Lisbon, Portugal: The future of many cork oak forests, identified by WWF as an international conservation priority, has been freshened up by the launch of a new partnership in Portugal between WWF and one of the world’s leading health and beauty specialists.

Harnn & Thann have produced a limited edition black rice soap which they will sell for five euros in their three Portuguese outlets, with all proceeds going to WWF’s work in conserving Portuguese forests and biodiversity and to the on-the-ground projects that WWF is running across Portugal.

The image of the campaign, “Harnn & Thann for WWF”, is the Iberian lynx, an endangered species considered extinct in Portugal. There are plans to re-introduce it in Portugal and by actively working towards the conservation and sustainable management of cork forests there WWF is protecting the natural habitat of the Iberian lynx, as well as other endangered species such as the Iberian Imperial Eagle.

Cork oak forests distinguish Portugal’s landscape from other countries – according to the 2008 edition of the WWF Living Planet Report 40 per cent of Portugal’s bio-capacity is in its forests – and this campaign is designed to draw attention to the need to protect and invest in them.

Angela Morgado of WWF-Mediterranean’s Portugal office said: “This partnership allows WWF to continue its work in Portugal, particularly for the conservation of cork oak forests and thereby the habitat of endangered species. This campaign also showcases the Portuguese private sector as a partner in helping WWF to achieve its mission.”

Harrn & Thann has 66 stores across the world. Their products only use natural ingredients and they do not test on animals. This campaign is valid only in Portugal and its initial phase will last for one year. Harnn & Thann in Thailand has committed to WWF’s Sustainable Palm Oil Roundtable in the context of this campaign.