WWF - Conservation and environmental news & publications: Switzerland

Nepal tests new unmanned aerial vehicle technology to stop wildlife crime

2012-09-12

BARDIA NATIONAL PARK – Nepal's antipoaching efforts received a major boost this week as park rangers and army personnel learn how to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in two national parks in a training program organized by WWF.

Nepal is home to rhinos, tigers and elephants, among the world's most vulnerable species. Poaching of these and many other animals is at an all-time high and the hope is that UAV technology will help capture poachers in the act and deter others from even trying.

"Nepal is committed to stopping wildlife crime, which is robbing Nepal of its natural resources, putting the lives of rangers and local communities at risk, and feeding into global criminal networks," said General Krishna Acharya, Director of Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. "Technologies like these non-lethal UAVs could give our park rangers a vital advantage against dangerously armed poachers."

Nineteen park rangers and Nepal army personnel were trained to use the UAVs by developer Mr. Lian Pin Koh, an ecologist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. Participants learned how to use the planes and conducted field tests in Bardia National Park.

Traditionally, effective monitoring of national parks has depended largely on accessibility of the terrain by anti-poaching patrols as well as prior intelligence on poachers in the vicinity.

The UAV gives the patrols a new strategic advantage with an eye in the sky, allowing them access into previously unreachable areas and a safe view of illegal activities on the ground. The presence of a UAV also serves as a deterrent to poachers and illegal loggers since they now know that the parks are being monitored both on the ground and from above.

The GPS-enabled FPV Raptor model planes are light enough to be launched by hand, filming the ground below with a still or video camera. They can fly a pre-programmed route of about 30km at a maximum elevation of 200 meters for up to 50 minutes. The battery can be recharged in about half an hour. Each UAV costs about $2500, making it affordable even for developing countries like Nepal.

"WWF is excited to be part of this field test of new technology in partnership with the government of Nepal," said Anil Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. "We see this as a potentially powerful new tool to improve protection of Nepal's national parks from illegal activities like poaching and logging."

Inspirational filmmakers connect with nature

2011-12-08

Today WWF announced the two winners of its short film competition-Life. Nature. You. Make the Connection. which was launched in the context of WWF's 50^th anniversary celebrations.

The competition, aimed at emerging talent, asked filmmakers to produce original films, up to a maximum of 2 minutes, on the theme "Life. Nature. You make the Connection". WWF was looking for films that would inspire people to value and protect their natural environment.

The winner of the jury's prize is "The Runner" by Neil Losin and Nathan Dappen, a film that focuses on breaking down the distinction between the man-made world and the natural one. The other winner, chosen by popular vote is "Life. Nature. You." by Myles Thompson. This film encourages people to connect with nature, starting with places or things which are close by-in this case, a small patch of grass in a back yard.

"Inspirational filmmakers have helped us to celebrate WWF's anniversary in style producing innovative and moving short films that put people in touch with the environment," said Sudanshu Sarronwala, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at WWF International.

The two winners will be commissioned to create short films for WWF in 2012 for a minimum budget of 10,000 USD. In addition, the winners will receive their awards and present their films at the prestigious CMS Vatavaran Film Festival in Delhi, India.

Brave new world fuelled by clean economical energy possible and imperative by 2050

2011-02-03

Gland, Switzerland: All of the world's energy needs could be provided cleanly, renewably and economically by 2050, according to a major new study by WWF.

Two years in preparation, The Energy Report breaks new ground with its global scope and its consideration of total energy needs including transport, and making adequate and safe energy available to all.

"If we continue to rely on fossil fuels, we face a future of increasing anxieties over energy costs, energy security and climate change impacts," said WWF Director General Jim Leape. "We are offering an alternative scenario – far more promising and entirely achievable.

"The Energy Report shows that in four decades we can have a world of vibrant economies and societies powered entirely by clean, cheap and renewable energy and with a vastly improved quality of life.

"The report is more than a scenario – it's a call for action. We can achieve a cleaner, renewable future, but we must start now."

The two-part report contains a detailed analysis and scenario presented by respected energy consultancy Ecofys, an analysis by WWF, and a graphic narrative by OMA. It shows that by 2050, power, transport, industrial and domestic energy needs could be met with only isolated residual uses of fossil and nuclear fuels – vastly reducing anxieties over energy security, pollution and not least, catastrophic climate change.

Energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles and industry would be a key ingredient, along with an increase in the energy needs met through electric power, renewably generated and supplied through smart grids.

Under the Ecofys scenario, in 2050 total energy demand will be 15 percent lower than in 2005, despite increases in population, industrial output, freight and travel - and energy being made available to those currently not enjoying its benefits. The world no longer relies on coal, or nuclear fuels, while international rules and cooperation limit potential environmental damage from biofuel production and hydroelectricity development.

"In this report we are very deliberately not making extravagant assumptions about the benefits of technologies yet to come," said Ecofys director Kees van der Leun. "This inherently means that this is a moderate estimate of the renewable energy future we could enjoy by 2050."

"At Ecofys we know that solutions for the global energy challenge are at hand. There are numerous systems that use energy more efficiently, allowing us to manage current energy sources more carefully. Moreover, we understand the opportunities in using the vast amounts of sustainable energy that surround us."

Providing reliable, affordable and clean energy on the scale required will need a global effort – similar to the global response to the world financial crisis. But the benefits would be much greater in the long term, with the savings from lower energy costs balancing total new investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2040 and savings over a "Business-As-Usual" scenario amounting to around €4 trillion from lower energy costs alone by 2050.

Other benefits are savings from avoiding energy security conflicts, dirty spills and supply disruptions that are inherent in sourcing ever scarcer fossil fuels from more and more politically or environmentally challenging areas.

Importantly, The Energy Report scenario would see CO2 emissions from the world's energy supply sector reduced by over 80 per cent by 2050 - providing a high level of confidence that the average global temperature rise will be limited to the less than the two degrees Celsius threshold identified as presenting unacceptable risks of catastrophic climate change.

"We will live differently, but we will live well," said Jim Leape. "We must provide energy for all without imperiling our planet, and this report shows that we can."

IMD partners with WWF to offer best in class sustainability program for business leaders

2010-06-21

Lausanne, Switzerland – IMD, a top-ranked business school worldwide, and WWF, the leading conservation organisation, are teaming together to offer "One Planet Leaders" (OPL) – an innovative training program for driving sustainability into the core of business.

The program's learning focus is on developing a winning business case and robust strategy for change, leading to sustainable practices which also deliver more profit to the company. The program is designed for leaders who operate at a strategic level and can drive change, and is open to managers in business functions such as general management, R&D, procurement/supply, marketing and sales; and in sustainability functions.

Participants join a vibrant global network of peers and experts, and learn from an inspiring faculty which draws from the best of academia, NGOs and the private sector.

"Leading companies increasingly recognize the importance of mainstreaming sustainability skills and competencies across the business," said Michael Yaziji, IMD Professor of Strategy and OPL program co-director. "The program is designed to support this need and to grow a global network of skilled One Planet Leaders."

The program will run for the first time in partnership, in Autumn 2010 and will feature three 3-day modules focused on strategy, change management and leadership in the sustainability context. Participants will work on their real-world sustainability challenges while being introduced to the complex issues and best practices in sustainability. Pre-, inter- and post-module support will help participants drive and sustain their sustainability change initiatives.

"One Planet Leaders is more than a leadership program where you learn the best management skills. Sure, you will get this, but you will also be able to go deeper", says Carolina Moeller, OPL program co-director at WWF International. "One Planet Leader invites you on a journey in personal development and self-realization. It helps you explore who you are and what you want to be, and from there understand your unique role in creating the future".

Companies will benefit in that their top managers will be able to drive innovation to build competitive advantage while solving some of the key sustainability challenges facing the planet.

The One Planet Leaders program was first launched by WWF in 2007, and since that time 200 business leaders have completed the course.

Why One Planet?

We only have one planet to support us - this may be stating the obvious but the serious social and environmental challenges facing the world stem from viewing the planet as an infinite source of clean air, clean water and 'free' natural capital on which to build our global economy. Today we are consuming almost 50% more than the planet can sustain and so need 1.5 planets to meet our global demands.

Climate, security, food, health, justice and economic growth - these are big issues and the way we manage our environment is vital to all of them. The private sector has a key role to play in reversing the trends of environmental degradation and social inequality, and is uniquely positioned to lead global solutions through new business models and innovation.

One Planet Leaders is designed to help companies meet this challenge. It develops dynamic leaders who can integrate sustainability into all aspects of decision making and build a better more equitable society within the limits of our one planet.

One Planet Leaders

Launched by WWF in 2007, One Planet Leaders originates from a series of workshops on sustainable business development run with WWF corporate partners. Today it includes an accredited Masters level Executive Education programme – available in Europe and Asia Pacific; three Modular Workshops – accessible as customized training in companies and in regions; a stand-alone Sustainability Master class; an active global Alumni Community with almost 200 members; and a One Planet MBA under development.

IMD center for corporate sustainability management recognized at EFMD conference for award-winning case on WWF-Allianz partnership

2010-06-08

IMD's Center for Corporate Sustainability Management (CSM) was recognized today at the Annual Conference of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) for its award-winning case: "Feeling the Heat: Allianz and WWF push an industry toward climate change action".

The case study won first prize in the Banking/Finance category and is one of four IMD awards being attributed at this year's EFMD case awards ceremony.

"Since one of the strategic objectives of our center is to contribute to the mainstreaming of corporate responsibility issues on the business strategic agenda, we are particularly encouraged by the fact that this case won an award in the Banking/Finance category at a time when this category must have many compelling cases because of the events up to and during the currently ongoing financial crisis," said Dr Aileen Ionescu Somers, Director of the CSM. "Winning in this mainstream category will particularly increase pick up of the case by banking and finance professors for use in business school and university syllabuses worldwide."

The WWF/Allianz case documents the efforts of two leading organizations – the global insurance company, Allianz and the international NGO, WWF – to roll out an initiative to understand the business impacts of climate change. It follows Allianz and WWF during their experience of building a partnership for action leadership and illustrates the challenges and obstacles encountered during implementation.

Dr Ionescu-Somers added: "This case helps companies and organizations to better understand the challenges of rolling out sustainability strategies, and particularly in difficult business circumstances, illustrates the barriers and success factors of corporate sustainability partnerships and changes the traditional perception of business responsibility in pushing forward the agenda for action on climate change and other "mega-issues" The case cuts through complexity and provides a great learning experience for managers."

Mathias Kopp, leader of the climate and enterprise initiatives at WWF Germany, commented: "The Allianz and WWF joint venture evolved from an initial collaborative awareness-raising effort to become an action-driven partnership with the ambition to lead the financial industry on the climate change issue by example. The partnership provided insights for the insurance industry, but also the financial services industry as a whole, to the level of understanding required and for implementation of sustainable strategic directions."

About IMD
Based in Switzerland, IMD is consistently top-ranked among business schools worldwide. With more than 60 years' experience, IMD takes a real world, real learning approach to executive education. IMD offers pioneering and collaborative solutions to address clients' challenges. Our perspective is international – we understand the complexity of the global environment. Real-impact executive learning and leadership development at IMD enables participants to learn more, deliver more and be more. (www.imd.ch).

IMD's Center for Corporate Sustainability Management (CSM) is a membership driven research and learning initiative. It has been carrying out multi-industry and multi-stakeholder studies on the building and roll out of sustainability strategies in organizations for the last decade. Learn more at www.imd.ch/csm.

Monte Rosa - melting glaciers and changing borders in the Alps

2009-10-28

Monte Rosa, Italy / Switzerland - High alpine areas are feeling the impacts of climate change harder and faster than many other areas.

The Monte Rosa massif, one of the highest montains in Europe which sits between Italy and Switzerland, is seeing it borders beeing thrown into confusion.

There are nine glaciers in the massif, including the Gorner glacier, second largest in the Alps but also the glacier that is shrinking the fastest losing 290 metres during 2007 to 2008.

Glaciers might seem remote, but hundreds of millions of people worldwide depend on them for water supplies.

River managers plan a bleak water future for Europe

2009-05-29

Brussels, Belgium: An ambitious European scheme to fix and safeguard its rivers and secure its water future is at risk of being undermined by poor and inadequate plans for water management prepared by EU countries, a new study by WWF and European Environment Bureau (EEB) has found.

The analysis has found none of the draft plans rates well across a range of water safety, conservation and management measures.

"The European Water Framework Directive when adopted in 2000 was far from perfect but it had the makings of a world-leading vision to change the ways we manage, use and value water at a time when the worlds water future looked much more secure than it does today ," said Sergey Moroz, Water Policy Officer at WWF.

Despite increasing water challenges exacerbated by climate change, draft plans developed so far by Member States are generally putting off major and necessary decisions, providing few mechanisms and little funding to achieve good status for water bodies.

"in the interests of agriculture and industry to become less vulnerable"

"These plans dont create an impression that we are finally departing from the unsustainable practices that led us to the current water crisis," said Pieter de Pous, EEB Water Policy Officer." For example, it is in the interests of agriculture and industry to become less vulnerable to increasingly insecure water supplies but there is very little in the plans when it comes to reducing their water consumption."

What future for EUs water? expresses particular concerns with increasingly water scarce Italy and Greece where it is unclear whether they are actually planning to finalise plans even remotely comparable to what the rest of Europe is doing.

Some countries like the Netherlands that have lost much of their natural rivers and waters in the past, are now starting initiatives to give rivers more space for flooding and thus improving their ability to face future climate change impacts. The Netherlands also managed to secure funding for river restoration, although the amounts are still inadequate.

Worrying diverging trends now emerge from Eastern and Southern Europe, like in Czech Republic and Portugal, where rivers continue to be poured into concrete straightjackets for the purpose of navigation, flood defence or hydropower, said de Pous.

In Portugal up to 10 new dams for hydropower are currently proposed for construction without any adequate consideration of the likelihood that there may not be enough water to run them.

"need to be visionary to tackle lasting food and energy security, public health and climate challenges"

Water pollution remains a serious issue also not sufficiently addressed in the majority of plans and large portions of Europes waters remain at risk of becoming unavailable or in need of expensive treatment.

Water efficiency measures were particularly poor in most draft plans. A partial exception was France's Loire Bretagne basin where a water efficiency objective is proposed for drinking water supply for rural and urban areas.

"To tackle Europes water challenges, Member States plans need to be visionary, abandoning a minimalist approach to implementation and becoming the central plank of efforts to tackle lasting food and energy security, public health and climate challenges," said Moroz.

Public consultation on the draft river plans is set to close at the end of June. EU Member States will have to finalise their water plans by the end of the year and send them to the European Commission.

WWF gives Europe a roadmap to Copenhagen

2009-02-27

Brussels, Belgium: With a series of critical European Union meetings on a new global climate deal about to begin, WWF has set out what Europe needs to do to grow in a green way while contributing to helping the world avoid passing the 2 degree threshold of warming that presents unacceptable risks of catastrophic climate change.

"There is a clear link to be made between ambitious climate policies and a new phase of economic growth," said Stephan Singer, Director of Energy Programme at WWF International.

"The recent financial bailouts prove that when governments decide to fix a problem, money and regulatory instruments are there. There is no excuse to treat the climate crisis with less support and attention."

The WWF roadmap to a successful new global agreement in Copenhagen in December would see Europe radically strengthen its announced commitments of cutting emissions by just 20 per cent by 2020 and 50 per cent by 2050.

European environment ministers will consider target developed and undeveloped country emissions to take to Copenhagen at Monday's EU Environment Council meeting in Brussels.

Commit to zero net emissions

Based on various studies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios, WWF says that emissions will have to be reduced by at least 80 percent by 2050 globally to keep warming below 2°C. In compliance with its fair share of responsibility, the EU must commit to net zero emissions by 2050.

The IPCC also said that industrial countries will have to reduce their greenhouse gases by between 25 and 40% by 2020. The current EU target is only 20%, with a possibility to increase to 30% if other developed nations will join an international agreement.

These targets are clearly at the lower end of the IPCC scale, and even lower in reality considering that EU countries are allowed to fulfil up to two thirds of their commitment by way of certificates for projects in developing countries (the so-called CDM credits).

At the forthcoming Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) meeting on Tuesday March 10, European finance ministers will consider both the plan to boost economic recovery in Europe and financing climate protection measures.

WWF said Ecofin must come to grips with the fact that so far EU countries have failed to seriously face the challenge and to see the opportunities created by a greener economy.

Today, the fossil fuel energy sector in the EU-15 countries still receives about €20 billion of subsidies, equal to 0.2% Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Europe imports about 4.8 billion barrels of oil per year, equal to 3% of GDP. Natural gas imports are another 3% of GDP.

According to the European Commission, between 600,000 and 900,000 jobs can be created by renewable energy by 2020, compared to today's 150,000 jobs. As a comparison, the cement and the steel sectors – some of those crying wolf about strong climate measure – employ about 60,000 and 300,000 people respectively.

With finance to developing countries being touted as a make or break issue at Copenhagen, WWF is calling for European contributions for clean technology and reduced deforestation in developing countries to
amount to €35 billion per year, in addition to the long-time promised 0.7% GDP for development aid.

Funding of climate protection measures (avoidance, adaptation and forest protection) needs to be sustainable, predictable and controlled in a transparent manner by the international community.

The European Commission's current proposal also fails to address the enormous potential of energy efficiency, with an almost complete lack of concrete proposals for technology co-operation.

WWF says that the EU financing of technology development and research should be increased by a factor of 10 compared to current levels by 2020, particularly for renewable energies, energy efficiency and carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The EU should also promote the setting up of a technology action programme under the UNFCCC to protect intellectual property rights and promote innovation.

Outcomes from the Ecofin and Environment Council meetings are scheduled to be considered by EU Heads of State at a European Council meeting on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March. Some issues however may carry over to when Sweden assumes the presidency of the EU

Much-maligned waxwing makes return trip to WWF

2009-01-28

Gland, Switzerland - The Bohemian Waxwing, a particularly beautiful bird nevertheless believed by people in Medieval times to be the bearer of bad luck, plague and pestilence, has paid its 2nd visit this century to WWF headquarters after coming to Switzerland only 5 times in substantial numbers throughout the whole of the last century.

A total of 27 of them honoured WWF's garden during their visit last week, and several lucky people had a chance to briefly admire them, perched on a tree near the bikes shelter and feeding on orange berries in the nearby bushes.

The waxwing is a sub-Arctic bird that breeds in coniferous forests throughout the most northern parts of Europe, Asia and western North America. In winter it rarely visits western Europe further south than the Low Countries, but a second trip in 5 years to Switzerland could suggest changing tastes (or changing climate?).

The waxwing was treated with great suspicion in the Middle Ages when invasions would often coincide with bouts of plague, which were of course quite common. People felt the two occurrences were linked but there has never been any scientific evidence to support such superstition.

The name waxwing refers to the bright red bead-like tips of the secondary feathers on its wings, which look like drops of sealing wax but which several hundred years ago were seen as flames from hell carrying all manner of unspeakable epidemics.

To this day the Dutch name for waxwing remains Pest Vogel (Plague Bird). The French name, "Jaseur" meaning gossip or chatterer, is also an anomaly as they are mostly silent in their winter quarters.

With a particularly elegant plumage, the waxwing has a fine peach-coloured crest, bright yellow tips on its tail feathers and a yellow or white stripe along the wing feathers. Under-tail coverts are a deep rust colour.

Because it is not hunted by man it has grown very confident and will come very close in gardens, allowing easy visibility.

The last visit to Switzerland and WWF headquarters in Gland took place in the winter of 2004-2005.
Prior to that major irruptions into Switzerland occurred in the winters of 1903/04, 1941/42, 1963/64, 1965/66 and 1988/89.

The reasons for their occasional trips here are not so much for the mountain air or the spas but a lack of the food they find in their usual haunts such as apples, grapes and berries, in particular those of the Rowan, a member of the rose family with especially juicy berries. This normally follows a particularly severe winter, such as the one we have experienced in Europe this year, or an especially good breeding year, or a combination of both.

Tuna commission comes up with "a disgrace, not a decision"

2008-11-24

Marrakech, Morocco - The commission tasked with preventing a collapse of the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery today opted for catch quotas still far higher than its own scientists recommend and leaving industrial fleets free to scoop up tuna at the height of its spawning period.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, for the past week, brushed aside its own review's description of its management of the bluefin fishery as "an international disgrace" to endorse a total allowable catch (TAC) of 22,000 tonnes for next year.

ICCAT's own scientists had recommended a TAC ranging 8,500 to 15,000 tonnes per year, warning there were real risks of the fishery collapsing otherwise. The scientists also urged a seasonal closure during the fragile spawning months of May and June, while today's outcome allows industrial fishing in practice up to 20 June.

"This is not a decision, it is a disgrace which leaves WWF little choice but to look elsewhere to save this fishery from itself," said Dr Sergi Tudela, head of WWF Mediterranean's fisheries programme, speaking from Marrakech.

"Any alternative is preferable to an organization which boasts of its respect for science but where in a decade catches have gone from twice to four times the scientific recommendations, with massive legal and illegal overfishing. It is clear that the only thing to slow the fishery with ICCAT at the helm is running out of fish."

The European Union drove today's decision, supported by Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Syria and later joined by Japan.

Japan had initially been party to a US, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Iceland and Brazil proposal, supported by a brace of developing nations, to fix the allowed catch at the upper levels recommended by scientists and closing the fishery for the full spawning period.

The debate has been marred by allegations of the European Commission threatening developing state members with trade retaliations should they support lower catch limits and extended closed seasons, with the names of some nations appearing and disappearing from the more scientifically-based proposals.

"ICCAT's string of successive failures leaves us little option now but to seek effective remedies through trade measures and extending the boycott of retailers, restaurants, chefs and consumers," Dr Tudela said.
WWF has been urging a suspension of the out-of-control fishery, an option endorsed by the recent World Conservation Congress and recommended by ICCAT's own internal high-level review.

The world's largest bluefin tuna trader, Mitsubishi, signalled earlier in November that it would "reassess" its "involvement in this business" should ICCAT continue to be unable to sustainably manage the fishery.

"WWF will also actively push for a listing under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in the hope that stringent trade controls tied explicitly to the survival of the species will turn around the half-hearted attempt at fisheries management shown here by ICCAT and especially its European contingent."

CITES next meets in Doha in January 2010 with submissions on listings required by August 2009.
"Today's outcome is a recipe for economic as well as biological bankruptcy with the European Union squarely to blame," said Dr Tudela.

"Bluefin consumption in the main consumer market of Japan is expected to drop from 18,000 tonnes due to the economic crisis, with around 30,000 tonnes of frozen bluefin already in Hong Kong and Japan and additional unknown amounts in other Asian countries and in freezer ships.

"Our industry sources also tell us that there are 7,000 tonnes of illegally fished tuna in fattening cages across the Mediterranean that nobody wants to buy."

The moratorium option, which the scientific panel said would lead to the quickest recovery in bluefin stock and the best future prospects for fulfilling ICCAT's charter of delivering a long-term sustainable fishery, was not even given consideration by the commission in Marrakech despite increasing support for this option from European fishermen.

Thousands join bluefin tuna boycott

2008-11-20

Marrakech, Morocco: Close to 16,000 citizens from 149 countries have signed up to join numerous restaurants, retailers and chefs in boycotting Mediterranean bluefin tuna – until stocks have recovered and the fishery is properly controlled and managed.

WWF has presented the petition, on behalf of 15,941 concerned individuals, to top fisheries decision-makers today in Marrakech, Morrocco where the 46 Contracting Parties of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) are meeting to decide the future of bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean.

"Thousands of consumers from across the world are voting with their wallets by not buying or eating endangered Mediterranean bluefin tuna," said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean. "WWF hopes ICCAT acts on this strong plea from global citizens."

As increasing numbers of responsible consumers say no to bluefin, the list of chefs, restaurants and retailers around the world that have stopped serving and selling bluefin is also growing. The trailblazers – Auchan in France, Carrefour in Italy, Coop in Italy and Switzerland, ICA in Norway, Moshi Moshi in the UK, and Memento in Spain – have now been joined by many others in taking bluefin off their menus and shelves.

These are Benoît DelbasserueFrench chef; CasinoFrench supermarket; Coop Norwegian supermarket;Deutsche SeeGerman processor; EliorFrench restaurant chain; Gottfried FriedrichsGerman processor; M&JUK seafood supplier; MigrosSwiss supermarket; Relais du ParcFrench restaurant; Sergi Arola, Dario Barrio, Karel Bell – Spanish chefs; and over 50 restaurants in Monaco.

"Bluefin tuna was one of the star items on our menu, but the critical situation of the stocks made me take it off the plates so that diners can keep enjoying it in years to come," said Sergi Arola, Spanish celebrity chef. "I believe it's my duty to take care of the sustainability of a dish as well as its taste."

"ICCAT members are under pressure from numerous countries, international institutions, scientists and even their own review to close this fishery and allow it to recover," said Dr Tudela. "Now they are also coming under pressure from more and more of their own citizens, their noted chefs, their leading restaurants and their leading marketers.

"It is time for ICCAT to take note of this growing market aversion to the tuna slaughter and to finally follow its so-far hollow boast to act in accordance with the science."

Dr Tudela noted that should ICCAT fail to act this week in Marrakech, support would grow for moving from attempting to control fishers to using a trade ban to save the species from collapse.

Europe sits on damning bluefin tuna report

2008-11-14

Barcelona, Spain: A European fisheries report demonstrating continuing widespread infringements by bluefin tuna fleets despite increased fleet surveillance in the Mediterranean has been delayed until after the conclusion of next week's key international tuna commission meeting to decide on a new management regime for the fishery.

The existence of the report, revealed today by The Economist, undermines Europe's promise of support for strong action possibly including temporary closure of the fishery at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

It also undermines European claims that it is bringing rampant bluefin overfishing under control, with a summary hurriedly produced after repeated demands from the European Parliament noting that extensive consultations with fishers and improved surveillance and inspections had little effect on the low priority industry gave to ICCAT rules.

"After decades of ignoring the science, ICCAT and member states are now trying to outdo each other in rhetoric about how much the science must matter," said Dr Sergi Tudela, Fisheries director for WWF Mediterranean.

"The information gathered by Europe's Community Fisheries Control Agency provides unprecedented data on the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery that would have been extremely precious for ICCAT scientists to make appropriate management recommendations.

"Shockingly, this valuable information has been kept hidden from scientists, thus undermining the quality of fisheries management advice – and the European Community, representing all EU Members States at ICCAT, must be held responsible for this."

Earlier this year, WWF welcomed Europe's promise of vastly improved inspection and surveillance of the bluefin fleet and fattening farms by the CFCA, based in Vigo, Spain.

The Economist claims that a comprehensive CFCA report - the product of a €20 million investment in seeking to reign in the bluefin fishery - went to the European Commission in August and that an abbreviated version only was provided to the European Parliament's Fisheries Commission earlier this month.

The abbreviated version is alarming enough, noting that "the level of apparent infringements detected in the tugs and the purse seiner fleet is considerable", "the (illegal) use of spotter planes for searching bluefin tuna concentrations is still wide spread" and "as regards the recording and reporting of bluefin tuna catches . . . the ICCAT rules have not been generally respected".

European Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg has said that the last management rules for this beleaguered fishery – agreed at a previous ICCAT meeting in Dubrovnik in 2006 – would work, as long as there was compliance with the rules.

"This latest evidence of widespread non-compliance, information that has been hidden from ICCAT scientists and decision-makers, should be case enough that the only solution now is to close the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery – pending a complete overhaul of the fiasco," Dr Tudela said.

Spain, Japan back bluefin tuna ban

2008-10-13

Barcelona, Spain: Key fishing state Spain and key tuna market Japan joined with a majority of other countries to back closing the Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna fishery until it can be brought under control and establishing protected areas in the main breeding grounds.

The surprise vote tonight, by government and NGO members of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at the World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, also calls for catch quotas to be nearly halved in line with scientific advice and for permanent fishing bans for May and June covering the entire spawning season.

"We didn't know this would pass, let alone pass so overwhelmingly," said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries in WWF's Mediterranean office. "Common sense is now promising to bring an end to the real shame in the international system of fisheries management .

"The message that we need to close the fishery now or have few fish and no fishery into the future is now coming from scientists, from consumers, from communities and from countries."

The motion adds considerably to the pressure on International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) which decides on the future of the fishery in November, within two months of its own internal expert review labelling the management of the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery "an international disgrace".

It also follows a WWF report earlier this year that the tuna fishing capacity was at twice quota levels and a further report last week that Italy's largely unregulated fleet was in flagrant violation of the fishery rules.

Last month, ICCAT scientists also warned the Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna population was on the brink of collapse. A retailers' boycott of Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna, supported by WWF, is spreading throughout Europe.

The tuna motion, initially bitterly opposed by some countries that later voted for it, was put up by WWF, Ecologistas en Acción, GOB, SEO/Birdlife and the Government of the Baleric Islands, which is proposed as one of the bluefin tuna sanctuaries.

"ICCAT needs to heed the claim from the international community to save the Mediterannean Bluefin Tuna," Dr Tudela said.

"This year's meeting will be the last real chance for ICCAT to show to the world it deserves the mandate given by society to manage this fisheries and avoid the collapse of the species."

Stronger European climate action could have €25 billion health benefit

2008-10-01

Brussels, Belgium – Health savings of up to €25 billion could be achieved every year in Europe if the European Union immediately opted for stronger climate policies, says a new study published by health and environment NGOs..

The report. The Co-benefits to Health of a Strong EU Climate Change Policy, analyses the health benefits of reduced climate pollution if the EU increased its 2020 target for domestic greenhouse gas emission cuts from 20 to 30 per cent without any delay.

The study was commissioned by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), Climate Action Network Europe (CAN-E) and WWF.

The findings show that raising the target to 30 per cent, in line with recommendations of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), would produce savings resulting from better health valued at between €6.5-25 billion per year.

The estimates are based on economic evaluations of loss of life and health, working days lost and hospital costs. The findings show reductions in hospital admissions of 8,000 per year, and two million fewer work days lost per year by moving to the higher 30 per cent target.

These health savings are over and above the benefits of the EU's existing scenario of a 20 per cent target. The report shows that raising the target to 30 per cent would increase the savings by €25 billion, or 48 per cent, from €51-76 billion.

"Until now the discussion on climate change has been all about costs to industry and the economy, while costs of climate pollution to society have largely been neglected," said Delia Villagrasa, Senior Advisor to WWF's European Policy Office.

"It is essential to see that measures to promote cleaner sources of energy and reduce fossil fuel consumption will not only contribute to control climate change but will also cut air pollution and improve quality of life for European citizens."

Bloated Mediterranean tuna fleet in race for the last bluefin

2008-03-12

Rome, Italy – The most comprehensive analysis yet of the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fleet shows it conservatively having twice the fishing capacity of current quotas and more than three and a half times the catch levels recommended by scientists to avoid stock collapse.

The fleet is so bloated that just covering its costs implies that a third of its fishing would be illegal, with the worst over-capacity culprits being Turkey, Italy, Croatia, Libya, France and Spain.

The new WWF report, Race for the last bluefin, "uncovers the absurdity of a system long out of control, where hundreds of hi-tech boats are racing to catch a handful of fish," said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean.

"The failure of international fisheries management has allowed a monster to thrive in the Mediterranean. Decision-makers must be bold if the bluefin is to be saved from a sorry fate – and for any chance of a future for Mediterranean tuna fishermen."

To keep fishing capacity within the 2008 legal catch limits imposed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the Mediterranean fleet would need to shed 229 vessels – almost a third of the current 617-vessel fleet.

Reducing fishing effort to scientifically recommended levels, meanwhile, would require decommissioning 283 vessels, including 58 in European Union Member States.

In Italy – worst culprit among EU countries – the fleet should be reduced by over 30 vessels to respect scientific recommendations, or 17 just to stay within the law. The WWF report indicates that high levels of under-reporting by Italy are also likely, as its reported catches have dramatically decreased since 1997 – yet during the past decade the Italian fleet has increased considerably in size and power. Croatia, Spain and Libya are also under the spotlight for under-reporting.

At a minimum, the report shows Mediterranean fleets would have to fish 42,000 tonnes of tuna just to cover costs – implying some 13,000 tonnes of illegal catch. This calculation considers only the more technically advanced vessels built in the past decade – the full picture will be much worse yet.

"It is crazy – the numerous new fleets are so modern and costly that fishermen are forced to fish illegally just to survive – and worse still they are fishing themselves out of a job," added Dr Tudela.

WWF is calling on concerned countries to dramatically reduce capacity in this fishery as a matter of urgency ahead of the 2008 fishing season that starts end-April. WWF also urges ICCAT, the body tasked with sustainably managing the fishery, to take a lead in proposing radical solutions. Until the fishery is under control and sustainably managed, WWF continues to advocate a fishing ban – and to applaud responsible retailers, restaurants, chefs and consumer groups who are boycotting Mediterranean bluefin in increasing numbers.

"The fishery is unsustainable in every way – economically, socially, and ecologically. The time to act is now – while there are still bluefin tuna to save in the Mediterranean," Dr Tudela said.

In spite of the overcapacity of fleets, at least 25 new purse seine vessels were still being constructed at time of going to press.

This time, world should heed OECD call to action on environment

2008-03-05

Paris: The OECD's Environment Outlook to 2030, issued today, was welcomed by WWF as yet another compelling argument that the costs of inaction on the environment will far exceed the costs of action.

The OECD Outlook is the latest - and at 520 pages one of the weightiest - in a run of reports from prominent economic institutions and commissions calling on governments and international institutions to face up to the seriousness and immediacy of global environmental problems.

"When a body such as the OECD says that on a range of environmental issues we need to act globally and we need to act now, then it is clear that as communities, countries and companies we need to roll up our collective sleeves and get on with it," said WWF International Director General James Leape.

"It is sobering to think how much better off we would be today if the world, the wealthy world in particular, had heeded OECD's 2001 call to take action on many of these same issues. We should not make the same mistake again."

James Leape said the OECD outlook should be commended for looking beyond the urgent challenge of climate change to other urgent issues of biodiversity loss, mismanagment of water resources and escalating health threats. WWF also welcomed OECD's call to prioritise action in the key sectors of energy, transport, agriculture and fisheries.

"The OECD outlook underlines both the magnitude of the largely self-inflicted threats we face and the urgency of acting effectively on them," said James Leape. "It is rapidly becoming the case that it will be as hard to find a sceptical economist as it is now to find a sceptical scientist."

While generally supporting market liberalisation, the OECD noted that in the absence of "sound environmental policy and institutional frameworks" globalisation "can amplify market and policy failures and intensify environmental pressures".

The OECD repeated its 2001 call for the removal of subsidies to environmentally harmful activities, with special mention of subsidies to fossil fuel use, agricultural production subsidies, fishing overcapacity subsidies and the subsidy and underpricing of damaging transport modes.

The OECD also repeated that environment policy should not be just a concern of environment ministers, but has to be elevated into being a priority of central and economic policy making in particular.

"There is now no reason not to act," said James Leape. "The OECD outlook is emphatic that the policies and technologies to address urgent environment issues are available and affordable, that taking them will increase efficiencies and reduce costs and that the earlier we take action, the better the cost-benefit equation will be."

Media release and contact details

A new platform to start changing the world

2008-03-04

Forget Facebook, MySpace or You Tube: here comes connect2earth, a new online community where young people can upload videos, pictures and comments about the environment.

On www.connect2earth.org, users and visitors will be able to write, speak, illustrate and video present their concerns on subjects important to them, and share environmental ideas and solutions.

Each month, users will vote for a winner who will receive a Nokia mobile phone.

"Connect2earth is a truly global space for young people to connect, share, express their concerns and hopes about the environment online – and win some prizes in the process", said James Leape, Director General of WWF International.

"This new community allows them to tell the world why they care about the environment and why it should be protected."

Julia Marton-Lefèvre, Director General of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) said: "We live on an amazing planet – we need to protect it. We want to encourage young people to be involved in environmental issues and take action."

A panel of prominent conservationists will elect an overall winner who will get the chance to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona next October.

She or he will have the opportunity to present some ideas directly to leaders from around the world.

"Young people feel increasingly strongly about protecting the environment because, for them, it represents their future", said Kirsi Sormunen, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at Nokia.

And how do you connect to earth through connect2earth? The site, not surprisingly, is particularly suited to uploading short films, photos and comments from mobile phones.

For further information:

Sarah Halls, IUCN Media Relations Officer, tel. +41 22 999 01 27; sarah.halls@iucn.org
Moira O'Brien-Malone, Head of Media Relations, WWF International, tel. +41 22 364 95 50; mobrien@wwfint.org

HP commits to further GHG emissions reductions in joining WWF Climate Savers

2008-02-13

HP, one of the world's largest IT companies, has pledged to reduce the emissions from its own operations and the use of its products to 6 million tonnes (20%) below 2005 levels by 2010.

Progress towards this goal, a commitment entered into in joining the World Wildlife Fund/WWF Climate Savers program, has been so significant that HP is now looking to define new goals.

In energy terms, HP has now committed itself to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent in its operations from 2005 levels, while achieving a 25 % reduction in the energy used by its products and operations combined below 2005 levels by 2010. Even with an increase in revenues, total energy use was down 19.2 % below 2005 levels by October 2007.

"WWF commends HP for its strong commitment to energy reductions—not only within its own operations, but in placing a strong emphasis on increasing energy efficiency in its products," said Carter Roberts, WWF-US President and CEO. "HP's bold actions should serve as a model for other technology companies seeking to transform the way they do business to help protect the planet."

"HP has been an environmentally-sensitive company for decades; it's simply part of our culture and DNA," said Mark Hurd, Chairman and CEO, HP. "We take a leadership role in climate change initiatives like WWF Climate Savers, and we will continue to seek innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint."

HP's announcement comes as companies from around the world gathered to discuss business strategies to reduce climate change at the Climate Savers Tokyo Summit. During the summit, HP said it will sign the Tokyo Declaration – a call to action and renewed commitment on global warming.

Between 1987 and 2007, HP recycled one billion pounds of its products, representing 900,000 tonnes of avoided greenhouse gas emissions, and it set a new goal to recover another one billion pounds by the end of 2010.

HP made further progress in January 2008 when it announced a commitment to reduce the energy consumption of its volume desktop and notebook PC families by 25 percent by 2010, and today it is working to consolidate its 85 data centers worldwide into six data centers with high-efficiency servers and cooling technology.

Beginning in 2006, HP embarked on a joint initiative with World Wildlife Fund-US to establish an absolute reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions from HP's operating facilities worldwide, explore efficiency goals for products, educate and inspire others to adopt best practices for climate change initiatives and use HP technology in conservation efforts around the world by 2010.

WWF's Climate Savers was founded in 1999 and currently comprises 15 major international companies committed to reducing their total emissions by over 10 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.

In its first attendance at a WWF Climate Savers Conference - this year starting on 15 January hosted by Sony Corporation in Tokyo - HP is expected to join other leading global brands calling for more concerted action on climate change.

Join retailers' Mediterranean bluefin tuna boycott, urges WWF

2008-01-28

As more and more major European retailers boycott Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna, WWF used the occasion of the Barcelona Seafood Summit to call on more to join the ban until the imperilled species is out of the danger zone.

France's Auchan group, with a nearly 14 per cent share of the retail fish trade, declared its boycott on 28 December, noting that scientists had advised a 15,000 tonne ceiling on annual catches, while the international tuna management body was allowing a 2008 quota of 29,500 tonnes.

"Moreover, each year, captures greatly exceed the fixed quotas," Auchan said in a statement outlining how the ban had been taken in line with its policy of pursuing a sustainable trade in fish.

"WWF applauds Auchan in France, Carrefour in Italy, Coop in both Italy and Switzerland, and ICA in Norway for their courageous decisions to stop selling Mediterranean bluefin tuna – and we urge other retailers to follow suit," says Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean.

"The seafood industry is waking up to its responsibilities, recognising that there is not an endless supply of fish like bluefin tuna. By taking action now, retailers can help give this amazing species a fighting chance of survival, for the benefit of both business and the marine ecosystem."

Scientists have declared it "probable" that populations of the magnificent bluefin tuna, much prized especially for sushi in Japan, will soon collapse in the Mediterranean – unless action is taken now.

Before retailers started taking matters into their own hands, WWF had suggested to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting in November that contracting countries agree on a 3-year ban on bluefin tuna fishing, but this move was rejected.

Following massive demand in recent years – especially from Japan where Atlantic bluefin is prized for Sushi – high-tech fishing fleets have hunted down, often illegally, ever-declining numbers of these migratory ocean giants.

WWF exposed the drastically out-of-control nature of the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery in the 2007 season when illegal fishing was again rife – including the use of banned spotter planes, as well as widespread unreporting. According to WWF sources, the Spanish authorities, for example, officially declared only two thirds of the nation's catch last year.

"Fisheries management has gone completely off the rails – the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery is now a dangerous game in which clearly all sides will lose," Dr Tudela said. "That's why WWF is urging retailers to stand up for sustainable fish."

Gemma Parkes
Communications Officer
WWF Mediterranean Programme Office
Tel: +39 06 844 97 224
Fax: +39 06 841 3866
gparkes@wwfmedpo.org
www.panda.org/mediterranean

Climate Witness: Marco Bomio, Switzerland

2007-08-02

My name is Marco Bomio. I am 54 years old and live in Grindelwald, Switzerland, at the foot of the famous north face of the Eiger. I am married and the father of three grown-up children. I came here because of my wife and my love for nature and endurance sports, which might also explain my career choice – I work as a mountain guide. Besides that I am also a teacher and school principal at the secondary school in Grindelwald.

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Grindelwald is a well-known destination that attracts many tourists. The resort first became famous for its unique location next to the glaciers. Up until about 20 years ago they were directly visible from the school windows. In those days the glacier tongues were but a half-hour hike away from the village. Today, that's no longer the case. The climate change has had a profound impact on our region — the glaciers are melting. Today, I walk an hour and a half with my guests before we reach the glaciers' edges.

Less and less ice
When I talk about local history in my classes, I illustrate this with historic photos. For example, I demonstrate how the glaciers still reached down to the valley floor in the middle of the 19th century. Back then Grindelwald exported the ice and shipped it to places as far away as Paris and Prague. My students are amazed when I show them documents like these.

Having worked as a mountain guide for almost 30 years, I have a strong sense of the glaciers' recession. The transitions from ice to rock are becoming more difficult. Often, the ground in the melted area is gravelly and unstable. To make the crossing of these zones safe they must be secured with ladders or wire ropes so that the tourists have something to hold on to.

The rock begins to rock
The worst outcome of climate change has been the thawing of permafrost (permafrost is at or below the freezing point of water — 0°C or 32°F — for two or more years). Once the permafrost has melted away, the rock becomes brittle, while rock fall activity increases. Due to the severe recession of glaciers, the pressure of the ice against the rock also dwindles. The rock face too becomes increasingly brittle, which results in rock falls such as the one in 2006 on the Eiger's east side.

Climate change cannot be held responsible for a single rock fall. But the frequency of such single events is definitely on the rise. Around Grindelwald some of the more problematic hiking trails have been secured by man-made tunnels.

Several well-known high-altitude routes such as the Jungfrau, Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn routes are already threatened. Here, the record warm summer of 2003 had a massive impact on the dwindling snow cover and led to a significant increase in rock fall activity.

Professional challenge
I strongly believe that mountain guides choose their job because of their passion for the mountains and their love of nature and adventure. However, today mountain guides are often dispatched for rock stabilization or clearance projects. This has changed the job description as a whole. Last year, for example, Grindelwald Sports – Grindelwald's mountaineering school – generated more income from rock clearance activities than from guided mountain tours.

At the beginning of the record warm summer of 2003, conditions were excellent for us as mountain guides. Peaks like the Eiger and the Wetterhorn could be climbed as early as mid-June, which in "normal" summers is not possible until one month later. But I would be more than happy to do without this benefit. Because in such warm weather the 0°C temperature limit moves up to over 4000m above sea level. This means rain instead of snow, excessively warm nights and rock falls.

Capturing opportunities
I live in the Alps, Europe's major water reservoir. The predicted drop in water levels due to the melting of glaciers worries me deeply. This will also affect electricity production. Switzerland continues to produce sixty per cent of its electricity from hydropower. My grandchildren will not know the same carefree water use we enjoy today.

Economically speaking, tourist destinations such as Grindelwald will need to look for new sources of income. The first steps in this direction have already been taken. Although laughed at initially, winter hiking is growing in popularity. Certainly, the path will lead away from classic, ski-based winter tourism, as artificial snow is only a short- and mid-term solution. In the winter of 2006/07 the production of artificial snow was impossible for a number of weeks because temperatures were too high.

I also see a future in other economic sectors such as education and training for youngsters and adults. Plus, a mounting number of companies, regardless of their geographic location, do business over the Internet. So why not establish a research institute for climate research in our valley? The subjects to study would be right at our doorstep.

Scientific review

Reviewed by: Dr Christophe Lambiel, Institute of Geography (IGUL) University of Lausanne, Switzerland

The story of Marco Bormio is consistent with the impact of climate change on the mountain environment. As everywhere in the Alps, the glaciers are dramatically retreating. This has not only an important impact on the landscape inheritance, but also in the slope stability. It is true that the rock fall that occurred in Eiger's east flank in 2006 is related to the strong glacier retreat since the end of the Little Ice Age.

In the Grindelwald area, permafrost is predominantly found in the north-oriented rock faces of mountains such as Eiger. Increasing temperatures reduce the frozen rock stability, which can lead to rock fall activity. Such events were numerous during heat waves as that of summer 2003.

Concerning the human activity, it is true that the mountain guide activities have been diversified since a few years, but the first reason is the fact that the alpine territory is more and more occupied. The management of the increasing number of tourists in the Alps is a challenge for the future. New winter offers will have to be proposed to compensate the reduction of the snow cover at mid-altitude.

World glacier monitoring service: http://www.geo.unizh.ch/wgms/
Swiss glacier monitoring network: http://glaciology.ethz.ch/messnetz/?locale=en
Permafrost monitoring Switzerland: www.permos.ch

All articles are subject to scientific review by a member of the Climate Witness Science Advisory Panel.