WWF - Vesti

Peticija za spasavanje ugroženog Velikog koralnog grebena u Australiji

2013-06-17

2005. godine, WWF je pomogao da se postigne veliki uspeh u očuvanju prirode, kada je površina zaštićenog područja čuvenog Velikog koralnog grebena (Great Barrier Reef – GBR) u Australiji povećana sa 4 na 33 procenta, što ukupno iznosi 13 miliona hektara. U dodatku, donet je i urbanistički plan kojim se osigurava održiv uticaj čoveka na Greben.

Međutim, planovi za izgradnju terminala za utovar uglja, povećanje špedicije i slabljenje zakona o zaštiti priobalnih zona prete budućnosti ovog legendarnog prirodnog područja. Ugrožen je čak i status ovog područja kao mesta Svetske baštine, kao i 6 milijardi američkih dolara vredna turistička industrija zasnovana na grebenu. WWF, zajedno sa Društvom za zaštitu morskih područja Australije (The Australia Marine Conservation Society), je objavio kartu rezultata u kojoj procenjuje upravljanje australijskim grebenom i poziva vlade Australije i Kvinslenda da prekinu sa odobravanjem daljih velikih razvojnih planova dok se ne donese plan kojim bi se obezbedila budućnost Velikog koralnog grebena.

Peticija kojom se traži od Odbora za Svetsku baštinu pri UNESCO da zaštiti Veliki koralni greben zbog svih ljudi na svetu kojima je do njega stalo

Odbor za Svetsku baštinu pri UNESCO se narednih nedelja sastaje u Kambodži i mora da uloži pritisak na vlade Kvinslenda i Australije da Grebenu pruže zaštitu koja mu je potrebna. Da li ćete i vi dodati svoje ime na peticiju na http://fightforthereef.org.au/take-action

Borba za greben je jedna od najznačajnijih bitki za zaštitu životne sredine koju je svet ikad video!

World Heritage Committee requests cancelation of Virunga oil permits

2013-06-17

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – The international body that oversees World Heritage Sites today requested the cancelation of oil exploration permits in Virunga National Park, some of which are currently held by international petroleum conglomerates, including UK-based Soco International PLC and French oil giant Total SA.

Located in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Virunga is Africa's oldest national park and one of the continent's first World Heritage Sites. It was inscribed in 1979 in recognition of its extraordinary landscapes, and because it is home to more species than any other place in the continent.

The World Heritage Committee, a rotating group of countries that manages the UNESCO World Heritage List, said it is deeply concerned that Virunga could be degazetted or that laws could be changed so that oil concessions covering 85 per cent of the park's territory could be exploited.

Conservation organizations warn that oil exploration could cause the site to lose its World Heritage status and would put in peril local livelihoods and rare species. Total SA last month pledged to stay out of the park's current boundaries, but remains active just outside its borders. Soco International PLC has not made a commitment to respect the integrity of the park.

"Virunga National Park is one of the last places on Earth you should go looking for oil," said René Ngongo, mining and extractives policy advisor at WWF-DRC. "The park is of global conservation importance and is vital for the livelihoods of many people living around it. We are urging alternative development models that are sustainable for the long term -- development that provides real benefits to local communities and does not put endangered species at risk."

The World Heritage Committee also turned its attention to the responsibilities member countries have as parties to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Governments were urged in a decision "to do their utmost to ensure that the mining or petroleum companies established on their territories do not damage World Heritage properties."

During debate over potential oil exploration in Virunga, the one committee member stressed the particular responsibility of corporations based in countries that are signatories to the World Heritage Convention. "World Heritage Sites have been recognized for their outstanding universal value. We are monitoring closely the situation in African World Heritage Sites, including Virunga, and reiterated today that oil exploration is incompatible with the spirit of the convention," the committee member from Estonia said.

""The World Heritage Committee has made it clear today that these precious places are no-go areas for damaging extractive activities," said Christof Schenck, Chief Executive Officer of Frankfurt Zoological Society. "Oil exploration could destroy Virunga forever and must not go forward."

World Heritage Committee requests cancelation of Virunga oil permits

2013-06-17

Peruvian ocean conservationist wins top honours in prestigious international award

2013-06-12

Jackson Hole, USA: Kerstin Forsberg, a 28-year-old marine conservation biologist and campaigner based in Peru, has been awarded the WWF International President's Award 2013 at a special ceremony during global conservation organization WWF's Annual Conference.

As Founder-Director of the non-profit organization "Planeta Océano" since 2007, Kerstin leads community-based marine research, environmental education and participatory sustainable development initiatives in Peru. Prior to this she has been a prolific volunteer with many ocean conservation and green educational groups across the country.

"I am delighted to present this year's WWF International President's Award to Kerstin Forsberg, and I commend her warmly for her energy and dedication to saving our seas and rallying others to the cause. She is an inspiration to us all," said Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President.

"This Award shines a light on brilliant young people who are working hard to protect the natural world. We desperately need young leaders and pioneers joining the nature conservation movement and sharing their passion and skills – and Kerstin is an excellent example," said Kakabadse.

The annual WWF International President's Award acknowledges and encourages outstanding achievements of young people under the age of 30 who are making strong and compelling contributions to nature conservation. Nominations are invited via WWF offices around the world.

Other awards presented during this year's WWF Annual Conference include the WWF Award for Conservation Merit, going to Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean, and Catalan fisheries management group the "Co-management Committee for the Management Plan of the Artisanal Sandeel Seine in Catalonia". Roger Sant of the US was made a WWF Member of Honour, and the posthumous WWF International Roll of Honour this year commemorates Russell E. Train, a leading conservation pioneer and founder of WWF-US. Dr Trudy Ecoffey and Dr Thomas Lovejoy received the WWF Leader of a Living Planet awards, and the WWF Staff Award for Outstanding Achievement goes to Ginette Hemley, Senior Vice President for Conservation Strategy and Science at WWF-US. The WWF Gold Panda Awards, recognising significant generosity in supporting WWF, have been awarded to Edward P. Bass, John & Virginia Sall and SAS Institute, Inc., Adrienne & John Mars and Mars Incorporated, and Muhtar A. Kent and The Coca-Cola Company.

Kerstin Forsberg - Winner of WWF International President's Award, 2013

Peruvian ocean conservationist wins top honours in prestigious international award

2013-06-12

Škole iz Srbije realizovale projekte u okviru međunarodne školske inicijative za zaštitu životne sredine

2013-06-10

WWF i ERSTE Fondacija ugostili su završni događaj edukativnog programa "Evropske škole za život planete" u Rumuniji

Brašov - Proteklog vikenda u Moieciu u okrugu Brašov u Rumuniji održan je završni događaj međunarodne školske inicijative za zaštitu životne sredine pod nazivom „Evropske škole za život planete" koju su sproveli WWF i ERSTE Fondacija. Učenici i nastavnici iz Srbije i osam drugih evropskih zemalja sproveli su projekte očuvanja životne sredine. Aktivnosti su varirale od uređenja školskih bašti, uličnih događaja i pozorišnih predstava do izložbi i „učenici uče učenike" kampanja. Nagradu za najbolje projekte – nedelju dana kampovanja u prirodi u Rumuniji – osvojile su četiri škole iz Hrvatske, Moldavije, Slovenije i Ukrajine. „Sa inicijativom 'Evropske škole za život planete' posebno smo hteli da pokažemo učenicima mogućnosti da se pokrenu, javno izraze svoje mišljenje i motivišu druge na delovanje," rekla je Barbara Tauscher, vođa edukativnog programa o zaštiti životne sredine WWF-a u Austriji. „Za nas, velika posvećenost učenika je najbolje priznanje uspeha projekta."

33 školska razreda iz Austrije, Bugarske, Hrvatske, Mađarske, Moldavije, Rumunije, Srbije, Slovenije i Ukrajine odgovorila su na poziv WWF-a da se založe za životnu sredinu i budućnost Evrope. Tokom sedam meseci, učenici uzrasta 12 do 17 godina su radili na svojim projektima baveći se temama "Dunav – Evropska linija života" i „Ekološki otisak". Učenici su istraživali, diskutovali sa donosiocima odluka i odlazili na ekspedicije u svojoj okolini. Ideje i realizacija projekta su u potpunosti plod kreativnosti učenika. Nastavnici su podržali svoje učenike samo kao mentori. Za završni događaj, po jedan učenik i jedan nastavnik iz svakog razreda doputovali su u Rumuniju kako bi predstavili svoje aktivnosi na polju zaštite prirode na šarenolikoj izložbi projekata i potom izabrali najbolje projekte. Četiri školska razreda iz Hrvatske, Moldavije, Slovenije i Ukrajine su pobednici takmičenja.

Pobedniški školski projekti iz Hrvatske, Moldavije, Slovenije i Ukrajine

Učenici uzrasta od 15 do 17 godina iz tima „Pčele" iz opšte gimnazije Alexei Mateevici iz grada Soldanesti, Moldavija, pokrenuli su „ECO-Steps" projekat – fokusirajući se na značaj razdvajanja otpada. Oni su izgradnju nove lokalne deponije videli kao mogućnost za edukaciju njihovih vršnjaka i komšija kako da pravilno odlažu otpad, kroz predavanja i seriju radio emisija. Uverili su lokalne vlasti da podrže njihovu inicijativu, a organizovali su i impresivnu javnu demonstraciju na ulicama njihovog grada.

Učenici uzrasta od 15 do 17 godina iz tima „CRO leptiri" iz gimnazije Josip Slavenski iz Čakoveca, Hrvatska, su kao temu svog projekta izabrali ugroženu vrstu leptira (Maculineia) koji nastanjuje okrug Međimurje. Oni su informisali omladinu o karakteristikama ove vrste i značaju očuvanja njenog staništa. Stupili su u kontakt sa drugim lokalnim školama, održali su predavanja zasnovana na primarnom istraživanju i organizovali su izlete do staništa ove vrste, tako podižući svest o temi koja je do tada bila nepoznata u njihovom kraju.

Učenici iz tima „Saradnici prirode" iz gimnazije Šiška iz Ljubljane, Slovenija, bili su inspirisani prednostima organskog uzgajanja hrane i lokalnom proizvodnjom i počeli su da ih promovišu u svojoj školi. Njihovi napori su bili usmereni ka izgradnji i održavanju bašte u dvorištu škole koju pohađaju, uz stručnu pomoć i savete od svojih međunarodnih vršnjaka iz Mađarske koji su takođe učestvovali u inicijativi „Evropske škole za život planete". Štaviše, oni su istražili stavove učenika i nastavnika prema organski uzgajanoj hrani i istražili su poreklo proizvoda koji se služe u kantini njihove škole.

„Reka Dnjepar u rukama naroda" je ime projekta koji su pokrenuli učenici Škole mira iz Kijeva, Ukrajina, fokusirajući se na ekološko stanje reke Dnjepar u Ukrajini. Njihova inicijativa spojila je snagu i volju članova Omladinskog parlamenta reke Dnjepar, međunarodne skupštine mladih iz tri države: Ukrajine, Rusije i Belorusije. Kroz niz raznih aktivnosti tokom formiranja asocijacije „Parlament", uspeli su da prenesu probleme sa kojima se suočava reka do njihove zajednice, posebno do mlađih generacija.

Nagrada: nedelju dana kampovanja u prirodi u Rumuniji

Po pet učenika iz svakog pobedničkog razreda će biti nagrađeno sa nedelju dana kampovanja u prirodi u Rumuniji u jesen 2013. godine. „Želimo da ohrabrimo razmenu učenika čak i posle završetka takmičenja", rekla je Tauscher. „Stoga, želimo da uspostavimo dugoročnu internacionalnu mrežu mladih ljudi aktivnih u očuvanju prirode."

„Inicijativa „Evropske škole za život planete" nudi veoma važan dodatak našim prekograničnim edukativnim projektima. Veoma smo srećni što grupa mladih ljudi, koji se na kreativan način hvataju u koštac sa budućnošću naše životne sredine kroz međunarodnu razmenu, postaje veća svake godine", izjavila je Doraja Eberle, predsednica odbora ERSTE Fondacije.

Školski projekti učenika iz Srbije

Učenici iz tima „Sove na oprezu" iz osnovne škole „Milica Pavlović" iz Čačka su se kroz projektat „Buđenje!" fokusirali na temu gubitka biodiverziteta i očuvanja prirode na području Čačka. Kroz niz aktivnosti kao što su organizovanje predavanja i edukativnih radionica, pravljenje i postavljanje hranilica i kućica za ptice, uklanjanje invazivnih vrsta biljaka i čišćenje Ovčarsko-kablarske klisure, učenici uzrasta od 13 do 15 godina su dali izvanredan primer kako treba štitit prirodu. Kreiranjem i vođenjem dvojezičnog bloga, objavljivanjem fotografija veoma retkih i zaštićenih vrsta ptica kao i pojavljivanjem u medijima, učenici su uspeli da motivišu ljude da se „probude" i doprinesu zaštiti prirode.

Učenici iz srednje trgovinsko-ugostiteljske škole iz Leskovca su se odlučili na edukaciju svojih vršnjaka o „našem ekološkom otisku", što je bilo i ime njihovog projekta. Tim „Zelena jabuka" je adaptirao jednu od školskih učionica u eko-učionicu, posadili su četinarske i žbunaste vrste biljaka u dvorištu škole i napravili su korpe za sortiranje otpada koji jednom nedeljno odnose na recikliranje. Svojim delovanjem naveli su ostale učenike na drugi, „zeleni" način razmišljanja, zainteresovali ih za učešće u budućim projektima i doprineli podizanju svesti o posledicama naših svakodnevnih aktivnosti.

Glavni cilj projekta tima učenika „Mladi zeleni u pokretu" iz osnovne škole „Ljupče Nikolić" iz Aleksinca bio je podizanje svesti učenika o zaštiti životne sredine i značaju i važnosti procesa reciklaže. Učenici uzrasta od 12 do 14 godina su tokom trajanja projekta organizovali 10 ekološko-edukativnih radionica na kojima su pripremili materijal za događaje koje su organizovali: odeću, nakit i scensku postavku za pozorišnu predstavu, kao i „ekološku knjigu" i poučne postere i flajere koji su deljeni svim učesnicima „Zelene šetnje" – finalnog ekološkog događaja u centru grada. Održan je i okrugli sto na kom su učestvovali pripadnici parlamenta drugih osnovnih i srednjih škola iz Aleksinca kao i predstavnici lokalnih vlasti. Učenici su čak uspeli i da angažuju volontere koji su im pomogli u realizaciji događaja.

Kroz projekat „Sačuvajmo prirodu", učenici sedmog razreda osnovne škole „Ivan Goran Kovačić" iz Stanišića su osmislili i izveli pokretnu školsku predstavu. Fokusirajući se na temu zaštite životne sredine i načina ophođenja ljudi prema prirodi, tim „Deca prirode" je predstavu izveo u Stanišiću i u još četiri škole u okruženju, a predstavu planiraju da realizuju i po završetku takmičenja. Podelom u timove, učenici su kreirali stranicu „Sačuvajmo prirodu" na popularnoj socijalnoj mreži Fejsbuk, dizajnirali postere i informisali ljude o predstavi, i napravili ružičnjak u dvorištu škole.

O inicijativi „Evropske škole za život planete"

Ove godine, školska inicijativa za zaštitu životne sredine „Evropske škole za život planete" održana je po peti put. Od početka, 4,000 učenika uzrasta od 12 do 17 godina iz 11 zemalja Evrope realizuju svoje individualne projekte iz oblasti zaštite životne sredine. Školske 2012/2013. godine, inicijativa je pokrenuta tokom jednonedeljne akademije za učenike i nastavnike u Austriji u oktobru 2012. godine. Preko radionica i aktivnosti u prirodi, stručnjaci iz WWF-a su upoznali učenike i njihove nastavnike sa temama projekta i predstavili alate za njegove sprovođenje. Tokom školske godine napredak projekata o očuvanju prirode mogao je da se prati i komentarište preko interaktivnog web bloga www.foralivingplanet.eu dostupnog široj javnosti. Na ovom web blogu, razredi školskih učenika su imali svoje dnevnike o projektu, objavljivali su slike i video materijal o svojim projektima i imali su mogućnost razmene iskustava.

U toku prijavljivanje za "Evropske škole za život planete" 2013/2014

U toku je prijavljivanje za "Evropske škole za život planete" za školsku 2013/2014. godinu. Prijava se nalazi u prijavnom formularu, a možete je poslati poštom na sledeću adresu:
Catalina Murariu
26, Ioan Caragea Voda Street, District 1
010537 Bucharest
Romania

ili na e-mail adresu: cmurariu@wwfdcp.ro

najkasnije do 9. jula 2013. godine.

Više informacija o inicijativi „Evropske škole za život planete" možete naći na web stranicama www.wwf.at/esfalp i www.foralivingplanet.eu.

Kontakt:
Sonja Bađura, sbadjura@wwfdcp.org, 011/33 49479, 063/891 4458

Croatia, Moldova, Slovenia and Ukraine win European Schools for a Living Planet award

2013-06-10

Brasov, Romania - The best project award in the international school environment initiative of WWF and ERSTE Foundation was presented to four schools from Croatia, Moldova, Slovenia and the Ukraine during the concluding event which took place in Moieciu, Romania over the past weekend. As part of European Schools for a Living Planet pupils and teachers from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and the Ukraine implemented environment conservation projects. The activities ranged from self-built school gardens, street events and theatre performances to exhibitions and "pupils-teach-pupils" campaigns.

"With European Schools for a Living Planet we particularly want to show pupils possibilities to get active, to express their opinion in public and to motivate others to take action", said Barbara Tauscher, leader of WWF Austria's environmental education programme. "For us, the pupils' overwhelming commitment is the best acknowledgement of the project."

33 school classes from the region responded to WWF's call to stand up for Europe's environment and future. Over seven months, the 12 to 17 year old pupils worked on their eco-projects addressing the topics "Danube – Europe's lifeline" and "Ecological Footprint". They did research, discussed with decision-makers and went on nature expeditions. The project ideas and realization were completely up to the pupils' creativity. The teachers supported their pupils only as project coaches. For the concluding event one teacher and one pupil from each class travelled to Romania to present their nature conservation activities in a colourful project bazaar and afterwards choose the best projects.

Winning school projects from Croatia, Moldova, Slovenia and the Ukraine

The 15 to 17 year old students of team The Bees, from the Theoretical Lyceum A. Mateevici, Soldanesti, Moldova, ran the ECO-Steps project – focusing on the importance of selecting waste. They saw the construction of a new local landfill as an opportunity to educate their peers and neighbours on how to dispose of waste in a correct manner, by means of training sessions and a series of radio shows. They convinced local authorities to support their initiative and also organised an impressive public demonstration on the city streets.

The 15 to 17 year old students of team CRO Butterflies, from the Josipa Slavenskog Gymnasium, Čakovec, Croatia picked as a subject for their project an endangered species of butterflies (Maculineia) which inhabits the county of Međimurje. They informed young people on the characteristics of this species and the importance of preserving their habitat. They got in touch with other local schools, held lectures based on primary research and organised field trips to the area of interest, thus building awareness on a hitherto unheard-of subject.

From Gimnazija Siska, Ljubljana, Slovenia the team The Co-workers of Nature were inspired by the benefits of organic farming and local produce and set out to promote them in their local school. Their efforts were directed at building and maintaining an eco-garden in the school yard, with external expert advice and help from international European Schools for a Living Planet peers. Moreover, they explored pupils' and teachers' attitudes towards eco-friendly agriculture practices and investigated the source of the products served in their cafeteria.

The Dnieper River in the Hands of People was the name of the project run by the students of Kyiv Peace School, focusing on the ecological state of the Dnieper river in Ukraine. Their initiative merged the forces and will power of the members of The Youth Parliament of the Dnieper River, an international assembly of youth from three countries: Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. By creating a structured and organised form of association, the "parliament", they managed to get across the problems affecting the river to their community, particularly to the young generation, by means of a whole variety of activities.

The prize: a nature camp week in Romania

Five pupils of each winning class will be treated to a nature camp week in Romania in autumn 2013.

"We want to encourage the pupils' exchange even after the end of the competition", said Tauscher. "Thus in the long run we want to establish a cross-national network of nature conservation active young people."

"The initiative European Schools for a Living Planet is an important addition to our cross
-border education projects. We are very happy that the group of young people, who creatively engage with our environments' future in an international exchange, becomes bigger every year", said Doraja Eberle, Chairwoman of the Board of ERSTE Foundation.

About the European Schools for a Living Planet initiative

This year, the school environment initiative European Schools for a Living Planet was held for the fifth time. Since the beginning 4,000 pupils aged 12 to 17 from eleven European countries put their individual eco-projects into action. In the school year 2012/2013 the initiatives' starting signal was given at a one-week pupil-teacher academy in October 2012 in Austria. Via workshops and outdoor actions WWF experts introduced the pupils and their class teachers to the project topics and presented tools for the project implementation. During the school year the progress of the nature conservation projects could be watched and commented via a publicly accessible interactive weblog www.foralivingplanet.eu. There the school classes kept project diaries, posted pictures and videos about their projects and had the opportunity to exchange experiences.

Mexico approves measure to save world's rarest marine mammal

2013-06-07

The government of Mexico has taken a decisive step to save the vaquita - a porpoise threatened by extinction - and to promote sustainable fisheries in the upper Gulf of California for the benefit of fishers and their families, says WWF-Mexico.

The new regulation, called an official norm, comes after over 38,000 people from 127 countries signed WWF's petition to Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto requesting measures to save the vaquita and allow fishers to continue to earn a living through sustainable fishing.

"With this norm, drift gillnets - one of the nets used in artisanal shrimping operations in which vaquitas die incidentally - will be gradually substituted, during a three year period, for selective fishing gears that does not kill this porpoise, but that allow fishers to keep earning their livelihoods. The effective application of the norm requires the participation and commitment of local fishermen. The optimal use of the net requires the development of particular skills; therefore, the support of the government and other organizations through training and temporary compensation programs will be essential along the fisher´s learning curve," said Omar Vidal, WWF-Mexico's Director General.

"It represents a major opportunity to promote sustainable fisheries in the region and to protect this Mexican porpoise. WWF acknowledges the commitment of the Mexican government to save the vaquita from extinction", added Vidal.

Of all cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), the vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is the only one endemic to Mexico, has the most restricted distribution (it only lives in the upper Gulf of California), is the smallest (reaches a maximum length of 1.5 meters) and faces the highest risk of extinction.

It is estimated that less than 200 vaquitas currently survive. Its main threat is incidental entanglement and drowning in drift gillnets used to catch shrimp, sharks, rays and other fish. Vaquitas also continues to die trapped in gillnets used in the illegal fishing of totoaba, a fish which is also endangered.

The new regulation establishes shrimping standards in Mexico and defines the fishing gears permitted in different zones of the country.

South China Sea, Mediterranean and North Sea are shipping accidents hotspots

2013-06-07

Gland, Switzerland: Some of the world`s most iconic oceans are also the most at risk according to a new study on shipping accidents released by WWF for World Oceans Day.

The South China Sea and East Indies, east Mediterranean and Black Sea, North Sea and British Isles were found to be dangerous hotspots for accidents involving ships.

"Since 1999 there have been 293 shipping accidents in the South China Sea and east Indies, home of the Coral Triangle and 76 per cent of the world's coral species." said Dr Simon Walmsley, Marine Manger, WWF International. "As recently as April this year we`ve seen a Chinese fishing boat run aground on a protected coral reef in the Philippines that had already been damaged by a US Navy ship in January."

Fishing vessels accounted for nearly a quarter of the vessels lost at sea but general cargo ships account for over 40 per cent. Cargo ships often operate short shipping routes, associated with the tramp trading where ships don't have a set route and pick up opportunistic trade, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The risk to the environment is directly linked to the type and amount of hazardous substances, including oil, being transported and the sensitivity of the marine area where any accident could occur.

In 2002, the Prestige oil tanker sunk resulting in over 70,000 tonnes of oil being released into the Atlantic Ocean off the Spanish coast.

"The Prestige oil spill caused not only environmental impacts but economic losses estimated at €8 billion. Even small scale accidents in very sensitive environments, like the Great Barrier Reef, can have profound environmental consequences." said Dr Walmsley.

Climate change models show increased storm surges, changing wind and wave patterns and extreme weather events which are likely to exacerbate the risks of foundering leading to potential catastrophic environmental destruction. Fifty per cent of all accidents are caused by foundering, where a boat sinks due to rough weather, leaks or breaking in two.

As the global fleet continues to expand rapidly and begins to operate routinely in more risky areas the probability of accidents and likely severity of impacts will again increase unless precautionary measures are put in place to address identifiable risk factors.

"We really want to see the shipping industry promote greater owner and operator responsibility and encourage owners to register with better flag states, the country which a vessel is registered to."

"Additionally, irresponsible and badly performing owners and countries need to be exposed in order to motivate them to significantly increase their standards which will decrease the number of accidents we see still occurring today" said Dr Walmsley.

--ENDS—
For further information:
Dr. Simon Walmsley, Marine Manager, WWF International, swalmsley@wwf.org.uk, Mob +44 (0)7920023318

Notes to editor:
The report was undertaken by Southampton Solent University: Nickie Butt, Professor David Johnson, Dr.Kate Pike, Nicola Pryce-Roberts, Natalie Vigar.

South China Sea, Mediterranean and North Sea are shipping accidents hotspots

2013-06-07

Novom globalnom kampanjom WWF poziva na veća ulaganja u čistu i obnovljivu energiju

2013-06-05

GLAND, Švicarska - WWF je danas pokrenuo novu međunarodnu kampanju pod sloganom „Iskoristite svoju energiju" u kojoj poziva vlade i svjetske financijske institucije na povećanje ulaganja u obnovljive izvore energije na najmanje 40 milijardi dolara tijekom sljedećih 12 mjeseci.

„Ponestaje nam vremena. Ako ćemo se i dalje oslanjati na fosilna goriva, pred nama je budućnost u kojoj je zrak sve zagađeniji a klima negostoljubiva. Naša je kolektivna odgovornost da se zauzmemo za budućnost kakvu želimo. Pozivamo političke i financijske donositelje odluka da iskoriste svoju moć za prijelaz na čistu i održivu energiju iz obnovljivih izvora i da stanu na kraj inerciji ugljena, nafte i plina", rekao je Jim Leape, generalni direktor WWF Internationala.

Kampanja „Iskoristite svoju energiju" lansirana je na Svjetski dan zaštite okoliša i poziva na potpisivanje zahtjeva za povećanje ulaganja u obnovljive izvore energije i na izlaznu strategiju ulaganja u ugljen, naftu i plin. Zahtjev se može potpisati na www.panda.org/seizeyourpower i u njemu se pozivaju financijske institucije i vlade širom svijeta da djeluju odmah tako da prihvate jače obveze za povećanje financiranja obnovljivih tehnologija i provođenje politika koje će izravno ulagati više sredstava u održivu energiju vjetra, sunca i vode.

WWF započinje globalnu kampanju čiji je cilj potaknuti značajne investicije vlada i međunarodnih financijskih institucija u sektor obnovljivih izvora energije, u ukupnom iznosu od 40 milijardi dolara. Kampanja će se provoditi u više od 20 zemalja, u kojima će WWF pokušati utjecati na javne financije te mirovinske i privatne fondove. Kampanja za preusmjeravanje novca u obnovljive izvore energije zasniva se na uspostavljanju poslovnog modela kroz uvažavanje svih troškova pojedinih izvora energije, koji će pokazati na ekološke, socijalne i ekonomske rizike ovisnosti od prljave energije kao što su ugljen, nafta i plin.

„Glavni pokretači energetskih tržišta su nagađanja, institucionalna inercija, nedostatak točnih informacija, krivi poticaji ali i ogromni ekonomski i politički interesi. Vrijeme je da se rasprava promjeni i da se pokažu stvarni troškovi fosilnih goriva i pravi potencijal sektora obnovljivih izvora energije. Današnji poziv na akciju je poziv svakom donosiocu odluka da investira u budućnost kakvu svi želimo, koju pokreću čisti, obnovljivi i održivi izvori energije", rekla je Samantha Smith, vođa globalne klimatske i energetske inicijative iz WWF Internationala.

Dok je 40 milijardi dolara samo početak iznosa koji su potrebni za potpuni prijelaz na čistu energiju, WWF smatra da su ove početne nove investicije bitna prekretnica u preusmjeravanju novca iz rizičnih fosilnih goriva u čiste i obnovljive izvore energije.

Ako se razina CO2 nastavi povećavati iz godine u godinu a mi nastavimo ignorirati znanost, sami ćemo biti odgovorni za drastične posljedice u godinama koje dolaze.

„Djelovati moramo sada! Trebamo uložiti novac u čiste i obnovljive izvore energije kako bi ograničili opasne klimatske promjene, smanjili rizike za ljudsko zdravlje od prljavih fosilnih goriva, ubrzali i olakšali pristup energiji, te sačuvali našu kolektivnu budućnost", zaključuje Smith.

WWF calls for major investment in clean and renewable energy with launch of new global campaign

2013-06-05

With a global call to action urging governments and financial institutions worldwide to increase investment in renewable energy by at least US$40 billion over the next 12 months, WWF today launched its new international campaign under the slogan Seize Your Power.

"We are running out of time. We know that if we continue to rely on fossil fuels we will face a future of worsening air pollution and an increasingly inhospitable climate. It is now our collective responsibility to commit to the future we want. We call on political and financial decision-makers to seize their power to make the switch to clean and sustainable renewable energy and end the inertia of coal, oil and gas," said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International.

The launch of the WWF Seize Your Power campaign on World Environment Day witnessed a sweep of local and global, online public actions to signal the start of the campaign. The action centred on signing a pledge that enables supporters to call for increased investments in renewable energy and the phasing out of investments in coal, oil and gas.

The pledge, which can be found on www.panda.org/seizeyourpower, calls on financial institutions and governments worldwide to act immediately, by making stronger commitments to increased financing for renewable technologies and policies and to directly invest more money in sustainable energy powered by wind, water and sun.

From today, WWF will campaign to seek major public commitments from governments and international financial institutions to make new investments of $40 billion USD beyond business-as-usual in the renewable energy sector. The public campaign will feature in more than 20 countries, where WWF is targeting public finance, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.

By establishing a business case for moving new money into renewable energy, the campaign will show the environmental, social and economic risks of the dependence on dirty energy such as coal, oil and gas.

"The energy markets' driving forces include speculation, institutional inertia, lack of accurate information, perverse incentives but also huge economic and political interests. It's time to reframe the debate and expose the real costs of fossil fuels and the real opportunity of the renewable energy sector.

"The call to action we're launching today is an invitation to every decision maker to invest in the future we want – one that is powered by clean, renewable and sustainable energy," said Samantha Smith, Leader of the Global Climate and Energy Initiative of WWF-International.

While US$40 billion is only the start of the additional amount of investment that is needed, WWF believes that these new investments are an essential turning point in shifting money from risky fossil fuels into clean and renewable energy.

If the rise in CO2 levels year after year continues while we ignore science, it will only mean drastic consequences in years to come.

"We need to act and invest money now in clean, renewable energy to limit dangerous climate change, to reduce the risks to human health from dirty fossil fuels, to fast-track access to energy, and to safeguard our collective future," Smith ended.

Media contacts:
Michael Storey: mstorey@wwfint.org / +41 (0)79 330 7162 / WWF International, Media Officer

Mandy Woods: mwoods@wwf.org.ze / +27 82 553 4211 / WWF Global Climate & Energy Initiative, Head of Communications and Campaigns

Gemma Parkes: gparkes@wwfint.org / +41 (0)79 253 6386 / WWF International Manager, Media, Executive Communications

Notes to editors:
Related images can be downloaded here: https://photos.panda.org/gpn/external?albumId=4417

Follow @WWF, Jim Leape (@jimleape), Samantha Smith (@pandaclimate) and the WWF media team (@wwf_media) on Twitter for more updates

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.

panda.org/news for latest news and media resources

WWF calls for major investment in clean and renewable energy with launch of new global campaign

2013-06-05

WWF welcomes Mexico's 2050 Climate Vision; now global funding must be made available to implement such strategies

2013-06-04

Gland, Switzerland: Mexico's launch today of a 2050 Climate Change Vision report is a welcome next step in its path to a low-carbon future, says WWF.

A number of the measures included in Mexico's 2050 Vision Strategy are shown to have the potential for significant and positive impacts on the Mexican economy. However, there is an important bundle of measures that imply short-term financial burdens.

Despite the positives in the report, even the best strategies will be waylaid if funding to implement them is not made available, says WWF's Global Climate & Energy Initiative leader Samantha Smith.

"All the elements needed to achieve Mexico's ambitious 2050 goal to reduce emissions by 50% compared to year 2000 levels are included in the report. And now it is time for global funders like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to act if efforts such as those in Mexico are to be encouraged," says Smith.

The GCF was established as a mechanism within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to provide finance from wealthy, high-emitting countries to countries – including Mexico – that are combating climate change through cutting emissions and adaptation efforts.

In October 2012, Mexico enacted its landmark General Climate Change Law which required, among other things, the development of an over-arching long-term climate strategy.

The Climate Change Vision for 2050 includes massive deployment of public transport systems and a rapid escalation of renewable energy – and these are all the right elements for achieving a low-emissions economy.

"The report shows Mexico's continued commitment to combating climate change and is an example to the world on the critical importance of climate legislation," says WWF-Mexico Climate Change Director Vanessa Pérez-Cirera. "We now need to support leader countries such as Mexico to achieve what they have set themselves to achieve. Otherwise our global efforts to keep global warming below 2°C will be thwarted," she added.

Hutovo blato jedan od najproduktivnijih ekosustava u Bosni i Hercegovini

2013-06-03

WWF-ova analiza pokazala širok spektar usluga koje Hutovo blato pruža lokalnom stanovništvu i regiji

Hutovo blato – Prepoznavanje vrijednosti zaštićenih područja i vrednovanje usluga pojedinih ekosustava postala je jedna od ključnih globalnih tema u zaštiti prirode. Pošto u BiH još nemamo izrađene procjene niti za jedno zaštićeno područje, WWF je povodom Dana Parka prirode Hutovo blato počeo procjenu usluga Hutovog blata po metodologiji Protected Area Benefits Assessment Tool (PA-BAT). Prve analize ukazuju da je Park Prirode Hutovo blato jedan od najproduktivnijih ekosustava u BiH i da njegovo očuvanje nije značajno samo za sva živa bića koja ovise o njemu, nego i za ekonomiju cijele regije.

Ekosustavi Hutovog blata nude cijeli spektar ekonomsko značajnih usluga od velike važnosti za ljudsku dobrobit i ekonomiju, od podržavanja turizma, poljoprivrede i ribolova, pročišćavanja voda, do ublažavanja prirodnih opasnosti kao što su poplave, koje su samo u 2010. uzročile milijunske štete.

„Hutovo blato nije poznato samo po svojoj ljepoti i iznimnoj biološkoj raznolikosti koncentriranoj na dosta malom području, već i po uslugama koje ono pruža lokalnom stanovništvu sve do delte Neretve u Hrvatskoj. Nadamo se da će državna tijela uzeti u obzir i te usluge kad se odlučuje o budućnosti Hutovog blata, još posebno u svjetlu prijetnji preusmjeravanjem voda izgradnjom novih hidroelektrana na Gornjim horizontima", rekao je Nikola Zovko, direktor Parka prirode Hutovo blato.

Radionica po metodologiji PA-BAT bila je organizirana u sklopu WWF-ovog projekta „Parkovi Dinarskog luka" i treba pomoći institucijama za zaštitu prirode u prikupljanju i usporedbi informacija o ukupnim dobrobitima različitih zaštićenih područja u nekoj državi.

„Izrada procjene vrijednosti nekog zaštićenog područja po metodologiji PA-BAT donosi veću povezanost sa dionicima i nudi osnovu za razvoj zaštićenog područja u skladu sa principima održivog razvoja. Metodologija omogućava identifikaciju ekonomskih i socijalnih dobrobiti nekog zaštićenog područja i ekoloških usluga koje ono pruža ljudima koji žive u tom području. Prva iskustva su pokazala da su dionici prije svega iznenađeni opsegom i kvalitetom usluga koje im pruža neko zaštićeno područje, što se pokazalo i u slučaju Hutovog blata", dodao je Leon Kebe, vođa projekta „Parkovi Dinarskog luka" iz WWF.
U sklopu programa Dana Parka prirode Hutovo blato predstavljene su aktivnosti u poticanju eko turizma, prije svega ponuda promatranja ptica. U suradnji sa udrugom Eko Most iz Mostara organizirana je umjetnička kolonija "Uživajmo u remek djelu prirode", koju su vodili akademski kipar Vladimir Mičković, akademska slikarica Ivona Terzić i profesor vizualnih komunikacija Saša Šantić.

Obilježavanje Dana Parka prirode završilo je izletom brodicama za sve učesnike, izložbom umjetničkih radova urađenih na umjetničkoj koloniji te završetkom pustolovne utrke – triatlona i podjelom nagrada ispred hotela Karaotok u Hutovom blatu.

WWF stands up for Taksim Gezi Park

2013-06-02

Istanbul, Turkey – WWF-Turkey supports the demonstrations at Taksim Gezi Park and the people who want to protect Istanbul's natural heritage and avoid further uncontrolled and unsustainable development in the city, such as the shopping mall that is proposed for construction in the park.

WWF-Turkey also calls on the government to respect and preserve Istanbul's natural habitat.  

"Standing up for Taksim Gezi Park means ensuring a future where people live in harmony with nature. Istanbul is running out of breath. We don't need more shopping malls but we do need more parks and green spaces in this city", said Tolga Bastak, CEO of WWF-Turkey.

"Since current investment decisions focus on short-term economic profits, this would destroy the last standing park in the heart of the city," said Bastak.

"We are destroying the cultural and natural assets that make Istanbul a living city. That needs to stop. We need to support a sustainable life which is in harmony with nature, and respect everybody's right to defend the fundamental human need for natural spaces over the uncontrolled pursuit of unsustainable projects".  

Nature in Turkey has never faced such a threat since the establishment of the Republic.

WWF-Turkey is very concerned about the latest regulations and decisions taken in Istanbul and all around the country, and it calls on the government to consider environmental and social impacts when planning and approving their projects and policies.

WWF will continue to closely follow latest developments. 

Media contact:
Tugba Ugur, WWF-Turkey Communications Officer: tugur@wwf.org.tr / +90 530 762 60 87

Follow Twitter updates:
@WWF_TURKIYE, @WWF, @wwf_media

Dan reke Save obeležen dočekom učesnika prve Međunarodne Savske biciklističke trke

2013-06-01

Beograd, 01. jun 2013. – Međunarodni Dan reke Save (1. jun) obeležen je danas u svim zemljama kroz koje protiče reka Sava (Slovenija, Hrvatska, Bosna i Hercegovina i Srbija), a završni događaj organizovan je na Savskom keju u Beogradu kroz manifestaciju „Dan Save – svaki dan". WWF – Svetski fond za prirodu je bio jedan od učesnika manifestacije.

Centralna proslava ovogodišnjeg Dana reke Save održana je u subotu 1. juna od 11-16 časova, na Savskom priobalju kod Rečne policije (Savamala), pod pokroviteljstvom Ministarstva poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede, Međunarodne Savske komisije, GO Savski venac i kompanije Coca-Cola Hellenic.

Program centralne proslave započeo je akcijom čišćenja Savskog priobalja "Pokrenimo i nešto dalje – očistimo Savsko priobalje" koju je ispred GO Savski venac vodio „Beogradski ekološki centar" a potom je usledilo svečano otvaranje obraćanjem zvaničnih predstavnika: Ministarstva poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede - Republičke direkcije za vode Dragane Milovanović, sekretara Savske komisije Dejana Komatine, predsednika GO Savski venac Dušana Dinčića i predsednika Rafting Saveza Srbije Borisa Purjakova.

Proslava je nastavljena kulturno-umetničkim programom na kom je, između ostalih, nastupio KUD ,,Abrašević'' sa spletom igara "Od izvora do ušća" koje predstavljaju nacionalne igre četiri države kroz koje protiče reka Sava. Usledio je javni čas na temu ,,Klimatske promene'' koji je održala Snežana Matić Besarabić, pomoćica direktora Gradskog zavoda za javno zdravlje (GZJZ). Atletski savez Srbije prezentovao je projekat „Dečija atletika i Evropsko prvenstvo u krosu" koji će se u decembru ove godine održati baš na ušću reke Save u Dunav. JKP ,,Čistoća'' predstavilo je edukativnu predstavu ,,Prljavo ili čisto, nije isto'' a organizovan je i niz kreativnih i edukativnih radionica za mlade na otvorenom, posvećene Danu reke Save.

WWF – Svetski fond za prirodu je učestvovao u proslavi kroz prezentaciju promotivnih i edukativnih aktivnosti u cilju informisanja građana, mladih i dece o značaju vode i načinima za njenu uštedu u domaćinstvima.

Manifestacija je završena dočekom učesnika prve Međunarodne Savske biciklističke trke "Sava 2013" u dužini od 824 km duž obale Save i obraćanjem biciklista prisutnima. Na trci – koja je startovala 25. maja na izvoru Save u Kranjskoj Gori a završila se na ušću u Dunav u Beogradu – učestvovalo je osam takmičara iz sve četiri države kroz koje protiče ova reka.

Ova biciklistička tura, inicirana u cilju promovisanja razvoja rečnog turizma u slivu reke Save i održivog korišćenje svih potencijala koje Sava pruža, je i glavno obeležje ovogodišnjeg Dana reke Save.

Dan reke Save uspostavljen je potpisivanjem „Okvirnog sporazuma o slivu reke Save" 2002. godine od strane državnih organa Slovenije, Hrvatske, Bosne i Hercegovine i Srbije, a obeležava se poslednjih pet godina.

Pobednici konkursa „Moja zelena škola" posetili Gornje Podunavlje

2013-06-01

Beograd, 1. jun 2013. godine – Srednjoškolci iz Zemuna i osnovci iz Novog Sada, koji su napravili najkreativnije radove u okviru konkursa „Moja zelena škola", posetili su Specijalni rezervat prirode„Gornje Podunavlje", jedno od poslednjih velikih poplavnih područja u Evropi. Uz stručnu podršku saradnika iz JP "Vojvodinašume" i WWF, učenici su imali priliku da se upoznaju sa zaštitom i razvojem ovog prirodnog dobra bogatog retkim vrstama flore i faune. Posetu učenika organizovali su Coca-Cola Sistem i WWF – Svetski fond za prirodu. Konkurs je organizovan tokom akcije „Jedna planeta. Jedan dom. Sačuvajmo ga zajedno" i u njemu su učestvovale 22 škole iz 11 opština u Srbiji, a na konkurs je pristiglo 86 radova. Učešćem, učenici su imali priliku da na kreativan način prikažu svoju školu kao zelenu i u skladu sa prirodom.

„Na konkurs je pristiglo mnogo zanimljivih radova, ali su se posebno istakli radovi učenika osnovne škole „Branko Radičević" iz Novog Sada i Srednje ekonomske škole „Nada Dimić" iz Zemuna. Učenici su svojim kreativnim radovima pokazali da svaka škola može da smanji svoj ekološki uticaj i da koristi obnovljive izvore energije, da na poseban način brine o otpadu, prećišćava otpadne vode ili reciklira plastiku, metal ili papir. Veliko nam je zadovoljstvo što su nam se autori najkreativnijih radova pridružili u poseti Specijalnog rezervata prirode, koje predstavlja deo budućeg prekograničnog rezervata biosfere - Mura-Drava-Dunav", izjavila je Duška Dimović, direktorka WWF programa za Srbiju.

Učenici su posetili i lokalitet Štrbac na kojem WWF – Svetski fond za prirodu i Coca-Cola Sistem sprovode projekat obnove vlažnih staništa sa ciljem revitalizacije poplavnih područja duž Dunava radi obezbeđenja staništa za bogatu floru i faunu Dunavskog sliva. Takođe su imali prliku da prošetaju edukativnom stazom i saznaju nešto više o retkim vrstama koje naseljavaju ovaj autentični ritski ambijent.

„Veliko nam je zadovoljstvo što su mnogobrojni učenici širom Srbije učestvovali na konkursu koji smo sa WWF-om organizovali povodom akcije o klimatskim promenama i očuvanju planete. Kao društveno odgovorna kompanija Coca-Cola Sistem mnogobrojnim projektima doprinosi razvoju lokalne zajednice u kojoj posluje, jer smatramo da samo zajedničkim snagama možemo da napravimo velike promene. Ove godine, kada proslavljamo 45 godina proizvodnje Coca-Cole u našoj zemlji, sigurno jeste da ćemo i dalje biti posvećeni razvoju lokalnog poslovanja, zaštiti prirodnih resursa i stvaranju boljeg sveta za sve nas", izjavila je Danijela Drenjaković, predstavnica Coca-Cola Sistema.

Da mašta i ljubav prema prirodi ne poznaje granice pokazali su osnovci iz Novog Sada crtežom učenika Jovana Jovanovića na kojem je predstavljeno školsko dvorište sa malim ribnjakom i reciklažnim kontejnerima, kao i parkingom za bicikle. Srednja škola „Nada Dimić" na konkurs se prijavila sa timskim radom kojem su predstavili školu koja je u potpunosti održiva i sadrži čak i reciklažne prostorije.

The construction of two major roads in Bulgaria and Romania ignores vital habitats

2013-05-31

Bucharest, Romania & Sofia, Bulgaria – The construction of two major roads in Bulgaria and Romania must not lead to the destruction of nature, rare and protected species, WWF has warned in a statement. If completed as planned, the Lugoj-Deva highway in Romania could split the last functional ecological corridor between the Western Carpathians and the remote Apuseni Mountains. At the same time, the new road and tunnel at Shipka in the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria could destroy a virgin forest with important bear and wolf habitats.

"The construction of the Lugoj-Deva highway without proper environmental impact assessment will lead to the disappearance of bear populations and seriously affect populations of wolf, lynx and deer in the Apuseni Mountains", said Cristian-Remus Papp of WWF in Romania.

WWF in Romania is calling on state authorities to act responsibly when planning highways, taking into consideration the importance of preserving vital ecological corridors.

"We need to be interested in the welfare of the species we depend on", Papp said.

In Bulgaria, WWF is leading an appeal against the environmental impact assessment of the proposed Shipka tunnel under the Balkan Mountains.

"Under the current project, traffic will pass through an important forest, splitting Balgarka Nature Park into two. Only then it will go into a tunnel under the mountain. The affected forest is the watershed for the nearby city of Gabrovo and home to many rare and protected animals and plants. What is more it is part of the Natura 2000 European network of protected areas", said Katerina Rakovska of WWF in Bulgaria.

An alternative route, supported by WWF and local citizens, would require the construction of a slightly longer tunnel and would not affect the nature park. In addition, it would take all transit traffic out of Gabrovo.

In Lugoj, Romania, WWF has co-organized an international workshop for all interested sides. This is the first time since work on the Deva-Lugoj highway started when all major players have been brought together to be advised by international experts, members of Infra Eco Network Europe (IENE), a partner organization of the European Commission.

"Roads are usually an eternal construction, so their planning and design is essential. A wrong construction due to bad planning means poor quality of life for both humans and species", said IENE expert Miklos Puky.

Both Romania and Bulgaria are strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, but they also have one of the lowest highway density in the EU. Road development is considered a priority by the authorities and the general public alike. At the same time, fragmentation caused by transport infrastructure is known as a major threat to biodiversity, a serious concern for the European Union.

Next week WWF is taking part in a Carpathian Convention working group, drafting a transport protocol, which will provide guidelines on developing road infrastructure in an environmental way. In Austria, WWF is already working with the national motorway company to provide mitigation measures on the Alpine-Carpathian ecological corridor.

Protecting environment key to ending poverty, finds UN High Level Panel

2013-05-30

Gland: Taxes, incentives, regulations, subsidies, trade and public procurement need to be realigned to favour sustainable consumption and production patterns if the world wants to end poverty, according to the UN High Level Panel charged with setting the new direction for global development.

"Without environmental sustainability we cannot end poverty," said the UN's High Level Panel on the post-2015 Development Agenda.

The report of the 26-member panel, which included UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Queen Rania of Jordan and Unilever CEO Paul Polman, has the potential to influence over USD 25 trillion of development spending and marks a clear break from the practice of treating development and sustainability as separate topics.

"The Millennium Development Goals were a first global attempt to address poverty and other development challenges but protection of the environment was barely acknowledged and hardly addressed," said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International.

"Nearly fifteen years on, there is finally recognition that poverty cannot be eradicated and the well-being of people across the globe cannot be secured without addressing the grave pressures on the environment and the natural systems that support human life on this planet," Leape added.

The report calls for hard-hitting measures to be taken in both developed and developing countries to reduce the impacts of consumption, production, trade, waste and pollution.

The Panel's findings have the potential to influence over USD 25 trillion of international resource flows to developing countries to redraft government and corporate behaviours.

"We came to the conclusion that the moment is right to merge the poverty and environmental tracks guiding international development" states the Panel report.

The Panel underlined the inadequacies of GDP measures of progress and recommended mandatory social and environmental reporting by all companies with a market capitalisation above USD 100 million.

Proposed goals to secure food, water and energy for a growing world population should include key targets to safeguard sustainable agriculture, fisheries, freshwater systems and energy supplies, the report said.

The High Level Panel also affirmed that the new development agenda is a global one.

"The world has changed since the MDGs were agreed," said Jim Leape.

"The global financial and economic crises have shown that poverty and growing inequality are problems for all countries. Production and consumption choices in one place have environmental impacts across the globe."

"We now look to all countries to build on the High Level Panel's report and agree an ambitious set of goals and targets that will spur urgent action," said Leape.

Further Information:
Gemma Parkes, WWF International, 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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