to step down as WWF International Director General in 2014

2013-05-14

Gland, Switzerland: Jim Leape has announced his decision to step down as Director General of WWF International in early 2014.

Jim Leape has dedicated nearly 20 years to the global conservation organization. He served for many years as the Executive Vice President of WWF-US, leading that office's conservation work.

In 2005 he moved to Switzerland to take on the role of Director General of WWF International – leading WWF's global network of 6,000 staff working in more than 100 countries, heading the international secretariat, and representing WWF in international fora and media, and with governments and other organizations.

He is stepping down for personal reasons and will return to the US.

Jim has announced his departure 9 months in advance to enable the best possible transition to his successor.

WWF International President, Yolanda Kakabadse, said: "I want to express my deep appreciation for all that Jim Leape has done for WWF.

"His leadership and vision continue to be instrumental in growing the organization to become more effective, more dynamic, and more truly global.

I am grateful too for Jim's commitment to a strong transition to his successor. On behalf of the WWF International Board of Trustees and the entire Network, I would like to thank Jim for all he has given to WWF and wish him and his family all the very best in the future."

Jim Leape said: "Over the past two decades, I have had the great fortune to work with extraordinary colleagues all over the world – brought together by a passionate commitment to saving life on Earth. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of WWF. We have made a difference, and I leave with confidence that WWF will have an even greater impact in the years ahead."

Media contact: Gemma Parkes, WWF International Executive Communications Manager gparkes@wwfint.org / +41 79 253 6386

About WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

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Good news for sharks at Indian Ocean Tuna Commission meeting

2013-05-13

Gland, Switzerland: WWF welcomes the adoption of key conservation measures for oceanic white-tip sharks, whale sharks and cetaceans following the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) annual meeting last week in Mauritius.

IOTC member states agreed on important measures for the management of tuna fisheries and other vulnerable species such as white-tip sharks, which are not to be retained and need to be released unharmed if possible, while purse seiners can no longer set around whale sharks and cetaceans.

One very positive outcome was the adoption of a proposal by the Maldives with regard to interim target and reference points, and a framework for management decisions to be taken in response to changes in stock status.

A reference point is a benchmark value that helps managers decide how the fishery is performing and is often based on an indicator such as fishery stock size or the level of fishing. Fisheries scientists conduct a fishery stock assessment to provide estimates of a fishery stock size and fishing mortality over time. Reference points serve as a standard to compare those estimates based on our understanding of the biological characteristics of the targeted species.

"This is an important step towards the implementation of full harvest control rules and paves the way for the development of management tools essential for a sustainable fishery", said Dr Wetjens Dimmlich, Indian Ocean Tuna Coordinator for WWF's Smart Fishing Initiative.

"WWF welcomes the increasing involvement of Indian Ocean coastal developing states in conservation proposals, demonstrating an awareness of the need to responsibly manage tuna fisheries in the region," Dr Dimmlich added.

"Negotiation and successful adoption of the Maldives proposal for the management of tunas in the Indian Ocean is indeed a giant leap forward in the history of IOTC.

"We are now confident and convinced that together we can make IOTC an effective tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisation", said Dr Hussain R Hassan, the Maldives Minister of State for Fisheries and Agriculture, and head of the Maldives' delegation.

WWF looks forward to continuing work in cooperation with the Maldives Government and other developing coastal states in the region to improve the management and conservation of tuna stocks.

At least 26 elephants massacred in World Heritage site

2013-05-10

Yaoundé, Cameroon - At least 26 elephants were massacred in the Dzanga Bai World Heritage Site in the Central African Republic, after 17 individuals armed with Kalashnikov rifles on Monday entered this unique elephant habitat, known locally as the "village of elephants".

WWF sources on Thursday said they had counted at least 26 elephant carcasses in and around the Bai, a large clearing where between 50 and 200 elephants congregate every day to drink nutrients present in the sands.

Four of the elephants were calves, the sources said, adding that local villagers had started taking meat from the carcasses.

Since the poachers arrived no elephants have been seen at the Bai, which was described as an "elephant mortuary" the sources added.

Although the 17 armed individuals, who presented themselves as part of the country's transitional government forces, have left the area, WWF and other conservation partners fear the killing could continue unless the area is properly secured.

The Central African Republic has been rocked by violence and chaos since the beginning of the year, and WWF and other conservation organizations left the field office next to the Bai in April for security reasons.

Jim Leape, WWF International Director General, said: "The killing has started. The Central African Republic must act immediately to secure this unique World Heritage site.

"The brutal violence we are witnessing in Dzanga Bai threatens to destroy one of the world's great natural treasures, and to jeopardise the future of the people who live there.

"The international community must also act to assist the Central African Republic to restore peace and order in this country to safeguard its population and its natural heritage.

"WWF also asks Cameroon and the Republic of Congo to assist the Central African Republic in preserving this World Heritage Site, which not only encompasses the Bai, but also includes large neighbouring areas of these two countries.

"The events in Dzanga Bai are a vivid reminder of the existential threat faced by forest elephants in Central Africa. Populations of this species have plummeted 62 per cent over the past ten years.

"The unfolding tragedy in Dzanga Bai must also spur the governments of China and Thailand to shut down the illegal ivory markets in their countries that are fueling this illicit trade."

Alert: Poachers enter unique elephant habitat

2013-05-07

Poachers have entered one of Africa's most unique elephant habitats on Monday, threatening to cause one of the biggest elephant massacres in the region since poachers killed at least 300 elephants for their ivory in Cameroon's Bouba N'Djida National Park in February 2012.

According to WWF sources, a group of 17 armed individuals on Monday entered the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park and headed for the Dzanga Bai, locally known as the "village of elephants", a large clearing where between 50 and 200 elephants congregate every day to drink mineral salts present in the sands.

Two WWF-supported local researchers said that three members of this group armed with Kalashnikov rifles approached them in the forest on Monday, asking for food and directions to the viewing tower at the Dzanga Bai, which is used by scientists and tourists to observe elephants. After giving a false lead, these sources immediately ran away and heard gunshots coming from the Bai on their way into hiding.

Also on Monday, two ecoguards said they saw they saw armed individuals on the Dzanga Bai observation platform shooting in the direction of elephants. While going into hiding, these sources said they saw the vehicle which had transported the 17 gunmen parked at the entrance of the park.

WWF calls on the international community to help restore peace and order in the Central African Republic, which has been rocked by violence and chaos since the beginning of the year, and to help preserve this unique World Heritage Site.

Jim Leape, WWF International Director General, said:

"Unless swift and decisive action is taken, it appears highly likely that poachers will take advantage of the chaos and instability of the country to slaughter the elephants living in this unique World Heritage Site.

"Wildlife crime is not only a consequence of instability, but a cause. It fuels violence in the region, in a vicious circle that undermines the stability of these countries and their economic development..

"Central African Republic has to immediately follow through on its promise of two weeks ago to mobilise troops to end poaching in the region. WWF also calls on the international community to immediately provide assistance to Central African Republic in restoring peace and order in the country, and to preserve its unique natural heritage.

"We also urge Cameroon and Republic of Congo to provide support to the Central African Republic in preserving this World Heritage Site, which not only encompasses the Bai, but also includes large neighbouring areas of these two countries.

"Finally, ivory consumer country governments, and notably China and Thailand, must redouble their efforts to end demand – the root cause of the extermination of elephants across Africa."

Prekretnica klimatskih promena zahteva prelaz na obnovljive izvore energije

2013-05-03

Potreba da se izvrši prelazak na čiste i održive izvore energije će se pojačati kada nivoi ugljendioksida (CO2) u atmosferi u sledećih nekoliko dana dostignu 400 delova po milionu (parts per milion – ppm) po prvi put u istoriji čovečanstva.

Naučnici iz Mauna Loa Opservatorije u Havajima treba da objave kada nivoi ugljendioksida dostignu 400 delova po milionu, što će označiti kritičnu tačku na putu ka opasno visokom globalnom zagrevanju.

„Hitnost da se snize emisije nikad nije bila veća", rekla je Samantha Smith, lider WWF-ove svetske Inicijative o klimi i energiji.

"Zakoni fizike nam kažu da što više CO2 imamo u atmosferi, svet će postati topliji. Posledji put kada je atmosfera Zemlje imala onoliko CO2 koliko ima danas, svet je bio 3-4 stepena Celzijusa topliji. A poslednji put kad je svet bio toliko topao, nivoi mora su bili 5-40 puta viši nego što su sada," rekla je ona.

Kako navode naučnici, izvesno je da je čovečanstvo odgovorno za podizanje nivoa CO2 u atmosferi, gde najveći deo svetskog zagađenja klime potiče iz energetskog sektora, pogotovo usled sagorevanja fosilnih goriva. Ako nivoi CO2 nastave da se povećavaju, možemo očekivati da će zabeležene visoke temperature postati nove prosečne letnje temperature; zabeležene suše će postati normalne; a zabeležene oluje i poplave će postati učestali događaji", rekla je Smith.

"Širom sveta, zajednice i organi vlasti se već muče da odgovore na suše, propadanje useva i ekstremne vremenske nepogode, čak i u bogatim zemljama kao što su Sjedinjene Američke Države. Ako nivoi CO2 nastave da se povećavaju, napori da se izvrši adaptacija na klimu koja se stalno menja najverovatnije neće biti dovoljni."

Ali ovaj trend se može promeniti ako se naprave pravi izbori.

"Brzim prelaskom sveta na obnovljive izvore energije, i uz podršku jakih mera energetske efikasnosti, možemo drastično smanjiti emisije CO2, što će vremenom stabilizovati i smanjiti koncentracije CO2 u atmosferi," rekla je Smith.

Cene električne energije poreklom iz obnovljivih izvora energije su radikalno opale, a 2011. godine investicije u obnovljive izvore energije su po prvi put nadmašile investicije u energiju fosilnih goriva. Energija dobijena iz obnovljivih izvora može postati „nova normalna" energija. Međutim, to zahteva posvećenost organa uprave ako želimo da se ova promena desi dovoljno brzo i u dovoljno velikoj razmeri, rekla je Smith.

Mauna Loa Opservatorija radi pod Scripps Institutom okeanografije Kalifornija Univerzieta u San Dijegu. Scripps Institut okeanografije je jedan od najstarijih, najvećih i najvažnijih centara za proučavanje, edukaciju i informisanje o vodenim i kopnenim ekosistemima.

Opservatorija u Havajima je locirana u Pacifičkom Okeanu, 3,400m iznad nivoa mora i daleko od bilo kog velikog izvora zagađenja, i stoga se podaci ove opservatorije o ugljendioksidu smatraju „zlatnim standardom" podataka.

New forest loss figures highlight need for green growth in the Greater Mekong

2013-05-02

Bangkok, Thailand: The Greater Mekong subregion in Southeast Asia risks losing more than a third of its remaining forest cover within the next two decades if regional governments fail to boost protection, value and restore natural capital, and embrace green growth, warns a new WWF report.

WWF's analysis reveals the Greater Mekong has retained about 98 million hectares of natural forest, just over half of the region's land area, but further rapid loss is expected if current deforestation rates persist.

Between 1973 and 2009, the five countries of the Greater Mekong lost just under one-third of their remaining forest cover. During this period, Cambodia lost 22 per cent of its 1973 forest cover, Laos and Myanmar lost 24 per cent, and Thailand and Vietnam lost 43 per cent.

Large connected areas of core forest also declined significantly across the region, from over 70 per cent in 1973 to about 20 per cent in 2009.

Core forest is defined as an area of at least 3.2km2 of uninterrupted forest. If current trends continue, WWF predicts that by 2030 only 14 per cent of the Greater Mekong's remaining forest will consist of contiguous habitat capable of sustaining viable populations of many wildlife species.

"The Greater Mekong is at a crossroads," said Peter Cutter, Landscape Conservation Manager with WWF-Greater Mekong. "One path leads to further declines in biodiversity and livelihoods, but if natural resources are managed responsibly, this region can pursue a course that will secure a healthy and prosperous future for its people."

The report, "Ecosystems in the Greater Mekong: past trends, current status, possible futures," provides new analysis on the current status and potential future of the region's principal forest and freshwater ecosystems, and some of the most endangered species these ecosystems support.

The report offers two scenarios for the region's ecosystems, one predicts what will likely happen by 2030 under an unsustainable growth model in which the deforestation and degradation observed over the past decade persists, while the other scenario assumes a 50 per cent cut in the annual deforestation rate and offers a future based on green growth. Under the green economy scenario, core forest areas extant in 2009 across the five Greater Mekong countries would remain intact.

"The green economy approach is the choice for a viable future in the Greater Mekong," added Cutter. "Regional leaders have already affirmed that healthy economic growth goes hand in hand with healthy and productive ecosystems, but fast and effective responses are needed now to avoid permanent environmental degradation."

The report highlights the Xayaburi dam development as a key threat to the health and productivity of the Mekong river and delta.

The Mekong basin hosts 13 unique, yet connected, freshwater ecosystems, but the controversial Xayaburi project will sever the mainstem of the lower Mekong river, blocking migratory fish and sediment flow with devastating consequences for livelihoods and food security for 60 million people.

The report also maps the enormous decline in the range of several important and iconic species of the region, including the tiger, Asian elephant, Irrawaddy dolphin and the endemic saola.

The survival of many species in the Greater Mekong depend on the existence of effectively managed protected area systems, and while protected areas have expanded dramatically since 1970, many are not well managed.

"Many protected areas exist in name only," added Cutter. "Even relatively secure protected areas are under intense pressure from poaching and timber theft, while others have been reduced in size by government's eager to cash in on land concessions to mining companies or plantation owners."

Despite documenting the degradation of ecosystems over the past 50 years, the report also emphasizes the region is still rich in natural resources and the value of its ecosystem services, including food, water and fibre, is among the highest in the world.

The Greater Mekong's vast natural wealth provides a significant opportunity for sustainable development, and WWF believes building greener economies is well within reach.

"Given that the majority of the region's biological heritage and supporting ecosystems occur in landscapes that cross borders, regional collaboration is critical," concluded Cutter. "Increased and more sustainable investment in maintaining ecosystem integrity must also be a priority at landscape, national, and regional scales."

Tuna on the move on World Tuna Day!

2013-05-02

Mindoro Occidental, Philippines: The movements of four mighty swimmers named Amihan, Badjao, Hagibis, and Buhawi, can now be followed as they go about their business in the Coral Triangle. These four adult yellowfin tuna have satellite tags attached that are providing some interesting information about their movements through the ocean.

"The data we have gathered so far reveal that tuna movements cover an impressive amount of nautical miles a day, travelling back and forth in a general north-south direction from where they were caught and released," says Dr. Jose Ingles, Tuna Strategy Leader of the WWF Coral Triangle Programme.

The Coral Triangle, which encompasses the seas of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste, is a known tuna nursery and migratory path, producing about 30 per cent of the total global tuna catch.

"Through this activity, we hope to identify key spawning, feeding, and nursery grounds of this much sought-after species and make a case for governments to protect these sites," adds Dr. Ingles.

Tuna feeds millions of people in the Coral Triangle and providing jobs and livelihood to thousands of fishers and their families who directly depend on the ocean.

See where tuna swim in the #CoralTriangle in this tracking map! Happy World Tuna Day! alturl.com/wp8sm #WWF
— WWF Coral Triangle (@Coral_Triangle) May 2, 2013

Twenty wildlife criminals arrested in Cameroon

2013-04-30

Yokadouma, South-East Cameroun

Cameroonian authorities arrested 20 suspected wildlife criminals and confiscated 45 guns during a ten-day operation that targeted elephant poachers in the southeast of the country. Thirty-nine forest rangers, backed by 25 soldiers of the country's rapid intervention battalion carried out the operation which lasted from April 15 to 26, 2013.

Of those arrested, two suspects caught with an AK47 will stand trial in a military tribunal. The local justice department formally charged 18 other suspects, seven of whom were remanded to custody while the remaining 11 were released on bail. During the operation, rangers also seized two ivory tusks, as well as gorilla, chimp and elephant meat.

Clashes

During the operations, a suspect, who threatened to fire at rangers, was shot in the leg. Another, who attempted to harm an eco-guard with a machete, was wounded in the left arm.

Djogo Toumouksala, East Regional Delegate for the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife for the east region of Cameroon, told WWF the objectives of the operation were largely attained.

"With the seizure of 45 arms, 337 ammunitions, 10 chainsaws and more than 3000 wire cables, we have inflicted a heavy blow on wildlife criminals," he said.

"Their ability to wreak havoc on elephants and other species has been curtailed."

"Though this region is rich in wildlife, it is constantly menaced by the proliferation of arms," Tomouksala added, promising more such operations in the future.

Arms circulation

The operation comes at the backdrop of armed conflict in neighboring Central African Republic. Conservationists fear a rise in the circulation of war arms in the southeast of Cameroon putting elephants and people in danger.

"If there is one lesson this operation has taught us, it is that poachers are well armed and do not hesitate to shoot at ecoguards," said Gilles Etoga, WWF Project Manager for Boumba-Bek and Nki National Parks, in the area where the operations were held.

"We do not have a full measure of the degree of wildlife carnage in southeast Cameroon – the forests here are some of the most inaccessible areas on earth outside of Antarctica."

"But our information leads us to believe that poaching is a serious – and constant – problem in the region."

Although precise numbers of surviving individuals are difficult to come by, elephant poaching began increasing dramatically in 2008 – tracking a worldwide increase in ivory prices. However, a recent study shows that poachers, who increasingly use automatic weapons such as AK47s, have decimated 62 percent of the Congo Basin's forest elephants in the past ten years.

Wildlife criminals need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law

Alain Ononino, who heads WWF's wildlife law enforcement program in Cameroon, urged local authorities to follow-up on these arrests by ensuring that those proven guilty will be punished for their crimes.

"This is an opportunity for Cameron to show the whole world and all those involved in elephant poaching and illegal wildlife trade that it is serious about stamping out this activity," he said.

"Under Cameroonian law, whoever is caught in possession of live or dead protected species – including its parts – is considered to have killed this animal and can thus be punished by up to three years in prison."

"Cameroon's judicial authorities should prosecute all these suspects to the full extent of the law," Ononino concluded.

WWF's Earth Hour City Challenge takes flight as cities aim to create climate friendly lifestyles for urban dwellers

2013-04-30

Gland: As the UNFCCC working group tasked to discuss the scope, structure and design of the new 2015 global climate agreement convenes in Bonn this week, WWF urges delegates to recognize and gain inspiration from the key role cities are playing in the transformation toward a sustainable, 100% renewable energy future.

WWF invites cities in 15 countries to participate in the internationally acclaimed Earth Hour City Challenge 2014.

"The UN climate change negotiation process is currently seeking inputs and support from all sectors of society and from all levels of government in order to fertilize the ground for an effective 2015 global agreement and to significantly step up climate change action before the entry into force of that agreement, says Christiana Figueres, UNFCCC Executive Secretary.

We can all be inspired by what many cities are doing to curb emissions and adapt to climate change. It is essential that these shining examples be better known so that people working in the international, national and business arenas recognize the possibilities and are stimulated to do more – and faster – to respond to the climate challenge."

Although urban dwellers currently account for over 70% of global CO2 emissions, cities also have the potential to create conditions for climate smart and sustainable lifestyles, allowing the world's population to live well within the boundaries of our one and only planet.

WWF's Earth Hour City Challenge was designed to highlight and reward cities that are prepared to make substantial long-term efforts to combat global warming. WWFs goal is to mobilize action and support from cities in the global transition towards 100% renewable energy.

"The world needs immediate and ambitious climate action on all possible levels if we are to avoid the risks inherent in increasing global temperatures," says Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International. "A global, binding climate agreement is essential, but cities also can and are playing a crucial role in getting on with the task of reducing emissions."

In 2013, 66 cities from Canada, India, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the USA participated in the first international Earth Hour City Challenge by reporting their commitments, performance, completed or ongoing actions, as well as climate action plans. In March, six cities (Vancouver, New Delhi, Forli, Oslo, Uppsala, San Francisco) were selected by an expert jury* as Earth Hour Capitals in their respective countries.

The City of Vancouver was later awarded the title Global Earth Hour Capital 2013 for its outstanding holistic and strategic approach - specifically its impressive transportation strategy, solid actions on the impact of food and progressive neighborhood energy plan, to climate action during an award ceremony in Malmö, Sweden in March.

Cities in 15 countries, including six from the previous round as well as Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea and Indonesia will participate in the upcoming round of the Earth Hour City Challenge, which will be run by WWF in collaboration with ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability and the Swedish Postcode Lottery.

"Earth Hour City Challenge has clearly demonstrated that global level of ambition can be easily raised with ambitious local leaders and actions. Now it is the responsibility of national governments to tap this potential into the new global climate regime," said Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI, the focal point of local governments at the UNFCCC.

Cities will be asked to register their data on carbonn Cities Climate Registry (cCCR), an internationally recognized carbon reporting platform managed by ICLEI which will be open for reporting from May – October 2013. Strategies will then be evaluated by an international jury, and in March 2014, the city with the highest overall score will be awarded the title Global Earth Hour Capital.

*Earth Hour City Challenge Jury 2013
•Gino van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI
•Martha Delgado, General Director of the Secretariat of the Global Cities Covenant on Climate
•Amanda Eichel, Director of Initiatives and City Support, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
•Christiana Figueres, UNFCCC Executive Secretary
•Simon Giles, Senior Principal Intelligent Cities, Accenture Global, Accenture
•Dan Hoornweg, Professor and Jeff Boyce Research Chair, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
•Pietro Laureano, architect and urban planner, UNESCO consultant
•Conor Riffle, Head of CDP Cities

WWF-Russia protests orders for environmentalists to register as "foreign agents"

2013-04-29

Moscow: WWF-Russia is protesting prosecution orders to at least five Russian environmental organizations to register as foreign agents, in compliance with controversial civil society legislation.

The orders went to five regional Russian environment organizations, with WWF-Russia highlighting the fact that the orders run counter to the legislation's exemption of "protection of flora and fauna" from the "political activity" that the act is targeted at.

WWF-Russia has also learned that similarly exempted charities helping the disabled have also received orders to register as foreign agents.

Baikal Environmental Wave was accused of involving in political activity on the basis that one of the goals of the organization is "to actively lobby the solution of environmental problems in federal and local governments". WWF-Russia is now providing support to the partner organization.

Similarly, the Russian prosecution office has served an order to an organization helping Cystic fibrosis patients, on the basis it is involved in political activity because its Statute lists one of its goals as "the protection of rights and lawful interests of disabled people with Cystic fibrosis in government agencies".

"We believe that the Prosecution, bending over backwards to report to the authorities, ignores the current legislation and demonstrates miracles of bureaucratic zeal bordering on stupidity", said WWF-Russia CEO Igor Chestin.

"Activities initiated by the Prosecution against NGOs, which carried out at the taxpayers' expense, are evidence of the absurdity of the new law. At present not a single NGO registered as a foreign agent, so the authorities decided to prove the viability of the stillborn law by inciting the Prosecution against NGOs."

The Russian parliament passed the law obliging NGOs to register as foreign agents if they receive funding from abroad and are involved in political activity in November 2012.

While the law does not give a clear definition of political activity, "Activities in the field of science, culture, art, medicine, disease prevention and health protection, protection of motherhood and childhood, social support for disabled, promotion of healthy lifestyle, fitness and sports, protection of flora and fauna, charity, as well as promotion of philanthropy and volunteering" are exempted.

Environmental organizations known to WWF that have received notices are the Russian regional NGOs Baikal Environmental Wave, Amur Social-Ecological Union, Chelyabinsk fund "For Nature", Siberian Environmental Center, and Khabarovsk organization "Zelyony Dom".

Baikal Environmental Wave is among groups protesting the pollution of World Heritage listed Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake, by a pulp mill. Amur Social-Ecological Union helped create 7 new protected areas in the Far East of Russia with a total area of over 1 million hectares.

Rights defenders and civil society activists see the legislation as a tool intended to erode their credibility and impact. The prosecution itself must comply with the law before demanding its enforcement from others, stresses WWF.

Further information: Masha Vinokurova +7 903 273 6079 mvinokurova@wwf.ru

First evidence of a leatherback turtle along Pakistan's coastline

2013-04-29

Pakistan: A leatherback turtle, one of the rarest living reptiles, was recently caught and safely released back into the sea by a group of fishermen near Surbandar village, Gwadar, Balochistan province in Pakistan.

WWF-Pakistan staff helped in the rescue and release of this turtle. This rescue, along with the recent location of a large population of olive Ridley turtles from offshore waters previously thought to be extinct from the area, is a positive sign for the marine biodiversity of Pakistan.

Along the coast of Pakistan five species of marine turtles are reported to occur which include green, olive Ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead and leatherback turtles. Of these, leatherback is considered to be the rarest species occurring along the area and indeed globally; they are one of the most endangered species of marine turtles.

Previously there were a number of reports about occurrence of leatherback from Pakistan including a dead leatherback turtle recorded from Pushukan near Gwadar in 2002 but no living turtle was recorded from the country before.

Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Adviser in marine fisheries for WWF-Pakistan pointed out that since leatherback turtles feed only jellyfish, their occurrence in the country may be on account of a recurrence of jellyfish blooms in the coastal areas. He pointed out that the global population of this species was estimated to be 115,000 adult females in 1982. By 1996 this had been revised down to about 30-40,000.

Leatherback populations in the Indian Ocean have undergone dramatic declines in the past forty years. The nesting colony at Terengganu, Malaysia went from more than 3,000 females in 1968, to 20 in 1993, to just 2 recorded recently with no signs of recovery.

WWF-Pakistan with the support of provincial wildlife departments has been involved in turtle conservation and awareness programmes along Sindh and Balochistan coasts for almost two decades. With the establishment and strengthening of sanctuaries and wildlife refuges as well as awareness raising activities, local communities are now better equipped to protect turtles and their nests and reduce bycatch in fishing gears as evidence from the recent finds show.

New Population of Rare Irrawaddy Dolphins Found in Palawan

2013-04-26

Palawan, Philippines: A new Philippine population of critically-endangered Irrawaddy dolphins was reported recently by WWF-Philippines.

Spotted by chance off Quezon, Palawan in Western Philippines, this pod of rare marine mammals, locally called Lampasut, was observed displaying typical behavior, foraging for prey around lift net fish traps sitting approximately one kilometer offshore.

WWF staff reported seeing at least 20 individuals in just one sighting. This is a relatively large sized pod for this uncommon species, where groups of fewer than six individuals are most common.

Previous populations of these dolphins have been documented in Malampaya Sound, as well as off the island of Panay.

The Quezon pod represents the fourth known group of Irrawaddy dolphins reported in the Philippines.

The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), is a euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin.

With the ability to adapt to a wide range of salinities, this dolphin is found in discontinuous subpopulations near coasts and in estuaries and rivers in areas stretching from the Bay of Bengal to New Guinea and the Philippines.

Lightly colored all over, Irrawaddy dolphins are similar to the beluga in appearance. They have a blunt, rounded head, and an indistinct beak. Their dorsal fin is short, blunt and triangular.

In the wild, they have been seen spitting out streams of water, a rather unique and peculiar behavior.

Contrary to what some people believe, this animal is not a true river dolphin, but an oceanic dolphin that lives in brackish water near coasts, river mouths and in estuaries.

This species enjoys the highest level of international protection. All trade is forbidden, under international agreements. Some Irrawaddy dolphin populations are classified by the IUCN as critically endangered.

This includes the Malampaya Sound sub-population in the Philippines. Irrawaddy dolphins in general however, are IUCN listed as a vulnerable species, which applies throughout their whole range.

In 2004, CITES transferred the Irrawaddy dolphin from Appendix II to Appendix I, which forbids all commercial trade in species that are threatened with extinction. The Irrawaddy dolphin is listed on both Appendixes I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

Photos of the Quezon pod were captured, positively confirming species identity. For Palawan, this is a very good sign. Though wholly unexpected, this surprise is a tremendous new discovery to celebrate Earth Day in the Coral Triangle.

UN recognizes severity of wildlife crimes

2013-04-26

Governments meeting to discuss responses to global crime waves are urging countries to impose strict penalties for the trafficking wildlife products like elephant ivory and rhino horn. Members of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Friday passed a resolution encouraging UN member states "to make illicit trafficking in wild fauna and flora a serious crime" and to ensure organized criminal groups are prosecuted.

Under UN rules, serious crimes should receive sentences of up to four years in prison or more. In many instances wildlife smugglers are released after paying fines significantly lower than the value of the illegal goods.

"Today the commissioners took a critical step forward by recognizing the serious, transnational and organized nature of wildlife and forest crime. These crimes are not only putting the survival of endangered species in peril, but are also threatening security and sustainable economic development," said Wendy Elliott, leader of WWF's campaign against wildlife crime. "We urge governments worldwide to use every tool available to combat these crimes, which are also taking human lives."

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES NOT APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN

During the crime commission meeting, governments identified links between the illegal trade in wildlife and timber products and other transnational organized crimes such as drug and arms running, human trafficking, money laundering and terrorism. The wildlife trafficking resolution was put forward by the United States and Peru.

Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, told journalists, "Wildlife and forest crimes must be treated as serious crimes with minimum punishments of four years or more so that full force of deterrence can be used against criminals. The harder task, however, will be to curb the demand."

The poaching of elephants and rhinos has reached record levels across Africa, but increased law enforcement effectiveness is also needed throughout the trade chain and in consumer countries like China, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Up to 30,000 elephants are killed each year for their ivory tusks. In poaching epicentre Central Africa, governments will meet next week to address the ongoing security crisis, which is exacerbated by the proliferation of heavily-armed poachers.

"We are seeing that the killing of wildlife is increasingly connected to horrific violence against the rangers and community-members standing between these criminals and their targets. It is long overdue for the punishments to fit the crimes in these cases," Elliott said.

Governments also agreed to a proposal from Norway to address crimes at sea that impact upon the environment, including fisheries crimes. Illegal fishing undermines efforts by governments and responsible fishers to sustainably manage fisheries. It also threatens livelihoods, food security and sustainable development, and costs the global economy US $23 billion annually.

Governments take a stand against fisheries crime

2013-04-26

Vienna, Austria: Governments meeting at the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice this week in Vienna agreed to a proposal from Norway, to address crimes at sea that impact upon the environment, including fisheries crimes.

Illegal fishing undermines efforts by governments and responsible fishers to sustainably manage fisheries. It also threatens livelihoods, food security and sustainable development and costs the global economy US$23 billion annually.

Despite the severity of these problems, governments often lack adequate laws to put offenders out of business. In many countries, even serious fisheries offences only warrant a fine and are not regarded as crimes. And despite industrial fishing today being a globalised business, fisheries crimes have not previously been regarded as an issue warranting international law enforcement cooperation.

"With illegal fishing depleting fish stocks, especially in developing countries and on the high seas, often with impunity and in broad daylight, this move by the international community to take the problem seriously is long overdue", said Jessica Battle, Global Ocean Governance Programme Manager, WWF International.

"Now, we need to see individual governments, especially as flag states, take legislative action to criminalise serious offences and to effectively enforce the law. The future food supply and wellbeing of coastal communities across the world is at stake."

WWF is advocating for serious fisheries offenses to be criminalised and crimes adequately punished to effectively deter fishers and fishing companies from engaging in crimes. This involves upgrading national laws but also international cooperation by fisheries, judiciary, customs and police agencies.