WWF - United Kingdom (UK)

งานประชุมในพระราชูปภัมป์เพื่อรับมือกับการลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่า

2013-05-21

ลอนดอน – วันนี้ (21 พฤษภาคม) สมเด็จเจ้าฟ้าชายชาร์ลส์ มกุฏราชกุมารแห่งราชวงศ์อังกฤษทรงเป็นเจ้าภาพการประชุม พร้อมด้วยคณะรัฐบาลสหราชอาณาจักร เพื่อเรียกร้องให้มีมาตรการขั้นสูงสุด เพื่อหยุดยั้งการลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่า ซึ่งเป็นการค้าที่ไม่เพียงส่งผลคุกคามต่อธรรมชาติเท่านั้น แต่ยังส่งผลต่อความมั่นคงของประเทศ และของภูมิภาคอีกด้วย ซึ่ง WWF ขอน้อมรับโครงการริเริ่มที่มีเป้าหมายเพื่อตอกย้ำประเด็นนี้ในประเด็นการเมืองระหว่างประเทศ ด้วยความยินดี ในฐานะที่สมเด็จเจ้าฟ้าชายชาร์ลส์ ทรงเป็นประธานWWF-UK ทรงแสดงออกถึงความสนใจด้านการอนุรักษ์ที่สอดคล้องกันในหลายๆด้าน ซึ่งรวมไปถึงความปราถนาของพระองค์ ให้ยุติการลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่า

เดวิด นุสบาม หัวหน้าคณะบริหารWWF-UK กล่าวถึงงานในครั้งนี้ว่า
"การลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่าสุ่มเสี่ยงจะทำให้ความพยายามในการอนุรักษ์ที่ทำกันมาหลายทศวรรษต้องล้มเหลว และทำให้สัตว์สายพันธุ์ที่เป็นสัญลักษณ์และมีความสำคัญทางนิเวศน์ เสี่ยงจะสูญพันธุ์ การค้ามูลค่าหลายพันล้านปอนด์นี้ ยังเป็นตัวกระตุ้นอาชญากรรมในรูปแบบอื่น และส่งผลกระทบเลวร้ายต่อประชาชนบางกลุ่มที่ยากจนที่สุดในโลก

"การลักลอบล่าและค้าสัตว์ป่าเพิ่มสูงเป็นประวัติการณ์ เราหวังว่าการประชุมในครั้งนี้ จะเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของโครงการริเริ่มสำคัญ เพื่อต่อสู้กับการค้าแห่งหายนะและความตายนี้"

เมื่อปีที่แล้ว มีแรด 668 ตัว ถูกสังหารในแอฟริกาใต้ ซึ่งมากเป็นประวัติการณ์ และนับตั้งแต่ปี 2556 เป็นต้นมา มีแรดตายไปเกือบ 300 ตัวแล้ว และเมื่อต้นเดือนนี้ มีช้างอย่างน้อย 26 ตัว ถูกสังหารหมู่ในพื้นที่ป่ามรดกโลก ในสาธารณรัฐแอฟริกากลาง หลังมีกลุ่มลักลอบล่าสัตว์ติดอาวุธปืนไรเฟิลคาลาชนิคอฟ เข้าไปในดาซังกา ไบ เขตอาศัยพิเศษของช้างซึ่งคนท้องถิ่นทราบกันว่าเป็น "หมู่บ้านช้าง"

การประชุมครั้งนี้ จะมีการวางกรอบการทำงานสำหรับการประชุมในระดับผู้นำรัฐที่จะมีขึ้นในช่วงฤดูใบไม้ร่วง ที่รัฐบาลสหราชอาณาจักรจะเป็นเจ้าภาพ ท่ามกลางความหวังว่ารัฐบาลประเทศต่างๆ ที่เข้าร่วมการประชุมในช่วงฤดูใบไม้ร่วง จะมีมาตรการที่จะช่วยลดความต้องการสัตว์ที่ใกล้จะสูญพันธุ์ และผลิตภัณฑ์ที่เกี่ยวข้อง, ปรับปรุงการบังคับใช้กฏหมายและความยุติธรรมทางอาญาในระดับโลก ต่อเครือข่ายองค์กรที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการลอบค้าสัตว์ป่า ไปจนถึงการให้ความช่วยเหลือชุมชนห่างไกลในการการหาทางเลือกเพื่อเลี้ยงชีพในระยะยาว แทนการค้าสัตว์ป่า โอเวน ปีเตอร์สัน รัฐมนตรีสิ่งแวดล้อมกล่าว

"เป็นการง่ายเกินไปที่จะคิดว่า การสูญพันธุ์ของสัตว์นั้นเป็นเรื่องที่ผ่านไปแล้ว ทั้งที่มันเป็นปัญหาสำคัญในทุกวันนี้ นี่เป็นเหตุผลที่ทำให้ผมรู้สึกยินดีเป็นอย่างยิ่ง ที่ได้รับพระกรุณาธิคุณจากเจ้าชายแห่งเวลส์ให้เป็นประธานร่วมในการประชุมว่าด้วยการลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่านี่เป็นโอกาสดียิ่งที่จะหยิบยกปัญหานี้สู่ระดับสูงสุดระหว่างประเทศการร่วมมือกันจะช่วยทำให้เราลดความต้องการทั่วโลกที่มีต่อสัตว์ป่าที่ใกล้สูญพันธุ์และผลิตภัณฑ์ที่เกี่ยวข้อง และช่วยเหลือชุมชนต่างๆหาทางเลือกทางรอดอื่น แทนการค้าสัตว์ป่า"
ระหว่างเตรียมการประชุม WWF พร้อมด้วยพันธมิตรอื่นๆ ได้ร่วมทำงานกับหน่วยงานความยั่งยืนระหว่างประเทศของสมเด็จเจ้าฟ้าชายชาร์ลส์ และกรมสิ่งแวดล้อม อาหารและชนบท หรือ Defra เพื่อแบ่งปันความรู้ ความเชี่ยวชาญด้านการลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่าหายาก และความเป็นไปได้ในการแก้ไขวิกฤตอาชญากรรมต่อสัตว์ป่าระดับโลกในปัจจุบัน

ในช่วงฤดูร้อนปี 2555 WWF และ TRAFFIC เปิดตัวแคมเปญการลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่าระดับโลก เพื่อยกระดับปัญหาการลักลอบค้าสัตว์ป่าให้เป็นอาชญากรรมขั้นร้ายแรง และเพื่อกระตุ้นรัฐบาลและสถาบันระหว่างประเทศอื่นๆ ให้แก้ไขปัญหานี้ เป็นต้น

สามารถหาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมได้ที่wwf.org.uk/endwildlifecrime ส่วนแฮทช์แท็กทวิตเตอร์อย่างเป็นทางการของงานที่จะมีขึ้นในวันที่ 21 พฤษภาคม 2556 คือ#endwildlifecrime

Campaigners Celebrate Demise Of Coal-Fired Power Plan

2012-06-27

Victory is "proof that polluting coal-fired power stations can be defeated" says WWF

Edinburgh, Scotland: WWF was today celebrating a major campaign victory following news that plans to build what would have been the first new coal-fired power station in the UK for 40 years, and one of the few remaining live proposals in Europe, have been abandoned.

The proposal by Peel Group to build the 1,852MW coal-fired power station on the west coast of Scotland had been opposed for five years by a coalition of environmental, development and faith organisations spearheaded by WWF and its main partner on the campaign - the RSPB.

With the assistance of its global network of supporters, WWF had earlier helped generate the majority of the almost 22,000 letters of objection to the scheme - making it the most unpopular proposal in Scotland's planning history.

The groups had warned that the scheme would have contributed to global climate change and run counter to Scotland's world-leading climate change targets, undermined Scotland's ambitious plans to generate 100 per cent of its electricity from renewables, and damaged valuable local wildlife sites.

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland, said:

"This is stunning victory and proof that polluting coal-fired power stations can be defeated through coordinated local, nation and international action. With the support of WWF teams around the world, we have been working tirelessly for the past five years for this moment.

"It is clear that the company just finally woke up and realised that they were trying to push through the most unpopular planning application ever in Scotland. With the local community opposed, the local council against it, over 22,000 objections and no chance of winning the public inquiry, walking away was the only sensible option."

Although the company had claimed that it would capture some of the carbon from the power station, in reality 83% of the plants carbon emissions would still have gone straight up the chimney.

Dr Dixon added:

"This was always the wrong application in the wrong place. With our world-leading climate change and ambitious renewable power targets to meet, the last thing Scotland needed was a new coal-fired power station hiding behind a green 'figleaf'. We hope this result brings hope to all those communities resisting dirty coal around the world."

Last year WWF published 'The Energy Report' which showed that the whole world could get almost all of its energy from renewable sources by 2050. Scotland is hoping to play a leading role in this global clean energy transition.

WWF cautions SOCO investors over Virunga exploration

2012-06-12

WWF today has issued a warning to SOCO International investors, many of whom are based in the UK, that the company's exploration plans in Virunga National Park could have catastrophic impacts on local livelihoods and the environment. The FTSE 250-listed oil exploration giant will hold its Annual General Meeting tomorrow in London.

SOCO has recently announced plans to explore for oil in and around Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of the Congo, a World Heritage Site and home to the world-famous mountain gorillas. SOCO says its exploration activities will include a portion Lake Edward, where 30,000 local fishermen make their livelihoods.

"The United Nations has recognized that Virunga National Park is like no other place in the world and that oil exploration is incompatible with World Heritage status," said Marc Languy, Leader of WWF's Green Heart of Africa Initiative. "Responsible investors will have the opportunity tomorrow to tell SOCO that exploration in Virunga - or indeed any World Heritage Site - is inappropriate and should be abandoned."

UNESCO, the agency responsible for the World Heritage Convention, has expressed repeated concerns over oil exploration in Virunga National Park and will be discussing the threat with governments at the World Heritage Committee's annual meeting later this month.

Drew McVey, species programme manager at WWF-UK, said: "British businesses should be held accountable by the government for upholding their social and environmental responsibilities when operating both at home and abroad."

Oil exploration within Virunga National Park could constitute a violation of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, a set of recommendations governing responsible business conduct. As member of the OECD, the United Kingdom has made a binding commitment to implement OECD guidelines, which apply to all global operations of UK-based enterprises.

By entering Virunga National Park, SOCO could be found in breach of the OECD guidelines' Concepts and Principles or Environment provisions as outlined in chapters 1 and 6.

The areas of Virunga National Park allocated as oil concessions cover around 85 per cent of its land, and the habitats of endangered chimpanzees, hippos, and forest elephants. The park is also home to a quarter of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas, of which only 786 individuals remain. The gorillas are a major source of eco-tourism income in the region.

"This petrol exploration has been imposed on us without any former consultation," community leader Bantu Lukambo said during a protest in the neighbouring town of Vitshumbi. "Many people in the area have incomes and live thanks the fish from Lake Edward and we fear that petrol will bring pollution and more conflict in our region."

Community activists opposing SOCO's activities in Virunga National Park have recently reported receiving death threats. The company has denied any involvement.

SOCO is operating in Block V of Virunga National Park along with partner Ophir Energy, another FTSE-250 company. The second concession holder is Total of France, operating in Block III in partnership with South African company SacOil.

Scotland launches climate justice fund

2012-06-01

Edinburgh, Scotland: The Government of Scotland took a major step forward in facing up to its historic responsibility for climate change by launching an international Climate Justice Fund.

The new fund, which has been welcomed by WWF and others in civic society, will help people living in some of the world's poorest countries affected by the changing climate - such as more frequent and severe droughts and floods .

The fund was a key demand of WWF Scotland's campaign for national climate legislation in 2007-2009 and of its election campaign activities in 2011.

One of a series of initiatives ahead of the Rio+20 summit in June, the Scottish Government is providing £3 million (UK pounds) for the fund - one million per year for the next three years - which will support water projects in Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia - increasing communities' resilience to the impacts of climate change.

At the launch, a short film was released highlighting support for climate justice from across Scottish society. It includes endorsements from many organisations, including WWF, development and faith groups.

Director of WWF Scotland, Dr Richard Dixon said:

"It is those countries least responsible for the pollution that currently face the greatest threats from climate change. Building on Scotland's world-leading targets for our own emissions, the Climate Justice Fund demonstrates our awareness that we, like every other industrialised countries, also need to better help developing nations cope with the climate change we have caused.

"It is only because of the original Rio conference that we have international action on climate, forests and nature, so we hope Rio+20 helps to refocus the minds of world leaders on the continuing need to act."

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said:

"The huge injustice of climate change is that it is those who have done the least to cause the problem - the most vulnerable from the world's poorest communities - who are hardest hit by it. That is why Scotland is committed to supporting climate justice and why we are launching Scotland's Climate Justice Fund.

"In launching this fund we are all too aware that one country cannot win the battle against climate change alone. Collective action is not an option but an imperative, and we need to ensure our actions and our message inspires others to act."

Business meet to push for ambitious action on climate change

2011-08-04

London – Ahead of a key United Nations meeting later this year, hundreds of business, government and civil society leaders will come together next month for the Business for the Environment (B4E) Climate Summit in London to call for more action to fight climate change.

Held on 12-13 Sept. under the banner Reaching for Zero, Innovation, Growth and the Clean Industrial Revolution, the summit will produce a joint statement and call for action on climate change aimed at policymakers taking part in the next United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting to be held in December in Durban, South Africa.

The summit will bring together more than 400 leaders from business, government, academia and civil society from more than 20 countries. Their statement will be published in a book together with examples of transformative climate solutions and promoted through a global communications campaign.

'Strong action from business will be vital if we are to heed the clear warnings from climate science and get global emissions on a steep downward path," David Nussbaum, Chief Executive, WWF-UK.

" Forward-looking businesses hold many of the solutions, and can also help to unlock political will to take action. One recent example is the coalition of more than 70 companies who have called on European leaders to increase the ambition of Europe's 2020 emissions target to deliver cuts of 30%. WWF hopes that the B4E Climate Summit in London will also send a strong voice from the business community towards the international climate talks, making clear that strong policy frameworks are needed to promote the green economy."

Seven sector-focused working groups will have delegates summarise their industry commitments on climate change, and propose the support and policy action required, both national and global, to scale these actions up.

Participants will include the United Nations Development Programme, Hitachi, Unilever, Google, Procter & Gamble, Tata Consulting Services, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Johnson Controls, Land Lease, AECOM, AP Moeller Maersk, Deutsche Post DHL, First Solar, BP Alternative Energy, Rio Tinto and the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, amongst others.

An overview of the programme and participating speakers is available on the B4E website at www.b4esummit.com.

The summit will be hosted in partnership with WWF, CNN International, McKinsey & Company, the Aldersgate Group, Imperial College London and Global Initiatives.

Key renowned figures speaking include Andrew Steer, Special Envoy for Climate Change, The World Bank; Bjorn Stigson, President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD); Mark Kenber, CEO, The Climate Group; John Elkington, Founding Partner & Executive Chairman, Volans; Janine Benyus, President, The Biomimicry Institute and Paul Dickinson, Executive Chairman, The Carbon Disclosure Project. They will be joined by industry leaders Sir Stephen Gomersall, Chairman, Hitachi Europe; Jerry Stokes, President, Suntech Europe; Richard Evans, President, PepsiCo UK & Ireland; Lord Browne, Partner and Managing Director, Riverstone LLC; Ben Goldsmith, Founding Partner, WHEB Partners and others.

"The B4E Summit will call for a higher level of collaborative action on climate change; business, government and NGOs will discuss the massive investment, innovation and policy shift required to accelerate transformative change" said Tony Gourlay, CEO of Global Initiatives.

CNN is the Global Broadcast Partner of B4E Climate Summit 2011

UK sets new legally binding emissions target

2011-05-17

London, UK: The United Kingdom, the first to enshrine reductions in climate change causing emissions into law, today announced a 2025 target of a 50 per cent emissions cut from 1990 levels.

The target, enshrined in the 4th Carbon Budget for the period 2023-2027, was the minimum level recommended by the independent Committee on Climate Change.

WWF-UK welcomed the decision, saying it represented a significant and meaningful step towards a low-carbon UK, although scrutiny of the detail will be vital.

But WWF also said the struggle the self-proclaimed "greenest Government ever" had to endure in order to agree it does leave concerns over how committed some Government departments are to tackling climate change.

"No other country has set legally binding emission reduction targets going into the 2020s and so with this decision the UK is demonstrating genuine leadership on climate change," said Keith Allott, WWF-UK's head of climate change. "The Climate Change Act remains a groundbreaking piece of legislation that with support, will underpin the UK's transition to a low-carbon economy."

"However, we must remember that the Committee on Climate Change had made clear that the carbon budget agreed today is the "absolute minimum" necessary, and that it should be achieved through actions taken here in the UK rather than relying on emission credits from overseas.

"The unwillingness of Government to accept this recommendation suggests that some Whitehall departments are more committed to action than others."

WWF is keen to see more countries follow the initiatiive of enshrining emissions reductions targets into law. The UK's Climate Change Act, passed in 2008, provides a framework for UK emissions to be reduced to at least 80 percent under 1990 levels by 2050 - a target consistent with the reductions advocated by the the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The Act showed it had real teeth when Britain's High Court last year said the emissions implications of the proposed Heathrow Airport expansion had to be considered in the economic case for the project.

Recognition we are all in same boat nets conservation award for Scottish fisheries industry leader

2011-05-03

Recognition we are all in same boat nets conservation award for Scottish fisheries industry leader

2011-05-03

St Gallen, Switzerland: Leading Scottish fisheries industry figure Mike Park was last night honoured for his leadership and efforts in improving conservation measures in the Scottish white fish fisheries and his work in encouraging sustainable fishing practices in Scotland and beyond.

"The world's fisheries will be saved when fishers, fishing communities and businesses and environmentalists realise sustainable fisheries serve all our interests," said Ms Yolanda Kakabadse, International President of WWF International.

"It is my great pleasure to recognise Mike Park, a leading Scottish fisheries industry figure, with The WWF Award for Conservation Merit for his recognition and constant promotion of the truth that we are all in the same boat on fisheries."

Park, Chief Executive of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association (SWFPA), received the award at a special ceremony at the global environment organisation's Annual Conference, now being held in St Gallen, Switzerland. The award was established 30 years ago for demonstrated commitment to local, grass-roots conservation and can be awarded to individuals or institutions.

Among Mike Park's achievements is the setting up of the Scottish Conservation Credit Scheme Steering Group, an innovative group brings together representatives of the Scottish Government, fishing industry, scientists and NGOs to seek the best adapted solutions to help rebuild cod and other fish stocks.

"We're delighted that Mike Park has been selected to receive this conservation merit award for his vision and understanding of the inextricable link between healthy marine ecosystems and stable fish stocks and for acting on this vision in Scotland and beyond," said WWF Scotland Director, Dr Richard Dixon.

"Much progress has been achieved in improving the management of cod fisheries here in recent years and Mike and his association have played a significant role in helping achieve this. We look forward to working with Mike, and other like-minded partners, in the forthcoming reform of the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy, pressing for local management as a way of delivering sustainable fisheries and sustainable fishing communities."

Past recipients of the award include scientists, community and business leaders, and conservation campaigners from the Himalayas to the marine depths and institutions from the European Environment Agency to the Campfire Association of Zimbabwe.

"It is a very special honour and privilege to receive an award that gives so much recognition to the very special work and change taking place in Scottish fisheries," said Mike Park.

"It is significant that my members now recognise that the health of the stocks is the real barometer of a fisher's wealth. I very much hope that the Common Fisheries Policy reform, and the onset of regional management and decentralisation, provides the necessary platform to expand our work further.

"It is my extreme pleasure to accept this award on behalf of an industry that is contributing so much to the changing face of Europe's fisheries."

Further information:

Mandy Carter, WWF Scotland on 07771 818 677

Notes : Mike Park is a former fisherman and skipper who, in addition to his leading role in the SWFPA, is very active on a number of bodies and foundations including:

Chairman of the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group Ltd (SFSAG). SFSAG has been instrumental in delivering MSC certification for major North Sea stocks such as haddock.

Vice chairman and Director of the North Sea Regional Advisory Council (NSRAC). Regional Advisory Councils were set up in the wake of the 2002 CFP reform in a bid to provide structures to improve fisheries governance through greater stakeholder participation.

Board Member of Seafish Industry Authority (Ministerial Appointment) Seafish is the UK authority that supports the seafood industry for a sustainable, profitable future.

Chair of Committee on Policy at the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF):

In his various roles, he has been advocating the decentralisation of fisheries management in order to involve industry players who hold so much expertise and who are key to the success of fisheries measures. Mike is also very effective at building alliances with all those seeking to further the cause of sustainable fisheries. This has particularly been the case in the current process to reform the EU Common Fisheries Policy. Indeed, the SWFPA recently declared its support for the WWF/Industry Alliance for CFP reform which brings together WWF and European processing, trade and retail associations as well as the pan-European association of Chefs (Euro Toques) on a common platform advocating the setting up of long-term management plans on the basis of fisheries, bringing fisheries management closer to stakeholders, making the most of fish landings and ensuring that conservation measures are equally applied by all EU vessels wherever they fish.

Mike came second last year in the Scottish Sustainable Development Forum /Scotsman Green list.

SWFPA: http://www.sff.co.uk/swfpa.php

Photo of Mike Park available here: http://www.divshare.com/download/14725921-f36

WWF Industry Alliance for the CFP: http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/wwf_industry_alliance_cfp/

Seafish: http://www.seafish.org/

SFF: http://www.sff.co.uk/

NSRAC: http://www.nsrac.org/

SFSAG: http://scottishfsag.org/

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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WWF partners with business school on unique MBA programme

2011-04-14

The new One Planet MBA programme will launch in September 2011, representing a unique partnership between WWF and the University of Exeter Business School. It will be the world's first MBA systematically devoted to embedding the need for a sustainable approach to strategic business management.

The One Planet MBA will be global in outlook, developing leaders and managers capable of running organisations in a culturally diverse, resource-constrained world, influenced by radically different values and concerns from those of the recent past. Graduates of the programme will be fully competent in the business skills upon which MBAs have traditionally been based but will also be able to demonstrate innovative approaches to the development of sustainable business strategies.

Dr. Malcolm Kirkup, MBA Director explains "Unlike other programmes the commitment to sustainability will be pervasive throughout our One Planet MBA; not just a bolt-on module. We believe that better stewardship of social and environmental capital is entirely compatible with winning and maintaining customer value and confidence."

Jean-Paul Jeanrenaud, Director of Corporate Relations, WWF International adds "Having worked with the private sector for the last 10 years, it is obvious that as well as being part of the problem, it can also be a major part of the solution. WWF has the ambition to change the face of business education, and the One Planet MBA will play an important role in achieving that objective."

Professor Alan Knight OBE comments "The world needs business managers and leaders who understand the pressures on global resources and can proactively deliver innovative solutions - in product development, sourcing, the supply chain, production, marketing, financing and reporting. Equally importantly, business needs them too."

Dr Kirkup concludes "Sustainability is rapidly moving into the mainstream for business. We have been inundated with approaches from corporates who want to be involved in the programme. Our students will graduate with strong business, analytical and leadership skills but also, uniquely, a deep understanding of how businesses can use sustainability as a source of real innovation and business transformation."

Celebrating 50 years

The One Planet MBA is a unique partnership between the University of Exeter Business School and WWF, the world's leading conservation organisation. Launching in September 2011, it is a significant way of marking WWF's 50th anniversary year. Globally, it is one of a kind and seeks to change the face of management education. The objective for both parties is to drive sustainable business transformation, confident that graduates of the One Planet MBA will be qualified to deliver better stewardship of social, financial and environmental capital to business around the world.

The One Planet MBA will be officially launched on April 14 2011 as part of Exeter's Environmental Protection and Sustainability Forum. Please see www.business-school.exeter.ac.uk/events/eps/

The One Planet MBA is offered as a one year full time or two year executive programme.

Lights out on Bosphorus Bridge marks Earth Hour transition into Europe.

2011-03-27

Lights going out on Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge was a fitting way to mark Earth Hour's transition from Asia to Europe.

The symbolic action of turning lights out for an hour in an expression of concern for the environment is in the process of being officially observed in thousands of communities across 134 countries and territories on all continents.

In Turkey, one of only a few countries to straddle 2 continents, the lights had earlier been switched off in capital Ankara's Opera House. WWF-Turkey enlisted 250 businesses and corporations and 2,000 online supporters to support its Earth Hour efforts.

The CEO of WWF-Turkey Tolga Bastak, made his Earth Hour press speech while the lights of the Bosphorus Bridge were going dark.

"This year, the lights are going off for a different cause," Bastak said, "we put great pressure on the natural resources of our planet and our ecological footprint exceeds the biological capacity by 50 per cent.

"If we continue living and consuming as usual, we would need two planets by 2030 and 2.8 planets by 2050. It is getting harder and more difficult each day to survive in our 'global home'. We should try living in the resources that the planet supplies and respect the limits of one planet.

"Today, we ask everyone to take this opportunity to question how they can contribute to a living planet by making small changes in their lifetsyles and habits."

With Russia's main Earth Hour events in Moscow still 8 hours away, WWF-Russia's Polar Bear Patrol were commemorating Earth Hour by setting out from their base in the small village of Lavrentiy to the even smaller Uelento, the nation's easternmost settlement on the Dezhnev Cape.

"We know Earth Hour very well," said a spokesperson for the patrol unit. "As we get to Uelen, we will tell the villagers about this action and I'm sure, they will support us. We are glad that the ones who keep peace between the bears and humans and protect the Arctic animals will be the first ones in Russia to celebrate this global event."

As the event traversed 11 timezones, riders in 20 cities saddled up on bicycles adorned with LED lamps - with the northernmost ride in Murmansk going ahead despite the forecasts of a strong snowstorm. The westernmost ride was staged in Archangelsk near the Finnish border. Over the border, the lights went out at the distinctive Helsinki cathedral, Finland and a special Tampere market place Energiatehdas (Energy factory) was set up with the energy being provided by dancers and stationary cyclists.

"These cyclists are heroes," said WWF's Russia office. "In Moscow it is -8 degrees."

In Moscow, talk show host Nikolay Drozdov and popular actor Lubov Tolkalina arranged a dinner and auction for celebrities to commit to Beyond the Hour actions which included abandoning plastic bags and sharing cars. At the new Ecocentre was an environmental education event for children which attracted a range of city and government officials.

Mobile and social platforms spread the message in Egypt

Timezones here start dropping deep into Africa where Earth Hour participation boomed. In Egypt, the Earth Hour message was going out on the social media networks that recently played such a crucial role in the country's transition towards democracy, thanks in part to spirited sponsorship by Egypt's largest telco provider Mobinil. Using their extensive networks and calling on the support of Nile City management and the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, Mobinil engaged the participation of Egyptians, switching off the lights of their 5 office buildings across the country in recognition of their own commitments to go beyond the hour, including the establishment of one of Egypt's first LEED buildings.

In Kenya, lights went out at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and United Nations Buildings across the East African nation as more than 10,000 gathered for a three hour concert in Nairobi with some of the country's leading musicians, including acclaimed afro-fusion artist Achien'g Abura, who implored her fans to make a commitment to go beyond the hour for Earth Hour 2011.

"If there is anything you take away from this year's Earth Hour it is that there is something you can do in the way you live your life that makes a difference. Your lamp may be pretty but it does not have to be on," she said.

Ugandan Earth Hour activists, officially participating in the event for the first time, have spread out into their communities with a range of beyond the hour activities. Enock Nimpamya committed to the training of 10 journalists in environmental reporting and to restore a hectare of degraded land in Kampala while Job Mutyaba will be assisting in the installation of efficient cook stoves in an Entebbe orphanage and its surrounding community. Around 20 individuals and organisations in Uganda have committed to planting 16,000 trees.

15 year old motivates town in Swaziland

Nathi Mzileni, a 15-year-old boy from Swaziland, was inspired to take action in 2010 when he realised his town near Shewula Nature Reserve in the east of the country did not participate in Earth Hour. He started a group at his High School called Green Enviro to educate people about climate change, and this year single-handedly made Earth Hour a reality with major buildings in Simunye turning off including the Church of the Nazarene, the Simunye National Library, Simunye Country Club and major schools such as the Ngomane and Lusoti Primary Schools and Lusoti High.

Earlier this week, in Botswana, Former President Festus Mogae was among members of the public who came in large numbers to plant trees, in Gakuto, to demonstrate one of the ways Botswana can go beyond the hour of switching electricity off on March 26. Earth Hour was observed with a candle-lit ceremony in Gaborone. The lights also went off at the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Soweto again demonstrates power of grassroots action

Almost 35 years after making global headlines as the scene of one of history's greatest displays of grassroots action, Soweto, South Africa embraced the world's largest environmental action by turning off the lights at Orlando Stadium to the soaring strains of a spirited candlelit concert headlined by the Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir.

Other soccer stadiums turning off included Moses Mabhida (Durban), Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth), and Soccer City (Johannesburg). International soccer regulator FIFA had earlier come out in support of Earth Hour.

Citizens of Durban which will in December host the next global climate change conference chose to follow a beach clean-up with a soccer in the dark event at popular tourist site, uShaka Marine World. Four well-known soccer teams battled it out in the dark of the Marine World.

Shutting off all lights in all municipal buildings were Durban and Bloemfontein, while Cape Town turned off its backdrop, the spectacular Table Mountain as well. Johannesburg flicked the switch on some of its best known landmarks including the Ponte Tower, the Hillbrow Tower, the SABC (national broadcaster) and the Sentech Tower (broadcast signal distribution centre) and hotels and businesses all over the city.

Moving on to Africa's northwestern-most nation, Morocco received the Earth Hour baton, the national capital, Rabat, switching off the lights of the Chellah ruins and ancient Medina walls surrounding the old city. The official ceremony in Rabat was attended by local government members, the President of local NGO Ribat Al fath, and hundreds of people who celebrated the event with Kanun and Gnawa music.

While in Casablanca an Earth Hour show accompanied by candles and acoustics was held at the 'Casa del Arte' (school of art) as diners at the iconic 'A ma Bretagne' restaurant celebrated a candlelit Earth Hour dinner by the famous Casablanca foreshore.

Ancient Acropolis switches off

Greece, which recently passed admirable biodiversity protection legislation despite economic adversity, turned off its best known landmark, the Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon dominating the ancient city of Athens. On current information, this was the oldest buildings complex to observe Earth Hour.

Cyprus celebrated Earth Hour in the Presidential Palace with a message from the President and members of the Green Party.

Bulgaria celebrated Earth Hour for the third year, in part with free acoustic concerts staged simultaneously in top Sofia music clubs. Many of the musicians had previously recorded a video asking fans to turn off computers as well as lights. Lights went out at the National Theatre, the National Library and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia and on administrative buildings, historic monuments and public spaces in 46 towns and cities outside the capital. Patron for the event was EU Commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva, and top Bulgarian tennis players Wimbledon semi-finalist, Tsvetana Pironkova, and Junior Wimbledon and US Open winner, Grigor Dimitrov, were Earth Hour ambassadors.

"I believe that Earth Hour shouldn't be just turning off your lights for an hour once a year," Tsvetana Pironkova said. "We should all think how we can contribute to saving our planet every day. The Earth is not our home only, it will need to be the home of our children too. To begin with, I always unplug the charger once my mobile phone has charged. I try not to have the TV on if I am not watching it, to switch off the lights when I leave a room and to recycle as much as possible!"

"I try to choose the products I use depending on how they were made. When possible, I chose the most environmentally friendly products. I try to use recycled materials and use as little energy as possible in my daily life", Grigor Dimitrov said.

"Really, it's not difficult and I believe that everyone can work on their environmental footprint and be more responsible towards the environment".

Locals in Pristina, Kosovo marked their commitment to go beyond the hour at Mother Teresa Square where, from 3.00pm local time, organising partners "AKEA" and "Eko Viciana" provided boards for Kosovars to sign up in support of the Earth Hour movement.

Some 42 Serbian cities and municipalities led by Belgrade and Nis took part in Earth Hour, with Eco Musketeers again persuading Belgradians in Republic Square to register pledges and mark out the Earth Hour logo with candles.

A concert held in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina was at full capacity with 300 people attending the event. Man of the year and renowned musician, Damir Imamovic, showed his support by performing at the event.

Croatia was also a third time participant, this time with the support of President Ivo Josipovic. Fifteen cities and towns signed up for the event and the lights went out for the first time on UNESCO heritage sites at old Dubrovnik and the sprawling palace of Roman Emperor Diocetian which dominates Split.

Actor and Earth Hour ambassador, Zrinka Cvitesic, hosted the drum concert and singing in Petar Preradovic Square in the capital Zagreb.

Romania again turned out the lights on its Parliament Palace, one of the world's largest buildings which consumes in one hour what a household consumes in a year. Other notable buildings to darken included the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Theatre in Bucharest, the Central Library, the National Opera and the National Art Museum.

Outside Bucharest, 51 other cities and towns commemorated Earth Hour including 9 out of the 10 largest cities. As buildings plunged into darkness, people could choose among 20 events - candle-lit shows, stargazing, unplugged concerts hosted by folk artists and children choirs. A Bucharest bike march across the city drew 500 while an unplugged concert hosted by popular musician and Earth Hour ambassador Zoli Toth`s band SISTEM and by Romanian choir SOUND, provided the music in front of the Romanian Athaeneum.

"Every day we consume a lot of energy that we don't actually need," said Toth. "If we are a bit more careful and care about future generations, we can decrease our carbon footprint significantly in the future. Everything depends on us."

The historic city of Brasov in the heart of the Carpathian mountains organized a special event, showing a silent movie, powered by the energy produced by several people biking.

The so-called Endless Column by famous Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncusi at Târgu Jiu in the heart of Romania, also went dark for Earth Hour. The monument was commissioned to honour the soldiers who defended Târgu Jiu during the First World War and saved from the destruction by the former Communist regime in the 1950s. An 18th, but incomplete rhomboidal module at the top is thought to be the element that expresses the concept of the infinite.

Ukrainian capital Kiev flicked off lights on busy Kreschatik Boulevard and the historic orthodox Christian Kievo-Pecherskaya monastery to lead 32 further cities in observing Earth Hour for the country's third time. Supporters enjoyed an hour of acoustic music with popular Ukrainian singer Dmitriy Shurov and music band "Bahroma" at the Contemporary Art Centre M17.

In Odessa, the historic centre of the city, including the Opera and seaside boulevard, were also shrouded in darkness. At 8:30pm people could join a street concert near the city hall, followed by fire shows and a flash mob with candles. At the end of the concert people could write their pledges to the planet on lanterns and let them fly into the night sky.

"If each one of us begins to monitor the quantity of gas, water and electricity used, the numbers for a huge country like Ukraine will be enormous. In reality it is so simple to change our behaviour", said Earth Hour veteran and popular clothes designer Lilia Poustovit, who has been an ambassador to the Ukrainian campaign since 2009.

In other Ukrainian cities people could visit street concerts and candlelit dinners at different restaurants, as well as join roller skaters in Energodar and attend an evening of street astronomy in Poltava.

Belarus turned out lights on its most prominent and perhaps most startling building - its national library, a glass 23-story rhombicuboctahedron (a solid with 8 triangles and 18 squares) while Lithuania turned off the lights on the castle most featured on its national currency, the 14th century Vilnius Gediminas Castle, backed up by the National Museum building. Polish celebrations in 30 cities and towns were led by TV presenter Kinga Rusin.

"I have supported the 'Earth Hour' for several years now, because it offers a practical opportunity for every resident of this planet to switch off the lights for one hour, thus taking part in the pursuit of a common goal in terms of promoting green thinking and the sustainability of our planet," said Latvian President Valdis Zatlers.

"By taking an active part in this, as opposed to standing around the sidelines, we confirm that we are concerned about the climate changes that are occurring in our environment."

Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and the State Parliament Saeima also supported Earth Hour's fourth commemoration in Latvia.

Malmo wins Earth Hour greenest city award

Across the Baltic, 30 Swedish cities competed for the honour of being named 'Earth Hour Capital 2011' and it was Malmo that received the award from the King in the inaugural Earth Hour City Challenge for the most holistic, inspiring and credible plan for reaching zero carbon emissions.

But the city isn't about to rest on its laurels with Mayor Ilmar Reepalu telling the international panel of experts that "our work isn't finished, and our goal is for Malmö to be powered by 100% renewable energy by the year 2030."

Elsewhere, famous musician Anders Paulsson was leading the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra through its paces in the Stockholm Concert House in Sweden, while at the other end of the musical scale Love Generation, Vanessa Falk, J-Son and Vanessa Liftig were starring in a carbon-neutral pedal-powered Hip Hop concert in the dark at the Sockholm Cultural Centre

Folk music and pop concert fans weren't neglected either with a concert in Katarina Kyrka (one of the largest and most central churches in Stockholm) Stars included Me and My Army, Carl Norén, Little Majorette, Esbjörn Hazelius Kleerup and Stiko Per Larsson, with Stiko's next engagement being a post Earth Hour walk from Stockholm to Copenhagen.

Earth Hour actions in the Albanian capital Tirana took place across the city with the theme of "turn off the lights - turn on solidarity with the planet". Locals gathered in front of prominent Tiranian landmark, The Faculty of History and Philology, where the lights were turned off as part of a ceremony followed by a "candle party" that lasted the full 60 minutes of Earth Hour. Those attending were kept entertained by an acoustic guitar concert without the use of electricity and the event was broadcast across Albania by local TV network, Planet TV.

In Norway, Earth Hour celebrations broke records for the third year in a row with 181 cities and communities participating (up from 162 in 2010). One of the highlights included a ski resort that celebrated the event with a torch slalom event where participants were invited to ski down the slopes with torches in hand. Norwegian Polar Explorer Borge Ousland communicated the urgency of action that goes beyond the hour, "during my expeditions to the Arctic, I have sailed right through the consequences of climate change: where there should have been ice, there is now open sea. The changes are dramatic and the job of cutting greenhouse gas emissions has never been more important than now".

The Norwegian national energy company, Statnett, reported a national drop in energy consumption during the hour that surpassed last year's saving. Figures showed that Norwegians who switched off their lights were able to save the equivalent of slightly over 6 million 40W light bulbs.

Candlelit demand for "Energiewende jetzt!"

A 3000 candle demand for " Energiewende jetzt! ("Switch to Green energy now!") was the main feature of the "Switch Off Event" at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Lanterns were used to spell out "Klimaschutz jetzt" (climate protection now).

Some 65 cities and towns in Germany participated in Earth Hour 2011.

There was a fourfold increase in Czech Republic cities and towns participating in Earth Hour, including four regional capitals. Among the 131 was Brno, the country's second biggest city, which invited citizens to "enjoy the darkness" with movies about darkness, lectures on climate and light pollution, concerts in the dark and a guided city walk to some of the "dark" corners of the city, stopping at art shops, cafés and restaurants operating only by candle light. The observatory in Valašské Mezirící had an evening dedicated to climate and light pollution.

Runway switches off at Budapest Airport, no alarm necessary

More than 5000 people congregated in the darkened Castle precincts of Budapest, Hungary to hear celebrities talk about climate change, environment protection and why they support Earth Hour.

In what was initially slightly alarming news, Budapest Airport announced a commitment to turning off runway lights. The temporary black-out, carried out, the airport explained, under strict national and international control to ensure passenger and aviation safety celebrated a light system refit which has significantly reduced the amount of energy the airstrip uses to provide lighting that can be seen from a distance of 20 kilometres.

Lively university town Szeged in southern Hungary hosted an event featuring drummers and fire dancers. Mulled wine and refreshments were served and Earth Hour supporters received candles with the Earth Hour logo.

Austrian capital Vienna participated in Earth Hour for the first time, as President Heinz Fischer affirmed support with a statement saying that "The Federal President of Austria welcomes all activities such as Earth Hour to make known the drastic impacts of climate change to all Austrians and people who live in Austria".

Lights go off on the famous Vienna City Hall building and the huge and historic Schönbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Vienna. Some 11 further cities supported the event. Among these were the historic towns of Innsbruck, Linz, Klagenfurt and Salzburg. In Salzburg, lights went out on 20 landmarks, among which Castle Hohensalzburg and the Statue of Mozart. In Switzerland, the International Olympic Committee based in Lausanne also offered its support.

Eternal city Rome Italy went temporarily dark around a main event in Piazza Navona which kicked off with animations and children leading up to the lights of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi being turned off by actor Christian de Sica and WWF Italy founder Fulco Pratesi. Down towards the forum, the Colosseum dimmed.

Swim champion Massimiliano Rosolino was the first of a procession of celebrities to light flying lanterns on the green carpet, while Pocoyo Mascotte was on board to animate the square along with a concert of street artists.

Milan's main event for Earth Hour was held in the gothic scenery of Piazza Duomo. From the afternoon animations, games and laboratories, including ecological house, solar energy and water clock demonstrations, were held for the kids. The city's famous cathedral played mute witness to one minute of silence for Japan.

Spain also saw a record turnout with 214 cities and towns, 172 schools and universities, 76 companies and 153 other organisations supporting the event. Some 15,026 individuals have signed online. In Portugal the lights were switched off by Internationally renowned Portuguese composer, António Vitorino d'Almeida.

City of light turns them off

A 25m² Earth Hour logo of 1,600 LED lit Pandas was a new touch to Earth Hour celebrations in Paris, France, but the main spectacle remained an Eiffel Tower suddenly switching off. Pressing the red button to accomplish this is one of the most sought after jobs in the entire global progress of Earth Hour. Other switches are, however, required to turn off historic bridges over the Seine. Some 126 other French towns and cities also went dark.

Celebrations in The Netherlands were centred on Rembrandt Square in Amsterdam with a special set played by top ten Netherland Dj and Earth Hour ambassador, Ferry Corsten. In the country's second largest city Rotterdam, lights on the City Hall and Erasmus Bridge were extinguished for the hour.

60 static cyclists broadcast the Earth Hour news

At the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, a special event was created for Earth Hour: human energy cast through the darkness to shine a message of hope onto the walls of the iconic Royal Albert Hall. For the duration of the hour, 60 static cyclists powered a projection of natural world animation and Earth Hour news.

"Earth Hour is about millions of people all over the world coming together to switch off their lights, tackle climate change and protect our natural world," said UK Prime Minister David Cameron. " It is a huge symbol of global solidarity, an inspiring display of international commitment. I urge everyone to take part, and I really do believe this is another small step to the big prize we all want to see – our planet protected from Climate Change."

Landmarks that darkened for Earth Hour across the UK include the EDF Energy London Eye, Manchester United Old Trafford, Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, and No 10 Downing Street. The Tower Bridge is among 6 bridges across the UK that switched off during Earth Hour.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said, "I am pleased to give my full backing to WWF's Earth Hour to highlight London's commitment to energy conservation. At City Hall we'll be turning off our lights to mark this global event, and ensuring that London's iconic Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square will be in darkness."

Scotland's official countdown event for Earth Hour was held at Edinburgh Castle. Alex Salmond MSP, Scotland's First Minister, said, "The Scottish Government is delighted to back WWF's Earth Hour.

Our world-leading Climate Change Act with its target to cut emissions by 42% by 2020 is challenging but achievable, and in doing so we will create a cleaner, greener Scotland with a thriving low-carbon economy. We are committed to leading by example and to encouraging others to do the same.

"Every person in Scotland typically contributes twice the global average in terms of greenhouse gas emissions produced as a result of our everyday behaviour. Small changes in our daily lives will not only help reduce emissions but can also contribute towards a healthier lifestyle, improve our environment and offer real financial savings.

"WWF's Earth Hour provides an opportunity to demonstrate Scotland's commitment to tackling climate change in a simple yet effective way."

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ireland, Gerry Brown, celebrated his city's participation in the global initiative, highlighting its pioneering role in the European roll out of Earth Hour, "Dublin was the first city in Europe to support Earth Hour and I am proud to continue this tradition that shows the power of small nations, individuals and communities to come together and send a powerful message." Ireland switched off some of its best known landmarks such as the Rock of Cashel, Donegal Castle and Leinster House.

Flying less is more, say businesses

2011-03-03

New research published today by WWF suggests that, following the recession, businesses are making a permanent commitment to fly less.

Nearly half of UK businesses said that they had cut business flights over the past two years and, of these, 85% said they don't intend to return to 'business as usual' flying. Together, these findings suggest that future business flying will not return to pre-recessionary levels.

The report, Moving on: why flying less means more for business, found that nearly all companies who have reduced their flying say it's possible to stay profitable and competitive while flying less.

The key findings of the report were:

47% of companies have reduced the number of business flights they've taken in the past two years
Of those companies which have cut their flying, 85% do not intend to return to 'business as usual' flying
86% of companies are either reducing their carbon footprint from business travel or intend to do so
63% of companies that responded now have a policy in place to reduce business flights, or are intending to develop one

The main benefits cited by UK businesses of changing travel practices were cost savings and reduced carbon emissions, but these were quickly followed by the ability to work during travel disruptions, having less staff away from the office and greater staff productivity.

The switch away from flying – which saw 87% of companies surveyed increasing the use of audio-conferencing, with video and web-conferencing use increased by 75% and 63% respectively – was reportedly driven from the top with businesses making board-level decisions to reduce business flights.

Changes to the patterns of flying were also apparent in the research. Domestic UK and short-haul flights have proved easier to cut for businesses than long-haul flights, with improvements to the UK and European train networks resulting in a modal shift from planes to trains.

The report showed that businesses backed investment in a more affordable and efficient rail network in the UK and Europe. There was also widespread support for nationwide high-speed broadband and tax incentives to boost videoconferencing and other corporate green initiatives.

Commenting on the findings David Norman, WWF-UK Director of Campaigns, said: "Even as business picks up after the recession, companies are holding on to the gains they made by cutting flights during the downturn. Many have found that cutting business flights can be both good for the planet and good for business.

"Businesses get it – they can fly less and still be profitable and competitive. Government should support these findings by investing in high-speed broadband, backing tax incentives for videoconferencing and improving and investing in the rail network. The notion that people have to fly more to grow their business has been firmly grounded."

Veteran anti-poaching ranger awarded top WWF honours

2010-11-01

Windsor, UK – Anatoly Belov, a long-time Russian anti-poaching ranger working on the frontlines of protecting tigers has been awarded the 2010 WWF Duke of Edinburgh Conservation medal.

Belov, 48, has been active in anti-poaching activities in Southwestern Primorsky province on the Russia-China border for 22 years, and his efforts have been crucial in protecting the endangered Amur tiger.

"This is a great honour that will truly support our work to save the magnificent Amur tiger," Belov said. "I hope this award also inspires others to support the men and women around the world who risk their lives protecting wild tigers from poachers."

Belov's actions helped to restore the Amur tiger population

Southwestern Primorsky province is one of the tiger's main breeding grounds, and Belov's efforts to fight poaching there have helped the Amur tiger population grow from about 50 tigers 50 years ago, to about 500 today. Poaching, and in turn the trade in tiger parts, are the main drivers of the dwindling number of wild tigers, which number fewer than 3,200 today.

"I am delighted that WWF has chosen to honour Mr. Belov with the award of The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Medal for his tireless work to achieve the conservation of the seriously threatened Amur tiger," said HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. "The efforts of Mr. Belov and his colleagues during the last 22 years to discourage the poaching of these animals in the Chinese-Russian border area have been crucial in the effort to save this species from extinction."

Belov received the medal in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Belov, a wildlife biologist, has led a team that has detained hundreds of poachers over the year, and confiscated dozens of weapons. These efforts came despite upheavals and changes in the government that saw his superiors replaced, and without taking any time off or holidays.

"The world, and the tiger, need more conservation champions like Anatoly Belov, whose determination, fearlessness, and hope are helping to save this magnificent species," said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International. "His tireless efforts to fight poaching – the main threat to tigers in the wild – should be an inspiration to all of us and speak to the power of one individual to make a difference."

Belov's award coincides with the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese lunar calendar and the International Year of Biodiversity. The ceremony comes as world leaders prepare to meet in St. Petersburg, Russia at the Tiger Summit, to agree to a global plan to double the number of tigers in the wild by the next Year of the Tiger in 2022.

What is the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Medal?

The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Medal was first given in 1970 and is awarded annually by WWF for outstanding service to the environment.

Recipients of the award receive a gold medal in a sustainably-sourced rosewood box donated by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, a Rolex watch, and a certificate signed by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Director General of WWF International.

In 2002, Belov helped form the highly successful 'Leopard' interagency task force, also supported by WWF, which has helped protect the endangered Amur leopard.

He joins a long line of conservation leaders, including freshwater ecologist and visionary environmentalist Chen Yiyu, the 2009 winner.

The Awards Ceremony was sponsored by: CONINCO Explorers in finance

Climate change commitments "missing" in G8 Accountability Report

2010-06-20

Ottawa, Canada: WWF is critical of the G8 Accountability Report released today for not measuring progress on one of the most substantial G8 development and climate change commitments to date: to limit temperature rise to an identified 2 degrees Centigrade threshold of dangerous climate change.

"If we don't limit global warming to as far below two degrees as possible, all development ambitions will be in serious danger," said Kim Carstensen, leader of WWF's Global Climate Initiative.

"The G8 countries have yet to make sufficient emission cuts to reach this goal, and this accountability report should be assessing – not ignoring – this issue."

"This report indicates that the world's leading economies have yet to integrate climate change and development plans in a real and meaningful way."

The G8 stated in 2009 that they would "take the lead" to ensure global and national emission peaks could "take place as soon as possible." They recognized that an "increase in global average temperature" shouldn't "exceed 2 degrees C."

This followed the Gleneagles 2005 commitment - also not included in the Accountability Report - to make "substantial reductions" to stabilize emission concentrations in the atmosphere "at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system."

"If anything should be in the Accountability Report, even one focused on development, it should be climate change. The G8 – and now G20 – should be sending clear messages to the rest of the world that they are working to cut emissions to reduce impacts on the most vulnerable, and stimulate a low carbon economy for all."

Of 56 indicators, there are five in total on energy and the environment. The Report does include the UN Copenhagen Accord promise on fast-track and long-term financing – both UN decisions that require the leadership of the G8 and G20 respectively.

The Report also notes that the G8 will fail to meet its 2010 objectives on reducing the loss of biodiversity. A temperature rise of 2 degrees C would put 30% of biodiversity at risk.

G8 activities: - http://panda.org/g8g20media

Resource materials:
-          WWF's G8 and G20 Recommendations: www.panda.org/climate/2010g8g20 (PDF)
           and http://bit.ly/G8G20wwfvideo (2 minute video summary)
-          Recommendation on Climate Finance: www.panda.org/climatefinance

WWF and Industry Leaders join forces to save European fisheries

2010-04-28

Brussels, Belgium: Global environment organisation WWF and the leading associations for European seafood processors and retailers today announced they will work together to push for solutions to the crisis of European seas and fisheries.

The EU Fish Processors' and Traders' Association, AIPCE-CEP, and Eurocommerce, which represents retail, wholesale and international trade interests to the EU, and WWF will be jointly seeking reforms to the troubled European Common Fisheries Policy to lay the basis for sustainable fisheries and a sustainable fishing industry.

The current EU Common Fisheries Policy has failed to secure the health of EU fisheries, and has put most of them under severe strain, compromising the ability to offer the EU population the sustainably harvested fish they are demanding.

"In the last decade conservationists and the seafood industry have definitely changed. Where once we might have been adversaries, today we are allies and all agree that without these key reforms we will not be able to bring European fisheries back to wide scale health and prosperity," said Tony Long, Director of the WWF European Policy Office.

"Today's alliance already represents a very significant portion of the supply chain from the processing and trading sector and the retail sector, and from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. Sustainability is a conservation necessity and a business necessity today."

AIPCE President Guus Pastoor said "For the sake of an improved CFP, EU Fish processors and traders are convinced that it is necessary to join forces to achieve sustainable and profitable fisheries for the future of all EU citizens. Therefore we feel committed to support an alliance of partners seeking for a reform which meets the needs of the sector."

Xavier Durieu, Secretary General of EuroCommerce, said "The commerce sector is committed to play an active role in helping to achieve a sustainable and well managed supply of fish, which in turn should enable retailers to meet the growing consumer demand for healthy and environmentally friendlier fish and aquaculture products."

The alliance is seeking the replacement of "political quotas" for fish with mandatory long term management plans firmly based on science for all EU fisheries by 2015.

The alliance is also seeking to have all regional stakeholders play effective roles in developing fisheries plans and a culture of compliance for fisheries.

Strong EU standards should also apply wherever the EU fishes and this should be reflected in EU fishery and trade polices and fishing agreements and partnerships.

Fisheries policy should also seek to maximise value from catch to consumer, avoiding waste and ensuring stable supplies of seafood and added value at each stage of supply chain.

In the next months WWF and its allies will present their shared position to members of the European Commission and the Parliament involved in the reform of European fisheries and actively engage more and more national offices and companies to move towards sustainable and well-managed fisheries inside and outside Europe.

For further information:
Stefania Campogianni, Press Officer, WWF European Policy Office, Tel. +32 (0)2 743 88 15,
Mob: (0) 499 539736, Email: scampogianni@wwfepo.org
Aurora Vicente, Secretary General, AIPCE-CEP, tel. +32 (0)2 743 87 44, Email: aipce@agep.eu
Marina Valverde Lopez, Adviser on Food Policy and Consumers, Eurocommerce,
tel. +32 (0)2 737 0584, Email: valverdelopez@eurocommerce.be

This press release and related material is available on www.panda.org/eu
.

Judge knocks back Heathrow expansion on basis of climate impacts

2010-03-26

Lord Justice Carnwath of the High Court ruled that if the UK Government decides to push ahead with the runway project it must now review the climate change implications of Heathrow expansion, the economic case for a third runway, and the issue of how additional passengers would get to a bigger airport.

Government claims that the aviation policy was in some way divorced from requirements of the 2008 Climate Change Act were described as 'untenable in law and common sense'.

On the economic case for Heathrow expansion the judget said that he would be 'surprised' if the recent tripling of the estimated cost to society of emitting carbon did not have 'a significant effect' on the economic case for the runway. The judge also said that "it makes no sense to treat the economic case as settled in 2003."

"We are delighted with today's judgement," said David Nussbaum, CEO of WWF-UK. "It deals a body blow to the third runway, but more than that it makes it clear that the Government's whole policy of airport expansion must be reviewed in order to bring it into line with the Climate Change Act.

"Today's landmark ruling has implications that could resonate far wider than the aviation sector. For a judge to tell the Government that it cannot build huge pieces of carbon-intensive infrastructure without considering the long-term consequences is a resounding win in the fight to tackle climate change.

"It is also a further indication of the need for the UK to make a swift transition to a low carbon economy. WWF would now urge the Government to focus on green investment, encouraging alternative ways of connecting with people wherever possible, such as high speed rail and videoconferencing, rather than relying on carbon-heavy methods such as flying."The court was hearing a case brought by six local authorities in West London, a local residents group (NoTRAG) and the national campaigning group against airport expansion HACAN. WWF-UK, Campaign to Protect Rural England and Greenpeace were also claimants.

Transport for London was an independent party supporting the claim while the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds gave expert witness. The challenge to the airport was also supported by Kensington and Chelsea and the Mayor of London. The local authorities are all members of the 2M Group which comprises 24 local councils with a combined population of 5 million opposed to Heathrow expansion .

The UK Government's entire aviation policy must now be reviewed to take into account the implications of the 2008 Climate Change Act. The judge found that "the claimants' submissions add up, in my view, to a powerful demonstration of the potential significance of developments in climate change policy since the 2003 Air Transport White Paper. They are clearly matters which will need to be taken into account under the new Airports National Policy Statement."

"We are delighted with today's judgement," said David Nussbaum, CEO of WWF-UK. "It deals a body blow to the third runway, but more than that it makes it clear that the Government's whole policy of airport expansion must be reviewed in order to bring it into line with the Climate Change Act.

"Today's landmark ruling has implications that could resonate far wider than the aviation sector. For a judge to tell the Government that it cannot build huge pieces of carbon-intensive infrastructure without considering the long-term consequences is a resounding win in the fight to tackle climate change.

"It is also a further indication of the need for the UK to make a swift transition to a low carbon economy. WWF would now urge the Government to focus on green investment, encouraging alternative ways of connecting with people wherever possible, such as high speed rail and videoconferencing, rather than relying on carbon-heavy methods such as flying."

The implications of today's ruling are profound, not just for Heathrow but for airport expansion plans across the UK. Lord Justice Carnwath ruled that the 2003 Air Transport White Paper – the foundation of expansion plans across the country - is obsolete because it is inconsistent with the Climate Change Act 2008.

The judge expressed real concern over the "hardship caused to the local community by uncertainty" over the third runway. The coalition which brought the successful legal challenge is now calling on the Government to end the uncertainty and scrap the runway plans once and for all.

If a third runway at Heathrow airport were to be built, the airport would become the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide in the UK. Unrestrained airport expansion in line with the 2003 plan would make it impossible for the UK to meet its emissions reductions commitments.

Contact: Jo Sargent, WWF UK press office, +44 1483 412375/ 07867 697519

Earth Hour bridges to a better future

2010-03-26

When Earth Hour began as a one-city, one country initiative in 2007 the most potent symbol to turn off was the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Now, when the lights go out for Earth Hour 2010 at 8:30 pm local time in 125 countries, Sydney's "coathanger" will be just one of many bridges making a statement for humans to live more in harmony with nature.

One symbolic bridge turning off for the first time will be the Bosphorus Bridge linking Europe and Asia at Istanbul, Turkey.

The Nelson Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg, South Africa - Africa's longest cable stay bridge – will also turn off for the event.

Pont Neuf and Tower Bridge

Paris, France is to turn off floodlighting on more than 30 bridges over the Seine, including the 16th century Pont Neuf and Pont Notre Dame under the iconic Cathedral which is also to turn off its lighting for the hour long call for effective climate action.

Lights on five London bridges are also to go out, including Blackfriars Bridge, London Bridge and the Tower Bridge.

San Francisco's Golden Gate bridge, the longest suspension arch bridge in the world when completed in 1937 and one of America's most recognised symbols, will be turning off its lights some 17 hours after the lights go back on the Sydney Harbor Bridge and its companion Opera House.

It isn't quite the last bridge to demonstrate solidarity with the hundreds of millions of people who will by then have participated in Earth Hour. Across the border in Canada, the lights will also go out on Vancouver's Lions Gate bridge, completed in 1938 and long owned by the Guinness family of Irish beer fame.

M&S partner with WWF-UK to make waves in seafood sustainability

2010-01-26

Seafood is a growing market in the UK, and in the next decade the nation's appetite for fish and shellfish is unlikely to diminish. But whilst an increasing number of people are aware of the health benefits of seafood, there are still concerns that UK consumers are failing to make the right choices when it comes to the sustainability of their seafood. M&S, one of the UK's leading retailers is now helping to solve that problem by joining forces with the conservation organisation, WWF-UK to ensure its entire range of seafood products come from sustainable sources.

M&S is the first UK company to sign up to WWF's Seafood Charter and in doing so are entering a joint commitment with WWF to protect our oceans and work towards sustainable fisheries management and sustainable farmed fish production. Over the next few years WWF will help M&S evaluate the sustainability of its wild and farmed fish products and give guidance to the retailer on identifying and developing more sustainable sources.

Paul Willgoss, Head of Technology, at M&S said:

"Sustainable fishing is at the heart of our food business, and we want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to be able to enjoy fish that is both tasty and sustainable."

"We've had a sustainable fishing policy for over a decade, but now we're going even further by being the UK's first company to sign WWF's Seafood Charter. As part of Plan A (our £200m 'eco-plan', we are working with WWF to ensure that by 2012, all of our wild fish are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified or from another equivalent standard, where MSC is not available. To help ensure there's plenty more fish in our seas, we urge other retailers to follow our lead." Paul adds.

WWF has developed the Seafood Charter to encourage and promote a favourable market for sustainably caught and farmed seafood. The problems surrounding the management of Europe's depleted fish stocks have been well documented, but positive steps are being taken around Europe to tackle the problem of dwindling fish stocks. In Scotland, the pioneering Conservation Credit Scheme where fishermen are rewarded for sustainable fishing is yielding signs of improvement in some fish stocks and some fisheries are now in the MSC-certification process. WWF considers this model could be replicated by more fisheries across Europe. The conservation organisation, together with M&S is intent on tackling issues such as overfishing, bycatch and discards, and is working with fisheries to find solutions to improve their fishing practices.

Sally Bailey, Marine Programme Manager at WWF-UK said:

"We are delighted to be working with one of the UK's best known retailers to protect our fish stocks and safeguard the health of our oceans. The Seafood Charter may be directly targeted at retailers and processors, but it has implications for the thousands of fishermen in the UK and other parts of the world that depend on a healthy supply of fish to support their income, and ultimately the millions of people who buy, cook, and eat fish. Fish and shellfish are a renewable resource, if managed properly, and it's vital we take action now to prevent any further decline in their stock levels. By supporting the efforts of those who do fish sustainably, retailers and consumers can ensure we have plenty more fish in the sea to enjoy."

The acclaimed chef Tom Aikens, author of Fish, has also given his support to WWF's Seafood Charter and created delicious recipes using M&S sustainable fish range, including beetroot marinated Alaskan salmon and battered South African hake with chips. He adds:

"Overfishing is one of the biggest threats facing our oceans, but the solution to the problem lies in our own hands. As a chef I am always looking for good quality and sustainable fish and am keen to support our fishing communities. By teaming up with WWF to ensure all their seafood is from sustainable sources, M&S is making it easier for consumers to make the right choices, and encouraging a sustainable fishing industry."

Editor's notes

The way we live is leading to environmental threats such as climate change, species extinction, deforestation, water shortages and the collapse of fisheries. WWF's One Planet Future Campaign is working to help people live a good quality of life within the earth's capacity. For more information visit www.wwf.org.uk/oneplanet

For more information on M&S and its Plan A commitments visit: http://plana.marksandspencer.com/

In 2008, consumers in Great Britain bought over 385,000 tonnes of fresh, frozen and canned seafood at retail outlets (worth over £2.73 billion), representing a value increase of 4%, according to Seafish.

For further information, please contact:

Debbie Chapman,
Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, email: dchapman@wwf.org.uk

Vivienne Jawitt,
Senior Food Press Officer, M&S, tel: 020 8718 4904, email: vivienne.jawett@marks-and-spencer.com

Neglected UK seas catch break with new legislation

2009-11-12

Godalming, UK – The UK Government has today introduced new legislation that will make the region's neglected seas much healthier, reversing years of overfishing and habitat loss.

The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act requires the UK government, for the first time, to conserve and protect marine species and habitats. The law's passage is a result of more than a decade of campaigning by WWF-UK.

The UK as an island nation has a remarkable 20,000 kms of coastline. Nationally important species and habitats can be found under the waves which have, until now, been left exposed to a multitude of pressures, including fishing, aggregate extraction, oil and gas exploitation, and emerging threats such as the impacts of climate change.

Research into UK seas shows that key species and habitats, such as Atlantic salmon, harbour porpoises, deep-water coral reefs, and seagrass beds are under threat. Of the 16 flagship species and habitats monitored by WWF in 2005, 13 were found to be in decline and a new investigation this year concluded that none were at healthy levels.

"This is a pivotal moment for UK conservation efforts and shows what can be achieved through tireless campaigning efforts," said David Norman, Director of Campaigns at WWF-UK. "This long-awaited piece of legislation has the potential to really make a difference to thousands of species, including not just dolphins and sharks, but seahorses, turtles, commercially important fish stocks, and lesser-known species like pink sea fans and sunset cup corals."

"The Marine and Coastal Access Act will bring together the many rules and regulations that currently govern our seas to ensure our seas are used sustainably, and this legislation will provide long-term benefits to many people who rely on healthy, well-managed seas – from fishermen to tourist operators."

WWF began campaigning for a Marine Act at the start of the decade, realising that a single, comprehensive piece of legislation was vitally needed to govern UK waters.

The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act now puts a clear and unambiguous duty on the Government to designate a network of protected areas to conserve and improve the marine environment. A new Marine Management Organisation will manage and champion the UK's seas, and following WWF lobbying, a Chief Scientific Advisor will be appointed to provide a stronger scientific steer for its decision-making

WWF is pleased that the Government will now seek to ensure that new marine plans cover the whole of UK waters so that the multitude of activities at sea are planned strategically.

"We now have the tools to protect our marine species and habitats but we cannot rest on our laurels," Norman said. "We must ensure that political momentum is not lost and both current and future Government's are held to account on delivering the intentions behind this Act. With the right implementation the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act could become a leading piece of legislation that other countries across Europe can follow."

Tuna commission urged to add fishing halt to trade ban to save bluefin

2009-11-07

Recife, Brazil – WWF, the global conservation organization, is urging countries meeting in Brazil this week to agree urgently on a temporary fishing ban for the beleaguered Atlantic bluefin tuna, as an essential measure to avoid imminent stock collapse.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is gathering in Recife, Brazil for its annual meeting, where the 48 contracting parties are under pressure to decide on measures that will ensure the long-term survival of a species that has long been the victim of illegal and over-fishing, disregard for rules and science, and being targeted by far too many boats.

"WWF wants to see Atlantic bluefin tuna surviving long into the future – both the amazing species and the fishing industry it has supported for thousands of years," said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean.

"This is ICCAT's role, to ensure the sustainable commercial exploitation of bluefin tuna, but it has failed spectacularly in this mandate and there is no option left but to stop fishing and let this wild animal recover. It is the only way forward, there is simply no Plan B."

ICCAT's own analysis shows that a moratorium will give the best chance of recovery to the seriously overexploited bluefin tuna stocks in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean.

The organization's scientific committee analysed fish stocks at a special meeting in October, demonstrating with their data that Atlantic bluefin tuna fulfils the criteria to be listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as proposed by the Principality of Monaco and to be voted on next March – a step that would ban all international commercial trade.

WWF sees the trade ban as a necessary parallel measure to a moratorium on fishing. ICCAT's scientific analysis also shows that a suspension of fishing is the only measure with a chance of ensuring Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks no longer meet the criteria for CITES Appendix I by 2019.

The tuna commission astonished the world with a scheme
for continued overfishing that it labeled a recovery plan.

"Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks are sadly collapsing even faster than ICCAT's reputation," added Sergi Tudela of WWF. "For ICCAT to justify its existence and show the world it is capable of responsible fisheries management, how can it do anything but stick to the best available science, close the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery now and give the fish a breather?

"Anything else would be a slap in the face to science, a slap in the face to those who care about sustainable seafood, and a slap in the face to ICCAT's own survival – if there's no more fish, there's no more fish to manage."

The latest science shows that Atlantic bluefin tuna's spawning population has declined to below 15% of pre-fishing levels – and may even have dropped to under 10%.

Meeting just a year ago, ICCAT's members ritually tossed overboard the advice of their own scientists and did not even put the fishing closure supported by its own review on the agenda. The tuna commission astonished the world with a scheme for continued overfishing that it labeled a recovery plan but that WWF named a "collapse plan". In response, increasing numbers of global retailers, restaurants, chefs and consumers are stopping buying, selling, serving and eating this endangered species.

For more information: Gemma Parkes, +39 346 387 3237, gparkes@wwfmedpo.org

Notes to editor
Footage and photos available on request
For more on WWF's tuna campaign, see www.panda.org/tuna

G20 finance ministers fail to reach green on climate financing

2009-11-07

St Andrews, Scotland – Finance ministers of the world's dominant economies failed to reach agreement on the financing required for a global agreement to stave off catastrophic climate change, WWF said today as the G20 finance ministers meeting here broke up with no resolution to issues dividing developed and emerging economies.

The lack of progress made by the G20 in St. Andrews, follows another week of inconclusive negotiations in UN climate talks in Barcelona as the world heads towards the crucial UN climate conference in Copenhagen in a month's time.

With the G20 now having considered the climate financing issue three times without reaching common ground, WWF remains sceptical about today's promise to make further progress before Copenhagen.

"The G20 Finance Ministers meeting turned out to be a mostly irrelevant sideshow on the way to the talks in Copenhagen in a months' time," said Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland.

"Failure to come to agreement here is a major disappointment.

"This is a group that can throw money at collapsing banks but cannot find adequate figures for the far worse challenge to the global economy of a collapsing climate system."

In detail, the G20 ministers acknowledged the need to increase significantly and urgently the scale of funding but failed to make any reference to the sums required, estimated to be around $160bn a year of public financing.

They also failed to agree on new sources of funding for a climate deal, such as auctioning emissions credits and levies on aviation and shipping.

"Talk of a financial transaction tax which has the potential to raise hundreds of billions in new funding every year turned out to be a red herring without solid political support," Dr Dixon said.

The G20 agreed some principals on a mechanism to administer and distribute these funds but failed to turn these into concrete proposals and - despite last week's pledges from Europe - no new money was put on the table to help the most vulnerable countries adapt to a changing climate.

It is estimated the immediate need for the most vulnerable nations is around $10bn a year.

WWF endorsed the G20s continuing professed interest in winding back fossil fuel use subsidies, but said the group needed to focus its main attention on getting an effective global deal on climate.

"If we are to keep the planet below the danger threshold of a 2ºC temperature rise, the rich nations of the world are going to have to help developing countries follow a low-carbon development path and help them cope with the impacts of current and future climate change," Dr Dixon said.

"We wanted to see solid proposals on how the money would be raised, managed and distributed and an indication of how soon the countries most vulnerable to climate change will receive assistance. The G20 has failed to deliver and the real work will now have to be done at Copenhagen."