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Kim Basinger Tells Designer to ‘Fur’-get Fur

  • Academy Award–winning actor and animal advocate extraordinaire Kim Basinger has stepped up, yet again, to speak up for animals who are skinned alive for their fur.


    Kim Basinger

    Kim's classic anti-fur ad was one of the first in PETA's "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign, and the issue remains vitally important to her. Today she sent a letter to leading Chinese designer Luo Zheng reminding her that there's nothing fashionable about using the skins of dead animals in her designs. Kim writes:

    As you may know, this is an issue that is very dear to my heart. I have avoided wearing real fur for many years ….

    PETA's heartrending investigations have documented that animals, including dogs and cats, are bludgeoned, hanged, bled to death, strangled with wire nooses, and skinned alive. Workers have been caught beating raccoons, dogs and foxes with metal rods and leaving them to convulse on the ground. Some animals are injured but still completely conscious as they are skinned, and they kick and writhe as their skin is ripped from their bodies.

    As China's leading designer, Zheng could have a huge influence on the fashion world by joining compassionate, world-class designers such as Qi Gang, Stella McCartney, Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Westwood, and Todd Oldham who have already refused to use fur.

    Take a cue from Kim, and tell another behind-the-times designer that fur is cruel and outdated.

    Posted by Heather Drennan

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It's Jilly posted a reply:but no one participates in the contests anymore. Even when I go thru the pool and personally invite photos that fit the theme.Sandie J posted a reply:Thanks for the invitation! ^..^ Moochpenelope perkins posted a reply:I always check the contests but my problem is is that I don't have photos that qualify.I tend to find contests in other groups that I have photos to enter.I think this may hold true for others as well.

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Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information:<br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2689) "<p>The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. 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Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information:<br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /></p>" } [1]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(50) "New ruling will help protect Russian Tiger habitat" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4125" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3685) "<p>A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.</p><p><p>As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests.<br /> <br /> To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on.<br /> <br /> “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.”<br /> <br /> The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year.<br /> <br /> “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.”<br /> <br /> The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income.<br /> <br /> “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia.<br /> <br /> <strong>ENDS</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383<br /> Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About TRAFFIC</strong><br /> TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a><br /> &#160;</p></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3685) "<p>A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.</p><p><p>As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests.<br /> <br /> To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on.<br /> <br /> “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.”<br /> <br /> The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year.<br /> <br /> “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.”<br /> <br /> The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income.<br /> <br /> “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia.<br /> <br /> <strong>ENDS</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383<br /> Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About TRAFFIC</strong><br /> TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a><br /> &#160;</p></p>" } [2]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(58) "WWF deeply sorry for nameplate incident at climate meeting" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4114" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3702) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</p><p>The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.”<br /> <br /> Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations.<br /> <br /> “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.”<br /> <br /> Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. <br /> <br /> “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape.<br /> <br /> Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985<br /> <br /> Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952<br /> <br /> Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099<br /> <br /> Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3702) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</p><p>The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.”<br /> <br /> Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations.<br /> <br /> “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.”<br /> <br /> Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. <br /> <br /> “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape.<br /> <br /> Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985<br /> <br /> Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952<br /> <br /> Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099<br /> <br /> Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" } [3]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(44) "Rare giant fish driven to extinction by dams" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4101" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4321) "<p>Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.</p><p><strong>The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish</strong><br /> -Giant freshwater stingray <br /> -Chinese paddlefish <br /> -Mekong giant catfish <br /> -Wels catfish <br /> -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) <br /> -Giant barb <br /> -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) <br /> -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) <br /> -Nile perch <br /> -Alligator gar<br /> <p>The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. <br /> <br /> To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them.<br /> <br /> “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.”<br /> <br /> The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture.<br /> <br /> WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. <br /> <br /> <strong>Contact information:<br /> </strong><br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412383<br /> Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to the Editor</strong><br /> <br /> For information/images and footage please follow link below:<br /> <br /> • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a><br /> <br /> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at:<br /> <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a><br /> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. <br /> <br /> • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a></p></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4321) "<p>Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.</p><p><strong>The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish</strong><br /> -Giant freshwater stingray <br /> -Chinese paddlefish <br /> -Mekong giant catfish <br /> -Wels catfish <br /> -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) <br /> -Giant barb <br /> -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) <br /> -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) <br /> -Nile perch <br /> -Alligator gar<br /> <p>The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. <br /> <br /> To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them.<br /> <br /> “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.”<br /> <br /> The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture.<br /> <br /> WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. <br /> <br /> <strong>Contact information:<br /> </strong><br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412383<br /> Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to the Editor</strong><br /> <br /> For information/images and footage please follow link below:<br /> <br /> • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a><br /> <br /> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at:<br /> <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a><br /> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. <br /> <br /> • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a></p></p>" } [4]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "£5,000 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES WELCOMED - WWF-UK" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4126" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1426) "<p>Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]</p><p>Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said:<br /> <br /> "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful.<br /> <br /> "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> [1] UK Government press release<br /> <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1426) "<p>Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]</p><p>Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said:<br /> <br /> "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful.<br /> <br /> "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> [1] UK Government press release<br /> <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a><br /></p>" } [5]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "OIL COMPANIES RISKING BILLIONS IN PENSION FUNDS" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4111" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(8015) "<p> Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services </p><p>Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28).<br /> <br /> Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting.<br /> <br /> The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”.<br /> <br /> The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.”<br /> <br /> Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.”<br /> <br /> The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced.<br /> <br /> Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s Butfield added:<br /> <br /> "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia.<br /> <br /> “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong>:<br /> <br /> The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a><br /> <br /> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640<br /> <br /> Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions.<br /> <br /> 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency.<br /> <br /> 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron.<br /> <br /> 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a><br /> <br /> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(8015) "<p> Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services </p><p>Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28).<br /> <br /> Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting.<br /> <br /> The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”.<br /> <br /> The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.”<br /> <br /> Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.”<br /> <br /> The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced.<br /> <br /> Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s Butfield added:<br /> <br /> "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia.<br /> <br /> “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong>:<br /> <br /> The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a><br /> <br /> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640<br /> <br /> Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions.<br /> <br /> 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency.<br /> <br /> 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron.<br /> <br /> 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a><br /> <br /> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a><br /></p>" } [6]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(39) "DECC 2050 PATHWAYS REPORT: WWF REACTION" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4107" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1928) "<p>A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.</p><p>Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says:<br /> "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails."<br /> <br /> "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-27" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1928) "<p>A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.</p><p>Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says:<br /> "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails."<br /> <br /> "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [7]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(54) "Stamp duty reforms key to home energy savings says WWF" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4096" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2586) "<p>Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.</p><p>Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.”<br /> <br /> “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.”<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-21" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2586) "<p>Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.</p><p>Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.”<br /> <br /> “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.”<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a><br /></p>" } [8]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(37) "Earn your stripes and save the tiger!" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4068" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3815) "<p>WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. </p><p>With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. <br /> <br /> We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. <br /> <br /> “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. <br /> <br /> “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” <br /> <br /> Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. <br /> <br /> WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. <br /> <br /> “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> <br /> For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /> <br /> <br /> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a><br /> <br /> <br /> Editor’s notes:<br /> <br /> The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. <br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-12" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3815) "<p>WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. </p><p>With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. <br /> <br /> We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. <br /> <br /> “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. <br /> <br /> “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” <br /> <br /> Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. <br /> <br /> WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. <br /> <br /> “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> <br /> For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /> <br /> <br /> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a><br /> <br /> <br /> Editor’s notes:<br /> <br /> The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. <br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [9]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(53) "Crunch time for tigers, as crucial Bali meeting looms" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4058" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3460) "<p>Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.</p><p>“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.”<br /> <br /> The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September.<br /> <br /> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a><br /> <br /> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST*<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519<br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Notes to editors:<br /> <br /> WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-09" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3460) "<p>Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.</p><p>“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.”<br /> <br /> The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September.<br /> <br /> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a><br /> <br /> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST*<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519<br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Notes to editors:<br /> <br /> WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /></p>" } [10]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(40) "The EU finally says no to illegal timber" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4057" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3173) "<p>Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.</p><p>If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them.<br /> <br /> "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC."<br /> <br /> After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force.<br /> <br /> Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Further information:<br /> <br /> </strong>Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong><br /> <br /> - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. <br /> The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a><br /> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. <br /> - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-07" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3173) "<p>Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.</p><p>If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them.<br /> <br /> "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC."<br /> <br /> After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force.<br /> <br /> Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Further information:<br /> <br /> </strong>Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong><br /> <br /> - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. <br /> The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a><br /> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. <br /> - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [11]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(62) "T4 Presenters Support WWF by Taking Part in The Blue Mile 2010" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4049" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4643) "<p>T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.</p><p>This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas.<br /> <br /> “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.”<br /> <br /> Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!”<br /> <br /> The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects.<br /> The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. <br /> <br /> Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” <br /> <br /> Editor's notes <br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. <br /> <br /> For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: <br /> Teresa Page <br /> Sport Environment <br /> Tel: 01752 600111 <br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a><br /> <br /> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now 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. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources.<br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-01" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4643) "<p>T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.</p><p>This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas.<br /> <br /> “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.”<br /> <br /> Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!”<br /> <br /> The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects.<br /> The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. <br /> <br /> Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” <br /> <br /> Editor's notes <br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. <br /> <br /> For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: <br /> Teresa Page <br /> Sport Environment <br /> Tel: 01752 600111 <br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a><br /> <br /> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now 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. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources.<br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [12]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(78) "Scientific advice on fish stocks shows North Sea cod is not in safe waters yet" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4043" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4627) "<p>New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.</p><p>The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015.<br /> <br /> Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced.<br /> <br /> A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says:<br /> “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.”<br /> <br /> WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future."<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Editor's notes</strong><br /> ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a><br /> <br /> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a><br /> <br /> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a><br /> <br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4627) "<p>New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.</p><p>The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015.<br /> <br /> Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced.<br /> <br /> A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says:<br /> “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.”<br /> <br /> WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future."<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Editor's notes</strong><br /> ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a><br /> <br /> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a><br /> <br /> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a><br /> <br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [13]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(69) "New threat to Amazon as Brazilian legislators lay siege to forest law" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4041" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4619) "<p>The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.</p><p>Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced.<br /> <br /> Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s.<br /> <br /> Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. <br /> <br /> Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.”<br /> <br /> The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October.<br /> <br /> According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity.<br /> <br /> It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods.<br /> <br /> While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River.<br /> <br /> If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions.<br /> <br /> “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.”<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4619) "<p>The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.</p><p>Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced.<br /> <br /> Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s.<br /> <br /> Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. <br /> <br /> Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.”<br /> <br /> The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October.<br /> <br /> According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity.<br /> <br /> It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods.<br /> <br /> While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River.<br /> <br /> If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions.<br /> <br /> “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.”<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [14]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(49) "Russia puts oil and gas development before whales" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4034" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2838) "<p>Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.</p><p>With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. <br /> <br /> <strong><em>“The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.”<br /> <br /> “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” <br /> </em><br /> <em>“In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.”</em></strong><em><br /> </em><br /> Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco.<br /> <br /> Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong>Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-24" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2838) "<p>Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.</p><p>With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. <br /> <br /> <strong><em>“The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.”<br /> <br /> “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” <br /> </em><br /> <em>“In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.”</em></strong><em><br /> </em><br /> Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco.<br /> <br /> Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong>Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" } [15]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(60) "Antarctic whaling ban crucial for Southern Hemisphere whales" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4010" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4626) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, June 18 (WWF) – Preventing whaling in the Southern Ocean (the seas around Antarctica) is critical to ensuring the recovery of whale populations in the entire southern hemisphere, a new WWF report states.</p><p>The report comes ahead of the upcoming 62nd International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, where governments will debate a possible resumption of commercial whaling in Antarctic waters. <br /> <br /> <strong>Save the Whale, Save the Southern Ocean</strong> reveals how seriously depleted several Southern Hemisphere great whale populations are, many of which are completely reliant on the Southern Ocean as the only place they feed. If whale populations were again decimated in the Southern Ocean, they may also disappear from the seas around many other countries in Africa, Oceania, the Pacific Islands and Latin America.<br /> <br /> Whaling in the Southern Ocean has been banned for decades following rampant commercial hunting in the last century which brought several great whale species to the brink of extinction. In 1994, the IWC established the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. However since the global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, Japan has killed 9,409 whales in the Southern Ocean in the name of ‘scientific research’. <br /> <br /> Today most great whale species in the Southern Ocean remain severely depleted when compared with pre-whaling levels. More than 200,000 Antarctic blue whales used to live in the Southern Ocean before 20th Century whaling decimated this population with latest estimates putting this population at just around 2,300 animals. 725,000 fin whales were killed in previous commercial whaling operations – with fin whales now listed as endangered. Yet the IWC is proposing to open a commercial hunt for this species in the Southern Ocean as part of a wider proposal on the future of the IWC. <br /> <br /> “If there is one place in the world where whales should be protected, it is the Southern Ocean,” said Heather Sohl, Species Policy Officer, WWF-UK. “It should be a fundamental and unquestionable responsibility of IWC governments to eliminate immediately all whaling in these waters,” she said.<br /> <br /> While whales in the Southern Ocean still haven’t recovered from industrial hunting in the 20th century they also already face new threats to their existence. Climate change, ship-strikes, the potential for unsustainable commercial fishing that could deplete valuable food sources, entanglement in fishing gear and acoustic and chemical pollution are all emerging dangers to the slow-reproducing group of species.<br /> <br /> “We know with all certainty rampant killing of more than a million whales in the Southern Ocean had dramatic repercussions on whale populations in the whole southern hemisphere,” said Rob Nicoll, WWF’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean Initiative Manager. “And new studies are showing that the direct effect on whale populations could have had significant impacts on ecosystem productivity that is intrinsically linked to the carbon cycle and global climate regulation,” he added<br /> <br /> Recovering whale populations have significant economic benefits. Whales bring critical tourism revenue to the southern hemisphere. In Latin America alone, whale watching generates an annual $278.1 million, often in remote coastal areas.<br /> <br /> As a slow reproducing species whales need a long time to recover from overexploitation. Blue whales, for example, reach sexual maturity between the age of five and 15 years, giving birth every two or three years.<br /> <br /> “This meeting provides a crucial opportunity to break the decades of disagreement that have characterised the IWC, and an opportunity to put whale conservation before politics. However giving a green light to whaling in this special place would be a step backwards, not forwards for the IWC,” Wendy Elliott said.<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker , Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: rwalker@wwf.org.uk<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-18" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4626) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, June 18 (WWF) – Preventing whaling in the Southern Ocean (the seas around Antarctica) is critical to ensuring the recovery of whale populations in the entire southern hemisphere, a new WWF report states.</p><p>The report comes ahead of the upcoming 62nd International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, where governments will debate a possible resumption of commercial whaling in Antarctic waters. <br /> <br /> <strong>Save the Whale, Save the Southern Ocean</strong> reveals how seriously depleted several Southern Hemisphere great whale populations are, many of which are completely reliant on the Southern Ocean as the only place they feed. If whale populations were again decimated in the Southern Ocean, they may also disappear from the seas around many other countries in Africa, Oceania, the Pacific Islands and Latin America.<br /> <br /> Whaling in the Southern Ocean has been banned for decades following rampant commercial hunting in the last century which brought several great whale species to the brink of extinction. In 1994, the IWC established the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. However since the global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, Japan has killed 9,409 whales in the Southern Ocean in the name of ‘scientific research’. <br /> <br /> Today most great whale species in the Southern Ocean remain severely depleted when compared with pre-whaling levels. More than 200,000 Antarctic blue whales used to live in the Southern Ocean before 20th Century whaling decimated this population with latest estimates putting this population at just around 2,300 animals. 725,000 fin whales were killed in previous commercial whaling operations – with fin whales now listed as endangered. Yet the IWC is proposing to open a commercial hunt for this species in the Southern Ocean as part of a wider proposal on the future of the IWC. <br /> <br /> “If there is one place in the world where whales should be protected, it is the Southern Ocean,” said Heather Sohl, Species Policy Officer, WWF-UK. “It should be a fundamental and unquestionable responsibility of IWC governments to eliminate immediately all whaling in these waters,” she said.<br /> <br /> While whales in the Southern Ocean still haven’t recovered from industrial hunting in the 20th century they also already face new threats to their existence. Climate change, ship-strikes, the potential for unsustainable commercial fishing that could deplete valuable food sources, entanglement in fishing gear and acoustic and chemical pollution are all emerging dangers to the slow-reproducing group of species.<br /> <br /> “We know with all certainty rampant killing of more than a million whales in the Southern Ocean had dramatic repercussions on whale populations in the whole southern hemisphere,” said Rob Nicoll, WWF’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean Initiative Manager. “And new studies are showing that the direct effect on whale populations could have had significant impacts on ecosystem productivity that is intrinsically linked to the carbon cycle and global climate regulation,” he added<br /> <br /> Recovering whale populations have significant economic benefits. Whales bring critical tourism revenue to the southern hemisphere. In Latin America alone, whale watching generates an annual $278.1 million, often in remote coastal areas.<br /> <br /> As a slow reproducing species whales need a long time to recover from overexploitation. Blue whales, for example, reach sexual maturity between the age of five and 15 years, giving birth every two or three years.<br /> <br /> “This meeting provides a crucial opportunity to break the decades of disagreement that have characterised the IWC, and an opportunity to put whale conservation before politics. However giving a green light to whaling in this special place would be a step backwards, not forwards for the IWC,” Wendy Elliott said.<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker , Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: rwalker@wwf.org.uk<br /></p>" } [16]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(38) "Glimmer of hope for ravaged Madagascar" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4014" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(6510) "<p>Antananarivo, Madagascar: More than two years of lobbying by WWF and Malagasy scientists, are expected to see the island’s rosewoods, ebony and other precious woods listed for international trade restrictions, giving some hope for a slowing of the organized illegal logging assault on the threatened species and the forests and protected areas where they are found.</p><p>WWF and the Department for Plant Ecology and Biology at the University of Antananarivo (DBEV) were informed this week that a proposal had been submitted to list all Malagasy precious wood species under the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species(CITES) appendix lll. On taking effect in 90 days, it will oblige trees to be certified as legally logged and give the Malagasy government leverage for seeking the support of timber importing nations in the enforcement of its laws.<br /> <br /> Around 79 containers of rosewood are believed to have been exported from Madagascar in early June despite the promulgation in March of a decree to eradicate all exploitation and trade in precious wood.<br /> <br /> The listing also supports a bid for more stringent CITES Appendix ll listing in 2013, which would support trade bans on Malagasy precious woods if necessary.<br /> <br /> “The fact that the Malagasy CITES delegation has submitted this proposal is a first step into the right direction. It shows a will to deal with the uncontrolled export of those much sought-after wood species,” said Tiana Ramahaleo, Conservation Science and Species Programme Coordinator at WWF’s Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean Programme Office. <br /> <br /> Illegal logging of precious hardwoods has rapidly and tremendously increased in Madagascar after a political coup in March 2009. The UNESCO world heritage site including Masoala and Marojejy National Parks and the Mananara Biosphere Reserve in the island’s northeast are the main hotspots for illegal logging activities.<br /> <br /> The Malagasy precious wood species consists of Dalbergia spp and Diospyros spp and includes varieties of Palissander, Rosewood and Ebony; 43 of the 50 Malagasy rose wood and palissander (Dalbergia) species are listed in the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with 87% of them being threatened.<br /> <br /> Brazilian rosewood, also listed as vulnerable, has benefited from CITES protection since 1992. Indeed, the listing of Brazilian rosewood may have been a factor in shifting illegal logging pressure to Madagascar, although it has escalated dramatically in the political turmoil following the coup.<br /> <br /> No Malagasy rose wood, ebony and palissander species are listed in a CITES appendix so far. The newly submitted proposal is a success for WWF’s continuous lobbying in the Malagasy government for over two years and gives hope for an inclusion of precious timber species in Appendix II in 2013.<br /> <br /> A listing in CITES Appendix III will allow the government to effectively work with other countries to enforce the existing laws in Madagascar. It will also cover a hole in the Malagasy law concerning the protection of palissander. Certified Permits from the CITES authority will be necessary in the future certifying that each tree was cut legally and is not detrimental to species survival.<br /> <br /> “We will benefit from more transparency in the timber trade as we will have more information about wood operators, their operation sites, the amount of wood being shipped and, last but not least, the buyers” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> “ This is also a necessary stepping stone for us to push the Malagasy CITES authorities to list precious hard wood species in Appendix II during the next CITES Conference of the Parties in Thailand in 2013.”<br /> <br /> WWF Madagascar programme representatives have been doing intensive lobbying within the Malagasy government for almost two years. They have supported a group of 30 plant experts and foresters to provide government officials with a solid scientific base that made a CITES proposal possible. “WWF MWIOPO will continue doing research on hard woods species to be able to support our partners in the Malagasy CITES delegation” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> Malagasy precious hard wood species suffer from selective logging because of their high value in international markets. But with a high number of loggers within Malagasy forest, pressure on other species rise too.<br /> <br /> With as much as 90% of the country’s primary forest already lost, continued logging will mean species extinctions beyond rosewood in Madagascar’s unique ecosystems.<br /> <br /> Listing under CITES appendix III would not only increase the conservation of rosewood, palissander and ebony species but also help protect threatened ecosystems in general.<br /> <br /> “This is a good step forward, however a listing in CITES Annex III does not prevent trade, it only makes it more difficult,” said Conservation Director Nanie Ratsifandrihamanana.<br /> <br /> “We call on the Malagasy government to walk the talk and enforce the recent decree to stop illegal logging in and outside protected areas, sanction the delinquent operators and implement the necessary actions to responsibly and sustainably manage the timber chain of custody.<br /> <br /> “We call on Chinese consumers to stop buying illegally cut wood from Madagascar and on Chinese authorities to set higher standards on their wood sourcing.“<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martina Lippuner, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,108,105,112,112,117,110,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,109,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Glimmer%20of%20hope%20for%20ravaged%20Madagascar')">mlippuner@wwf.mg</a>, +261 344980384<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF<br /> </strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media ">www.panda.org/media </a>for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-18" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6510) "<p>Antananarivo, Madagascar: More than two years of lobbying by WWF and Malagasy scientists, are expected to see the island’s rosewoods, ebony and other precious woods listed for international trade restrictions, giving some hope for a slowing of the organized illegal logging assault on the threatened species and the forests and protected areas where they are found.</p><p>WWF and the Department for Plant Ecology and Biology at the University of Antananarivo (DBEV) were informed this week that a proposal had been submitted to list all Malagasy precious wood species under the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species(CITES) appendix lll. On taking effect in 90 days, it will oblige trees to be certified as legally logged and give the Malagasy government leverage for seeking the support of timber importing nations in the enforcement of its laws.<br /> <br /> Around 79 containers of rosewood are believed to have been exported from Madagascar in early June despite the promulgation in March of a decree to eradicate all exploitation and trade in precious wood.<br /> <br /> The listing also supports a bid for more stringent CITES Appendix ll listing in 2013, which would support trade bans on Malagasy precious woods if necessary.<br /> <br /> “The fact that the Malagasy CITES delegation has submitted this proposal is a first step into the right direction. It shows a will to deal with the uncontrolled export of those much sought-after wood species,” said Tiana Ramahaleo, Conservation Science and Species Programme Coordinator at WWF’s Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean Programme Office. <br /> <br /> Illegal logging of precious hardwoods has rapidly and tremendously increased in Madagascar after a political coup in March 2009. The UNESCO world heritage site including Masoala and Marojejy National Parks and the Mananara Biosphere Reserve in the island’s northeast are the main hotspots for illegal logging activities.<br /> <br /> The Malagasy precious wood species consists of Dalbergia spp and Diospyros spp and includes varieties of Palissander, Rosewood and Ebony; 43 of the 50 Malagasy rose wood and palissander (Dalbergia) species are listed in the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with 87% of them being threatened.<br /> <br /> Brazilian rosewood, also listed as vulnerable, has benefited from CITES protection since 1992. Indeed, the listing of Brazilian rosewood may have been a factor in shifting illegal logging pressure to Madagascar, although it has escalated dramatically in the political turmoil following the coup.<br /> <br /> No Malagasy rose wood, ebony and palissander species are listed in a CITES appendix so far. The newly submitted proposal is a success for WWF’s continuous lobbying in the Malagasy government for over two years and gives hope for an inclusion of precious timber species in Appendix II in 2013.<br /> <br /> A listing in CITES Appendix III will allow the government to effectively work with other countries to enforce the existing laws in Madagascar. It will also cover a hole in the Malagasy law concerning the protection of palissander. Certified Permits from the CITES authority will be necessary in the future certifying that each tree was cut legally and is not detrimental to species survival.<br /> <br /> “We will benefit from more transparency in the timber trade as we will have more information about wood operators, their operation sites, the amount of wood being shipped and, last but not least, the buyers” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> “ This is also a necessary stepping stone for us to push the Malagasy CITES authorities to list precious hard wood species in Appendix II during the next CITES Conference of the Parties in Thailand in 2013.”<br /> <br /> WWF Madagascar programme representatives have been doing intensive lobbying within the Malagasy government for almost two years. They have supported a group of 30 plant experts and foresters to provide government officials with a solid scientific base that made a CITES proposal possible. “WWF MWIOPO will continue doing research on hard woods species to be able to support our partners in the Malagasy CITES delegation” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> Malagasy precious hard wood species suffer from selective logging because of their high value in international markets. But with a high number of loggers within Malagasy forest, pressure on other species rise too.<br /> <br /> With as much as 90% of the country’s primary forest already lost, continued logging will mean species extinctions beyond rosewood in Madagascar’s unique ecosystems.<br /> <br /> Listing under CITES appendix III would not only increase the conservation of rosewood, palissander and ebony species but also help protect threatened ecosystems in general.<br /> <br /> “This is a good step forward, however a listing in CITES Annex III does not prevent trade, it only makes it more difficult,” said Conservation Director Nanie Ratsifandrihamanana.<br /> <br /> “We call on the Malagasy government to walk the talk and enforce the recent decree to stop illegal logging in and outside protected areas, sanction the delinquent operators and implement the necessary actions to responsibly and sustainably manage the timber chain of custody.<br /> <br /> “We call on Chinese consumers to stop buying illegally cut wood from Madagascar and on Chinese authorities to set higher standards on their wood sourcing.“<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martina Lippuner, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,108,105,112,112,117,110,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,109,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Glimmer%20of%20hope%20for%20ravaged%20Madagascar')">mlippuner@wwf.mg</a>, +261 344980384<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF<br /> </strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media ">www.panda.org/media </a>for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" } [17]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(76) "Swindon turns the taps off in bid to become UK’s most water-efficient town" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4004" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(7042) "<p>Swindon is hoping to set an example to the rest of the UK as the town embarks on an ambitious challenge to reduce its water use. Over the next year, residents of the Wiltshire town will be supported in their efforts to save water at home as part of the new Save Water Swindon campaign launched today by WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water. This will ease pressures on rivers and the natural environment, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p>Swindon is in an area deemed ‘seriously water stressed’ by the Environment Agency. These are areas where population density is high and water is scarcer than anywhere else in England and Wales. Despite this, the average person in Swindon uses 164 litres per person per day – a much higher amount than the national average of 148 litres per person and the Government’s target of 130 litres per day.<br /> <br /> This comes at a cost to homeowners and the environment, with 6 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gases resulting from pumping, treating and heating water - more than the aviation industry. Save Water Swindon estimates that by saving 20 litres of water a day, an average home can reduce their water and energy bills by £100 a year.<br /> <br /> To help Swindon reduce its water use, a website www.savewaterswindon.org.uk has been set up giving advice on how a few simple actions can make a difference. Householders can also register online for a free water-saving makeover for taps, toilets and showers. Water saving kits are available for householders to fit themselves or they can register for a trained fitter to visit. The trained fitter can give homes a water audit, advise on the best water saving products and install them – all for free. <br /> <br /> <strong>On launching the campaign, WWF Ambassador and presenter of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud said:<br /> </strong><br /> “Save Water Swindon is an ambitious campaign that will set a precedent for how large-scale water efficiency in existing homes can be achieved – with benefits for homeowners and the environment.”<br /> <br /> “As we continue moving towards a more holistic sustainable lifestyle, both in our homes and the way we live, water efficiency will play a significant role. Not only will reducing demand for water help reduce the amount we need to take from the environment it can also reduce greenhouse gases and as a result our home energy and water bills.” <br /> <br /> Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise, says:<br /> “Saving water in and around you home is easy and through simple behaviour changes and installation of water-efficient products we can all reduce the amount of water we use by about one third. Swindon is the first town in the UK to have this whole-town approach to water efficiency, and through working together the savings really can be significant.”<br /> <br /> Richard Aylard, Director of Sustainability of Thames Water, says:<br /> “Population increase and climate change are making water an increasingly precious resource. It really is very simple to reduce the amount of water we use, both in the home and at work, all without changing our lifestyles too dramatically. And our metered customers can save on their water bills too. We hope that more of the towns we serve will follow in Swindon’s footsteps - as the more we do, the more water we can save, which is good for our pockets and good for the environment.”<br /> <br /> Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy and Programme Officer at WWF-UK says:<br /> “All the water we use at home comes from the natural environment. People tend not to realise that when they turn on the tap or flush the loo the water could be coming from the local river and when we use too much it’s bad news for the animals and plants that live there. With water use on the up, a growing population and the threat of climate change it’s vital that we all take steps now to reduce the amount of water that’s wasted and help protect some of our most special native species, like the otter, water vole and brown trout. Reducing the amount of water we use is something we can all achieve with minimal effort. We hope that other villages, towns, and cities will follow Swindon’s lead.”<br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> <strong>Kevin McCloud is available for interviews, alongside spokespeople from the three partner organisations – WWF-UK, Waterwise, and Thames Water.</strong><br /> <br /> On Thursday 17 June a photocall will be held at Basil Close, Swindon, displaying the average weekly water use of a Swindon family.<br /> <br /> Save Water for Swindon is a partnership between WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water to help reduce the pressures on the natural environment caused by a growing population, increasing demand for water and a changing climate. The campaign highlights simple ways to save water in the home, as well as offering Swindon residents the opportunity for a free home makeover to make their home more water efficient.<br /> <br /> The campaign is being support by HSBC through the HSBC Climate Partnership, of which WWF is one of the four charity partners. <br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Waterwise:<br /> </strong>Waterwise is the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK. Waterwise is an independent, not for profit, non-governmental organisation focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large scale water efficiency. Waterwise provides tips and advice on water efficiency, runs the Waterwise Marque scheme which is awarded to water-efficient products, and works in partnership with other organisations to promote water efficiency at a local, regional and national-scale. We provide information and assistance to households, businesses, media and the government amongst others.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Thames Water:<br /> </strong>Thames Water is the UK's largest water and wastewater services company. Every day it supplies 2,600 million litres of tap water to 8.5 million customers across London and the Thames Valley. It also removes and treats 2,800 million litres of sewage for an area covering 13.6 million customers. <br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-17" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(7042) "<p>Swindon is hoping to set an example to the rest of the UK as the town embarks on an ambitious challenge to reduce its water use. Over the next year, residents of the Wiltshire town will be supported in their efforts to save water at home as part of the new Save Water Swindon campaign launched today by WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water. This will ease pressures on rivers and the natural environment, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p>Swindon is in an area deemed ‘seriously water stressed’ by the Environment Agency. These are areas where population density is high and water is scarcer than anywhere else in England and Wales. Despite this, the average person in Swindon uses 164 litres per person per day – a much higher amount than the national average of 148 litres per person and the Government’s target of 130 litres per day.<br /> <br /> This comes at a cost to homeowners and the environment, with 6 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gases resulting from pumping, treating and heating water - more than the aviation industry. Save Water Swindon estimates that by saving 20 litres of water a day, an average home can reduce their water and energy bills by £100 a year.<br /> <br /> To help Swindon reduce its water use, a website www.savewaterswindon.org.uk has been set up giving advice on how a few simple actions can make a difference. Householders can also register online for a free water-saving makeover for taps, toilets and showers. Water saving kits are available for householders to fit themselves or they can register for a trained fitter to visit. The trained fitter can give homes a water audit, advise on the best water saving products and install them – all for free. <br /> <br /> <strong>On launching the campaign, WWF Ambassador and presenter of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud said:<br /> </strong><br /> “Save Water Swindon is an ambitious campaign that will set a precedent for how large-scale water efficiency in existing homes can be achieved – with benefits for homeowners and the environment.”<br /> <br /> “As we continue moving towards a more holistic sustainable lifestyle, both in our homes and the way we live, water efficiency will play a significant role. Not only will reducing demand for water help reduce the amount we need to take from the environment it can also reduce greenhouse gases and as a result our home energy and water bills.” <br /> <br /> Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise, says:<br /> “Saving water in and around you home is easy and through simple behaviour changes and installation of water-efficient products we can all reduce the amount of water we use by about one third. Swindon is the first town in the UK to have this whole-town approach to water efficiency, and through working together the savings really can be significant.”<br /> <br /> Richard Aylard, Director of Sustainability of Thames Water, says:<br /> “Population increase and climate change are making water an increasingly precious resource. It really is very simple to reduce the amount of water we use, both in the home and at work, all without changing our lifestyles too dramatically. And our metered customers can save on their water bills too. We hope that more of the towns we serve will follow in Swindon’s footsteps - as the more we do, the more water we can save, which is good for our pockets and good for the environment.”<br /> <br /> Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy and Programme Officer at WWF-UK says:<br /> “All the water we use at home comes from the natural environment. People tend not to realise that when they turn on the tap or flush the loo the water could be coming from the local river and when we use too much it’s bad news for the animals and plants that live there. With water use on the up, a growing population and the threat of climate change it’s vital that we all take steps now to reduce the amount of water that’s wasted and help protect some of our most special native species, like the otter, water vole and brown trout. Reducing the amount of water we use is something we can all achieve with minimal effort. We hope that other villages, towns, and cities will follow Swindon’s lead.”<br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> <strong>Kevin McCloud is available for interviews, alongside spokespeople from the three partner organisations – WWF-UK, Waterwise, and Thames Water.</strong><br /> <br /> On Thursday 17 June a photocall will be held at Basil Close, Swindon, displaying the average weekly water use of a Swindon family.<br /> <br /> Save Water for Swindon is a partnership between WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water to help reduce the pressures on the natural environment caused by a growing population, increasing demand for water and a changing climate. The campaign highlights simple ways to save water in the home, as well as offering Swindon residents the opportunity for a free home makeover to make their home more water efficient.<br /> <br /> The campaign is being support by HSBC through the HSBC Climate Partnership, of which WWF is one of the four charity partners. <br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Waterwise:<br /> </strong>Waterwise is the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK. Waterwise is an independent, not for profit, non-governmental organisation focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large scale water efficiency. Waterwise provides tips and advice on water efficiency, runs the Waterwise Marque scheme which is awarded to water-efficient products, and works in partnership with other organisations to promote water efficiency at a local, regional and national-scale. We provide information and assistance to households, businesses, media and the government amongst others.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Thames Water:<br /> </strong>Thames Water is the UK's largest water and wastewater services company. Every day it supplies 2,600 million litres of tap water to 8.5 million customers across London and the Thames Valley. It also removes and treats 2,800 million litres of sewage for an area covering 13.6 million customers. <br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [18]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(58) "WWF to progress with plans for new headquarters in Woking." ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4003" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1804) "<p>Following agreement on Heads of Terms with Woking Borough Council, WWF-UK is delighted to be able to move forward with plans to develop the brownfield site at Woking's Brewery Road (currently a council-run public car park) for its new headquarters, subject to contract. WWF will work with appointed architects, Hopkins, to produce initial designs for the building before plans are put forward for public consultation.</p><p>David Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-UK said:<br /> "The Brewery Road site in Woking appeals to us for a number of reasons, including its natural surroundings, excellent public transport links and local amenities. We are therefore delighted that our negotiations with Woking Borough Council have reached this stage."<br /> <br /> "Creating new headquarters gives us an unrivalled opportunity to communicate our organisation's vision to visitors and to showcase our work to the public. We look forward to designing a building that brings real benefit to the local community, our staff, and the environment."<br /> <br /> Cllr John Kingsbury, Woking Borough Council's Leader of the Executive<br /> commented:<br /> "This is excellent news for our Borough and we are looking forward to working increasingly closely with WWF-UK to help turn their vision for a new headquarters into a reality. Their re-location to the town will be an additional boost for the local economy - it will bring more business into the town whilst retaining important public parking facilities on the site."<br /> <br /> Cllr Richard Sharp, Leader of the Woking Liberal Democrat Party, added:<br /> "WWF's visions for their new headquarters fits well with the Borough's green credentials and I believe this building will significantly enhance and complement the canalside environment."<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-17" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1804) "<p>Following agreement on Heads of Terms with Woking Borough Council, WWF-UK is delighted to be able to move forward with plans to develop the brownfield site at Woking's Brewery Road (currently a council-run public car park) for its new headquarters, subject to contract. WWF will work with appointed architects, Hopkins, to produce initial designs for the building before plans are put forward for public consultation.</p><p>David Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-UK said:<br /> "The Brewery Road site in Woking appeals to us for a number of reasons, including its natural surroundings, excellent public transport links and local amenities. We are therefore delighted that our negotiations with Woking Borough Council have reached this stage."<br /> <br /> "Creating new headquarters gives us an unrivalled opportunity to communicate our organisation's vision to visitors and to showcase our work to the public. We look forward to designing a building that brings real benefit to the local community, our staff, and the environment."<br /> <br /> Cllr John Kingsbury, Woking Borough Council's Leader of the Executive<br /> commented:<br /> "This is excellent news for our Borough and we are looking forward to working increasingly closely with WWF-UK to help turn their vision for a new headquarters into a reality. Their re-location to the town will be an additional boost for the local economy - it will bring more business into the town whilst retaining important public parking facilities on the site."<br /> <br /> Cllr Richard Sharp, Leader of the Woking Liberal Democrat Party, added:<br /> "WWF's visions for their new headquarters fits well with the Borough's green credentials and I believe this building will significantly enhance and complement the canalside environment."<br /></p>" } [19]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(43) "EU Economy can be boosted by green ambition" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4011" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(6444) "<p>EU summit, 17 June 2010 Brussels, Belgium – Solutions to the economic downturn will be discussed during the Heads of State or Government meeting this Thursday, 17 June in Brussels. The agenda features economic and financial reforms, including a possible increase of Europe's ambitions for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. </p><p>‘EU leaders are under high pressure to find economic answers and suddenly a more ambitious climate target is up for discussion; however, this should not be surprising’, said Jason Anderson, head of EU climate and energy policy at WWF. ‘More ambitious climate policies would raise billions of Euros that could be reinvested into an economy of the future – a green economy. Heads of States should act on this now.’<br /> <br /> Last week’s Environment Council paved the way with ministers calling for further analysis of an increased CO2 emissions reduction target and further consideration later this year. The upcoming Summit should now demonstrate leadership and boost the European economy by helping create the conditions for low-carbon investment through a deeper greenhouse gas target. <br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>WWF insights into what is happening in European capitals:<br /> <br /> United Kingdom</strong><br /> UK Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne, was among ministers calling for more ambitious emissions reduction targets at Friday's Environment Council. Huhne called for the target to be increased to 30%, a move he believes is achievable – right for the climate and right for Europe. Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change, WWF-UK said: "David Cameron has promised that his new government will be 'the greenest ever'. To deliver that promise, he must bring renewed momentum to EU climate policy - and particularly to increasing the ambition of EU targets to at least 30%. The Prime Minister should also show he means business at home by swiftly adopting the tougher target for emissions recommended by the UK's Committee on Climate Change. Both of these moves are vital to kick-start the green economy."<br /> <br /> <strong>France</strong><br /> France had sent out some mixed signals, with the minister for Economy, Christian Estrosi, calling off the 30% debate. However, at the Environment Council the minister for the Environment Jean-Louis Borloo stated that an increased target was both achievable and desirable. Borloo also said that other major economies had already taken steps comparable to a unilateral 30% EU target – this was the European Union’s condition in international talks for increasing the EU target. Elise Buckle, Energy and Climate manager at WWF France says: ‘French President Nicolas Sarkozy must now confirm Borloo’s commitment and bring France back to speaking with one voice. We are expecting Sarkozy to deliver a strong pro 30% statement, showing that he will not break his word. A joint declaration from France and Germany in support of the 30% target would put the EU back on track in its leadership role in the climate debate.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Germany</strong><br /> German Chancellor Angela Merkel is under much pressure – she will have to prove her leadership and determination as head of Europe’s biggest economy during this summit meeting. Regine Günther, Director Climate and Energy Policy of WWF Germany, says: “Under Merkel´s leadership Germany has adopted an unconditional 40% reduction target. Now it’s time to bring the EU back into a leadership position by strengthening its target to at least 30%.” A 30% EU target would be in line with the German commitment. However, Germany has been unusually quiet on climate issues this year, except for German industry minister Rainer Bruederle, who recently contradicted the long-standing official German position. Merkel will have to put her industry minister back in his place by clearly re-affirming what she promised before. She should publicly call for an unconditional move to 30% for the European Union. <br /> <br /> <strong>Sweden</strong><br /> A surprise came from Sweden, with Swedish minister for the Environment, Andreas Carlgren, stating Friday at the Environment Council that he felt the EU was not ready for a 30% target. Lasse Gustavsson, CEO of WWF Sweden says: ‘It is baffling that Sweden has a national, unconditional 40% target by 2020 whilst claiming that conditions are not there yet for the EU to go to 30% by 2020. It almost seems as if Sweden wanted to reap the benefits of green jobs and innovation as highlighted by the European Commission by setting a fairly ambitious target domestically whilst leaving the EU behind. The conditions are clearly already there for more ambitious action in Sweden as well as in the EU as a whole.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Italy</strong><br /> Whilst Italian minister for the Environment, Stefania Prestigiacomo, continues to oppose all talk of a 30% EU-target; the Italian Industry Ministry Undersecretary, Stefano Saglia, said on 10 June that doors to 30% should not be closed, since an increased target could well be an opportunity for the industry worth discussing. Mariagrazia Midulla, Head of Climate and Energy at WWF Italy, says: ‘It is interesting that this awareness reaches the Ministry of Economic Development first, even before the Ministry for the Environment. This fuels hope that Italy could give up its defensive attitude and finally elaborate a strategy on reducing emissions and starts looking at carbon free economy as a convenience.’<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=RE%3A%20Press%20Release%20-%20EU%20Economy%20can%20be%20boosted%20by%20green%20amibition')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk </a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-17" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6444) "<p>EU summit, 17 June 2010 Brussels, Belgium – Solutions to the economic downturn will be discussed during the Heads of State or Government meeting this Thursday, 17 June in Brussels. The agenda features economic and financial reforms, including a possible increase of Europe's ambitions for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. </p><p>‘EU leaders are under high pressure to find economic answers and suddenly a more ambitious climate target is up for discussion; however, this should not be surprising’, said Jason Anderson, head of EU climate and energy policy at WWF. ‘More ambitious climate policies would raise billions of Euros that could be reinvested into an economy of the future – a green economy. Heads of States should act on this now.’<br /> <br /> Last week’s Environment Council paved the way with ministers calling for further analysis of an increased CO2 emissions reduction target and further consideration later this year. The upcoming Summit should now demonstrate leadership and boost the European economy by helping create the conditions for low-carbon investment through a deeper greenhouse gas target. <br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>WWF insights into what is happening in European capitals:<br /> <br /> United Kingdom</strong><br /> UK Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne, was among ministers calling for more ambitious emissions reduction targets at Friday's Environment Council. Huhne called for the target to be increased to 30%, a move he believes is achievable – right for the climate and right for Europe. Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change, WWF-UK said: "David Cameron has promised that his new government will be 'the greenest ever'. To deliver that promise, he must bring renewed momentum to EU climate policy - and particularly to increasing the ambition of EU targets to at least 30%. The Prime Minister should also show he means business at home by swiftly adopting the tougher target for emissions recommended by the UK's Committee on Climate Change. Both of these moves are vital to kick-start the green economy."<br /> <br /> <strong>France</strong><br /> France had sent out some mixed signals, with the minister for Economy, Christian Estrosi, calling off the 30% debate. However, at the Environment Council the minister for the Environment Jean-Louis Borloo stated that an increased target was both achievable and desirable. Borloo also said that other major economies had already taken steps comparable to a unilateral 30% EU target – this was the European Union’s condition in international talks for increasing the EU target. Elise Buckle, Energy and Climate manager at WWF France says: ‘French President Nicolas Sarkozy must now confirm Borloo’s commitment and bring France back to speaking with one voice. We are expecting Sarkozy to deliver a strong pro 30% statement, showing that he will not break his word. A joint declaration from France and Germany in support of the 30% target would put the EU back on track in its leadership role in the climate debate.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Germany</strong><br /> German Chancellor Angela Merkel is under much pressure – she will have to prove her leadership and determination as head of Europe’s biggest economy during this summit meeting. Regine Günther, Director Climate and Energy Policy of WWF Germany, says: “Under Merkel´s leadership Germany has adopted an unconditional 40% reduction target. Now it’s time to bring the EU back into a leadership position by strengthening its target to at least 30%.” A 30% EU target would be in line with the German commitment. However, Germany has been unusually quiet on climate issues this year, except for German industry minister Rainer Bruederle, who recently contradicted the long-standing official German position. Merkel will have to put her industry minister back in his place by clearly re-affirming what she promised before. She should publicly call for an unconditional move to 30% for the European Union. <br /> <br /> <strong>Sweden</strong><br /> A surprise came from Sweden, with Swedish minister for the Environment, Andreas Carlgren, stating Friday at the Environment Council that he felt the EU was not ready for a 30% target. Lasse Gustavsson, CEO of WWF Sweden says: ‘It is baffling that Sweden has a national, unconditional 40% target by 2020 whilst claiming that conditions are not there yet for the EU to go to 30% by 2020. It almost seems as if Sweden wanted to reap the benefits of green jobs and innovation as highlighted by the European Commission by setting a fairly ambitious target domestically whilst leaving the EU behind. The conditions are clearly already there for more ambitious action in Sweden as well as in the EU as a whole.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Italy</strong><br /> Whilst Italian minister for the Environment, Stefania Prestigiacomo, continues to oppose all talk of a 30% EU-target; the Italian Industry Ministry Undersecretary, Stefano Saglia, said on 10 June that doors to 30% should not be closed, since an increased target could well be an opportunity for the industry worth discussing. Mariagrazia Midulla, Head of Climate and Energy at WWF Italy, says: ‘It is interesting that this awareness reaches the Ministry of Economic Development first, even before the Ministry for the Environment. This fuels hope that Italy could give up its defensive attitude and finally elaborate a strategy on reducing emissions and starts looking at carbon free economy as a convenience.’<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=RE%3A%20Press%20Release%20-%20EU%20Economy%20can%20be%20boosted%20by%20green%20amibition')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk </a><br /></p>" } } ["channel"]=> array(14) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(31) "Press and media centre RSS feed" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(81) "News, publications and job feeds from WWF - the global conservation organization " ["managingeditor#"]=> int(1) ["managingeditor"]=> string(25) "WWF - no_reply@wwf.org.uk" ["link#"]=> 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object(MagpieRSS)#135 (31) { ["parser"]=> resource(488) of type (Unknown) ["current_item"]=> array(0) { } ["items"]=> array(20) { [0]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(39) "Progress possible in Bonn climate talks" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4128" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2689) "<p>The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.</p><p>“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. <br /> <br /> “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.”<br /> <br /> WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics.<br /> <br /> “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.”<br /> <br /> WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly.<br /> <br /> With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information:<br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2689) "<p>The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.</p><p>“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. <br /> <br /> “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.”<br /> <br /> WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics.<br /> <br /> “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.”<br /> <br /> WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly.<br /> <br /> With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information:<br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /></p>" } [1]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(50) "New ruling will help protect Russian Tiger habitat" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4125" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3685) "<p>A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.</p><p><p>As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests.<br /> <br /> To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on.<br /> <br /> “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.”<br /> <br /> The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year.<br /> <br /> “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.”<br /> <br /> The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income.<br /> <br /> “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia.<br /> <br /> <strong>ENDS</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383<br /> Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About TRAFFIC</strong><br /> TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a><br /> &#160;</p></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3685) "<p>A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.</p><p><p>As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests.<br /> <br /> To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on.<br /> <br /> “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.”<br /> <br /> The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year.<br /> <br /> “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.”<br /> <br /> The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income.<br /> <br /> “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia.<br /> <br /> <strong>ENDS</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383<br /> Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About TRAFFIC</strong><br /> TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a><br /> &#160;</p></p>" } [2]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(58) "WWF deeply sorry for nameplate incident at climate meeting" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4114" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3702) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</p><p>The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.”<br /> <br /> Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations.<br /> <br /> “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.”<br /> <br /> Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. <br /> <br /> “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape.<br /> <br /> Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985<br /> <br /> Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952<br /> <br /> Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099<br /> <br /> Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3702) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).</p><p>The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.”<br /> <br /> Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations.<br /> <br /> “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.”<br /> <br /> Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. <br /> <br /> “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape.<br /> <br /> Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985<br /> <br /> Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952<br /> <br /> Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099<br /> <br /> Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" } [3]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(44) "Rare giant fish driven to extinction by dams" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4101" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4321) "<p>Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.</p><p><strong>The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish</strong><br /> -Giant freshwater stingray <br /> -Chinese paddlefish <br /> -Mekong giant catfish <br /> -Wels catfish <br /> -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) <br /> -Giant barb <br /> -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) <br /> -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) <br /> -Nile perch <br /> -Alligator gar<br /> <p>The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. <br /> <br /> To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them.<br /> <br /> “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.”<br /> <br /> The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture.<br /> <br /> WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. <br /> <br /> <strong>Contact information:<br /> </strong><br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412383<br /> Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to the Editor</strong><br /> <br /> For information/images and footage please follow link below:<br /> <br /> • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a><br /> <br /> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at:<br /> <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a><br /> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. <br /> <br /> • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a></p></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4321) "<p>Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.</p><p><strong>The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish</strong><br /> -Giant freshwater stingray <br /> -Chinese paddlefish <br /> -Mekong giant catfish <br /> -Wels catfish <br /> -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) <br /> -Giant barb <br /> -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) <br /> -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) <br /> -Nile perch <br /> -Alligator gar<br /> <p>The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. <br /> <br /> To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them.<br /> <br /> “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.”<br /> <br /> The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture.<br /> <br /> WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. <br /> <br /> <strong>Contact information:<br /> </strong><br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412383<br /> Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to the Editor</strong><br /> <br /> For information/images and footage please follow link below:<br /> <br /> • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a><br /> <br /> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at:<br /> <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a><br /> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. <br /> <br /> • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a></p></p>" } [4]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "£5,000 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES WELCOMED - WWF-UK" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4126" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1426) "<p>Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]</p><p>Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said:<br /> <br /> "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful.<br /> <br /> "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> [1] UK Government press release<br /> <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1426) "<p>Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]</p><p>Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said:<br /> <br /> "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful.<br /> <br /> "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> [1] UK Government press release<br /> <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a><br /></p>" } [5]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "OIL COMPANIES RISKING BILLIONS IN PENSION FUNDS" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4111" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(8015) "<p> Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services </p><p>Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28).<br /> <br /> Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting.<br /> <br /> The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”.<br /> <br /> The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.”<br /> <br /> Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.”<br /> <br /> The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced.<br /> <br /> Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s Butfield added:<br /> <br /> "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia.<br /> <br /> “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong>:<br /> <br /> The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a><br /> <br /> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640<br /> <br /> Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions.<br /> <br /> 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency.<br /> <br /> 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron.<br /> <br /> 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a><br /> <br /> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(8015) "<p> Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services </p><p>Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28).<br /> <br /> Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting.<br /> <br /> The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”.<br /> <br /> The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.”<br /> <br /> Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.”<br /> <br /> The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced.<br /> <br /> Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift.<br /> <br /> WWF-UK’s Butfield added:<br /> <br /> "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia.<br /> <br /> “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong>:<br /> <br /> The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a><br /> <br /> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640<br /> <br /> Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions.<br /> <br /> 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency.<br /> <br /> 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron.<br /> <br /> 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a><br /> <br /> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a><br /></p>" } [6]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(39) "DECC 2050 PATHWAYS REPORT: WWF REACTION" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4107" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1928) "<p>A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.</p><p>Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says:<br /> "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails."<br /> <br /> "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-27" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1928) "<p>A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.</p><p>Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says:<br /> "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails."<br /> <br /> "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors."<br /> <br /> ends<br /> <br /> For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [7]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(54) "Stamp duty reforms key to home energy savings says WWF" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4096" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2586) "<p>Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.</p><p>Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.”<br /> <br /> “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.”<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-21" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2586) "<p>Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.</p><p>Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.”<br /> <br /> “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.”<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a><br /></p>" } [8]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(37) "Earn your stripes and save the tiger!" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4068" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3815) "<p>WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. </p><p>With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. <br /> <br /> We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. <br /> <br /> “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. <br /> <br /> “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” <br /> <br /> Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. <br /> <br /> WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. <br /> <br /> “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> <br /> For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /> <br /> <br /> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a><br /> <br /> <br /> Editor’s notes:<br /> <br /> The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. <br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-12" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3815) "<p>WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. </p><p>With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. <br /> <br /> We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. <br /> <br /> “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. <br /> <br /> “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” <br /> <br /> Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. <br /> <br /> WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. <br /> <br /> “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> <br /> For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /> <br /> <br /> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a><br /> <br /> <br /> Editor’s notes:<br /> <br /> The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. <br /> <br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [9]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(53) "Crunch time for tigers, as crucial Bali meeting looms" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4058" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3460) "<p>Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.</p><p>“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.”<br /> <br /> The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September.<br /> <br /> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a><br /> <br /> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST*<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519<br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Notes to editors:<br /> <br /> WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-09" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3460) "<p>Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.</p><p>“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.”<br /> <br /> The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September.<br /> <br /> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September.<br /> <br /> “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” <br /> <br /> To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a><br /> <br /> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST*<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519<br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> Notes to editors:<br /> <br /> WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here:<br /> <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a><br /></p>" } [10]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(40) "The EU finally says no to illegal timber" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4057" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3173) "<p>Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.</p><p>If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them.<br /> <br /> "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC."<br /> <br /> After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force.<br /> <br /> Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Further information:<br /> <br /> </strong>Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong><br /> <br /> - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. <br /> The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a><br /> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. <br /> - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-07" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3173) "<p>Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.</p><p>If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan.<br /> <br /> Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them.<br /> <br /> "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC."<br /> <br /> After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force.<br /> <br /> Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Further information:<br /> <br /> </strong>Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors</strong><br /> <br /> - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. <br /> The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a><br /> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. <br /> - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [11]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(62) "T4 Presenters Support WWF by Taking Part in The Blue Mile 2010" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4049" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4643) "<p>T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.</p><p>This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas.<br /> <br /> “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.”<br /> <br /> Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!”<br /> <br /> The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects.<br /> The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. <br /> <br /> Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” <br /> <br /> Editor's notes <br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. <br /> <br /> For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: <br /> Teresa Page <br /> Sport Environment <br /> Tel: 01752 600111 <br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a><br /> <br /> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now 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. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources.<br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-01" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4643) "<p>T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.</p><p>This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas.<br /> <br /> “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.”<br /> <br /> Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!”<br /> <br /> The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects.<br /> The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. <br /> <br /> Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” <br /> <br /> Editor's notes <br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. <br /> <br /> For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: <br /> Teresa Page <br /> Sport Environment <br /> Tel: 01752 600111 <br /> <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a><br /> <br /> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now 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. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources.<br /> <br /> For further information, please contact:<br /> Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [12]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(78) "Scientific advice on fish stocks shows North Sea cod is not in safe waters yet" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4043" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4627) "<p>New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.</p><p>The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015.<br /> <br /> Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced.<br /> <br /> A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says:<br /> “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.”<br /> <br /> WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future."<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Editor's notes</strong><br /> ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a><br /> <br /> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a><br /> <br /> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a><br /> <br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4627) "<p>New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.</p><p>The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015.<br /> <br /> Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced.<br /> <br /> A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says:<br /> “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.”<br /> <br /> WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively.<br /> <br /> Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future."<br /> <br /> - ends -<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Editor's notes</strong><br /> ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a><br /> <br /> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a><br /> <br /> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a><br /> <br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 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.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [13]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(69) "New threat to Amazon as Brazilian legislators lay siege to forest law" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4041" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4619) "<p>The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.</p><p>Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced.<br /> <br /> Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s.<br /> <br /> Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. <br /> <br /> Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.”<br /> <br /> The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October.<br /> <br /> According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity.<br /> <br /> It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods.<br /> <br /> While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River.<br /> <br /> If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions.<br /> <br /> “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.”<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4619) "<p>The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.</p><p>Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced.<br /> <br /> Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s.<br /> <br /> Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. <br /> <br /> Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.”<br /> <br /> The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October.<br /> <br /> According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity.<br /> <br /> It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods.<br /> <br /> While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River.<br /> <br /> If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions.<br /> <br /> “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.”<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:</strong><br /> Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [14]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(49) "Russia puts oil and gas development before whales" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4034" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2838) "<p>Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.</p><p>With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. <br /> <br /> <strong><em>“The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.”<br /> <br /> “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” <br /> </em><br /> <em>“In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.”</em></strong><em><br /> </em><br /> Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco.<br /> <br /> Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong>Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-24" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2838) "<p>Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.</p><p>With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. <br /> <br /> <strong><em>“The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.”<br /> <br /> “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” <br /> </em><br /> <em>“In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.”</em></strong><em><br /> </em><br /> Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco.<br /> <br /> Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong>Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a><br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF</strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" } [15]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(60) "Antarctic whaling ban crucial for Southern Hemisphere whales" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4010" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4626) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, June 18 (WWF) – Preventing whaling in the Southern Ocean (the seas around Antarctica) is critical to ensuring the recovery of whale populations in the entire southern hemisphere, a new WWF report states.</p><p>The report comes ahead of the upcoming 62nd International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, where governments will debate a possible resumption of commercial whaling in Antarctic waters. <br /> <br /> <strong>Save the Whale, Save the Southern Ocean</strong> reveals how seriously depleted several Southern Hemisphere great whale populations are, many of which are completely reliant on the Southern Ocean as the only place they feed. If whale populations were again decimated in the Southern Ocean, they may also disappear from the seas around many other countries in Africa, Oceania, the Pacific Islands and Latin America.<br /> <br /> Whaling in the Southern Ocean has been banned for decades following rampant commercial hunting in the last century which brought several great whale species to the brink of extinction. In 1994, the IWC established the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. However since the global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, Japan has killed 9,409 whales in the Southern Ocean in the name of ‘scientific research’. <br /> <br /> Today most great whale species in the Southern Ocean remain severely depleted when compared with pre-whaling levels. More than 200,000 Antarctic blue whales used to live in the Southern Ocean before 20th Century whaling decimated this population with latest estimates putting this population at just around 2,300 animals. 725,000 fin whales were killed in previous commercial whaling operations – with fin whales now listed as endangered. Yet the IWC is proposing to open a commercial hunt for this species in the Southern Ocean as part of a wider proposal on the future of the IWC. <br /> <br /> “If there is one place in the world where whales should be protected, it is the Southern Ocean,” said Heather Sohl, Species Policy Officer, WWF-UK. “It should be a fundamental and unquestionable responsibility of IWC governments to eliminate immediately all whaling in these waters,” she said.<br /> <br /> While whales in the Southern Ocean still haven’t recovered from industrial hunting in the 20th century they also already face new threats to their existence. Climate change, ship-strikes, the potential for unsustainable commercial fishing that could deplete valuable food sources, entanglement in fishing gear and acoustic and chemical pollution are all emerging dangers to the slow-reproducing group of species.<br /> <br /> “We know with all certainty rampant killing of more than a million whales in the Southern Ocean had dramatic repercussions on whale populations in the whole southern hemisphere,” said Rob Nicoll, WWF’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean Initiative Manager. “And new studies are showing that the direct effect on whale populations could have had significant impacts on ecosystem productivity that is intrinsically linked to the carbon cycle and global climate regulation,” he added<br /> <br /> Recovering whale populations have significant economic benefits. Whales bring critical tourism revenue to the southern hemisphere. In Latin America alone, whale watching generates an annual $278.1 million, often in remote coastal areas.<br /> <br /> As a slow reproducing species whales need a long time to recover from overexploitation. Blue whales, for example, reach sexual maturity between the age of five and 15 years, giving birth every two or three years.<br /> <br /> “This meeting provides a crucial opportunity to break the decades of disagreement that have characterised the IWC, and an opportunity to put whale conservation before politics. However giving a green light to whaling in this special place would be a step backwards, not forwards for the IWC,” Wendy Elliott said.<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker , Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: rwalker@wwf.org.uk<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-18" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4626) "<p>Gland, Switzerland, June 18 (WWF) – Preventing whaling in the Southern Ocean (the seas around Antarctica) is critical to ensuring the recovery of whale populations in the entire southern hemisphere, a new WWF report states.</p><p>The report comes ahead of the upcoming 62nd International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, where governments will debate a possible resumption of commercial whaling in Antarctic waters. <br /> <br /> <strong>Save the Whale, Save the Southern Ocean</strong> reveals how seriously depleted several Southern Hemisphere great whale populations are, many of which are completely reliant on the Southern Ocean as the only place they feed. If whale populations were again decimated in the Southern Ocean, they may also disappear from the seas around many other countries in Africa, Oceania, the Pacific Islands and Latin America.<br /> <br /> Whaling in the Southern Ocean has been banned for decades following rampant commercial hunting in the last century which brought several great whale species to the brink of extinction. In 1994, the IWC established the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. However since the global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, Japan has killed 9,409 whales in the Southern Ocean in the name of ‘scientific research’. <br /> <br /> Today most great whale species in the Southern Ocean remain severely depleted when compared with pre-whaling levels. More than 200,000 Antarctic blue whales used to live in the Southern Ocean before 20th Century whaling decimated this population with latest estimates putting this population at just around 2,300 animals. 725,000 fin whales were killed in previous commercial whaling operations – with fin whales now listed as endangered. Yet the IWC is proposing to open a commercial hunt for this species in the Southern Ocean as part of a wider proposal on the future of the IWC. <br /> <br /> “If there is one place in the world where whales should be protected, it is the Southern Ocean,” said Heather Sohl, Species Policy Officer, WWF-UK. “It should be a fundamental and unquestionable responsibility of IWC governments to eliminate immediately all whaling in these waters,” she said.<br /> <br /> While whales in the Southern Ocean still haven’t recovered from industrial hunting in the 20th century they also already face new threats to their existence. Climate change, ship-strikes, the potential for unsustainable commercial fishing that could deplete valuable food sources, entanglement in fishing gear and acoustic and chemical pollution are all emerging dangers to the slow-reproducing group of species.<br /> <br /> “We know with all certainty rampant killing of more than a million whales in the Southern Ocean had dramatic repercussions on whale populations in the whole southern hemisphere,” said Rob Nicoll, WWF’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean Initiative Manager. “And new studies are showing that the direct effect on whale populations could have had significant impacts on ecosystem productivity that is intrinsically linked to the carbon cycle and global climate regulation,” he added<br /> <br /> Recovering whale populations have significant economic benefits. Whales bring critical tourism revenue to the southern hemisphere. In Latin America alone, whale watching generates an annual $278.1 million, often in remote coastal areas.<br /> <br /> As a slow reproducing species whales need a long time to recover from overexploitation. Blue whales, for example, reach sexual maturity between the age of five and 15 years, giving birth every two or three years.<br /> <br /> “This meeting provides a crucial opportunity to break the decades of disagreement that have characterised the IWC, and an opportunity to put whale conservation before politics. However giving a green light to whaling in this special place would be a step backwards, not forwards for the IWC,” Wendy Elliott said.<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker , Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: rwalker@wwf.org.uk<br /></p>" } [16]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(38) "Glimmer of hope for ravaged Madagascar" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4014" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(6510) "<p>Antananarivo, Madagascar: More than two years of lobbying by WWF and Malagasy scientists, are expected to see the island’s rosewoods, ebony and other precious woods listed for international trade restrictions, giving some hope for a slowing of the organized illegal logging assault on the threatened species and the forests and protected areas where they are found.</p><p>WWF and the Department for Plant Ecology and Biology at the University of Antananarivo (DBEV) were informed this week that a proposal had been submitted to list all Malagasy precious wood species under the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species(CITES) appendix lll. On taking effect in 90 days, it will oblige trees to be certified as legally logged and give the Malagasy government leverage for seeking the support of timber importing nations in the enforcement of its laws.<br /> <br /> Around 79 containers of rosewood are believed to have been exported from Madagascar in early June despite the promulgation in March of a decree to eradicate all exploitation and trade in precious wood.<br /> <br /> The listing also supports a bid for more stringent CITES Appendix ll listing in 2013, which would support trade bans on Malagasy precious woods if necessary.<br /> <br /> “The fact that the Malagasy CITES delegation has submitted this proposal is a first step into the right direction. It shows a will to deal with the uncontrolled export of those much sought-after wood species,” said Tiana Ramahaleo, Conservation Science and Species Programme Coordinator at WWF’s Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean Programme Office. <br /> <br /> Illegal logging of precious hardwoods has rapidly and tremendously increased in Madagascar after a political coup in March 2009. The UNESCO world heritage site including Masoala and Marojejy National Parks and the Mananara Biosphere Reserve in the island’s northeast are the main hotspots for illegal logging activities.<br /> <br /> The Malagasy precious wood species consists of Dalbergia spp and Diospyros spp and includes varieties of Palissander, Rosewood and Ebony; 43 of the 50 Malagasy rose wood and palissander (Dalbergia) species are listed in the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with 87% of them being threatened.<br /> <br /> Brazilian rosewood, also listed as vulnerable, has benefited from CITES protection since 1992. Indeed, the listing of Brazilian rosewood may have been a factor in shifting illegal logging pressure to Madagascar, although it has escalated dramatically in the political turmoil following the coup.<br /> <br /> No Malagasy rose wood, ebony and palissander species are listed in a CITES appendix so far. The newly submitted proposal is a success for WWF’s continuous lobbying in the Malagasy government for over two years and gives hope for an inclusion of precious timber species in Appendix II in 2013.<br /> <br /> A listing in CITES Appendix III will allow the government to effectively work with other countries to enforce the existing laws in Madagascar. It will also cover a hole in the Malagasy law concerning the protection of palissander. Certified Permits from the CITES authority will be necessary in the future certifying that each tree was cut legally and is not detrimental to species survival.<br /> <br /> “We will benefit from more transparency in the timber trade as we will have more information about wood operators, their operation sites, the amount of wood being shipped and, last but not least, the buyers” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> “ This is also a necessary stepping stone for us to push the Malagasy CITES authorities to list precious hard wood species in Appendix II during the next CITES Conference of the Parties in Thailand in 2013.”<br /> <br /> WWF Madagascar programme representatives have been doing intensive lobbying within the Malagasy government for almost two years. They have supported a group of 30 plant experts and foresters to provide government officials with a solid scientific base that made a CITES proposal possible. “WWF MWIOPO will continue doing research on hard woods species to be able to support our partners in the Malagasy CITES delegation” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> Malagasy precious hard wood species suffer from selective logging because of their high value in international markets. But with a high number of loggers within Malagasy forest, pressure on other species rise too.<br /> <br /> With as much as 90% of the country’s primary forest already lost, continued logging will mean species extinctions beyond rosewood in Madagascar’s unique ecosystems.<br /> <br /> Listing under CITES appendix III would not only increase the conservation of rosewood, palissander and ebony species but also help protect threatened ecosystems in general.<br /> <br /> “This is a good step forward, however a listing in CITES Annex III does not prevent trade, it only makes it more difficult,” said Conservation Director Nanie Ratsifandrihamanana.<br /> <br /> “We call on the Malagasy government to walk the talk and enforce the recent decree to stop illegal logging in and outside protected areas, sanction the delinquent operators and implement the necessary actions to responsibly and sustainably manage the timber chain of custody.<br /> <br /> “We call on Chinese consumers to stop buying illegally cut wood from Madagascar and on Chinese authorities to set higher standards on their wood sourcing.“<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martina Lippuner, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,108,105,112,112,117,110,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,109,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Glimmer%20of%20hope%20for%20ravaged%20Madagascar')">mlippuner@wwf.mg</a>, +261 344980384<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF<br /> </strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media ">www.panda.org/media </a>for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-18" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6510) "<p>Antananarivo, Madagascar: More than two years of lobbying by WWF and Malagasy scientists, are expected to see the island’s rosewoods, ebony and other precious woods listed for international trade restrictions, giving some hope for a slowing of the organized illegal logging assault on the threatened species and the forests and protected areas where they are found.</p><p>WWF and the Department for Plant Ecology and Biology at the University of Antananarivo (DBEV) were informed this week that a proposal had been submitted to list all Malagasy precious wood species under the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species(CITES) appendix lll. On taking effect in 90 days, it will oblige trees to be certified as legally logged and give the Malagasy government leverage for seeking the support of timber importing nations in the enforcement of its laws.<br /> <br /> Around 79 containers of rosewood are believed to have been exported from Madagascar in early June despite the promulgation in March of a decree to eradicate all exploitation and trade in precious wood.<br /> <br /> The listing also supports a bid for more stringent CITES Appendix ll listing in 2013, which would support trade bans on Malagasy precious woods if necessary.<br /> <br /> “The fact that the Malagasy CITES delegation has submitted this proposal is a first step into the right direction. It shows a will to deal with the uncontrolled export of those much sought-after wood species,” said Tiana Ramahaleo, Conservation Science and Species Programme Coordinator at WWF’s Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean Programme Office. <br /> <br /> Illegal logging of precious hardwoods has rapidly and tremendously increased in Madagascar after a political coup in March 2009. The UNESCO world heritage site including Masoala and Marojejy National Parks and the Mananara Biosphere Reserve in the island’s northeast are the main hotspots for illegal logging activities.<br /> <br /> The Malagasy precious wood species consists of Dalbergia spp and Diospyros spp and includes varieties of Palissander, Rosewood and Ebony; 43 of the 50 Malagasy rose wood and palissander (Dalbergia) species are listed in the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with 87% of them being threatened.<br /> <br /> Brazilian rosewood, also listed as vulnerable, has benefited from CITES protection since 1992. Indeed, the listing of Brazilian rosewood may have been a factor in shifting illegal logging pressure to Madagascar, although it has escalated dramatically in the political turmoil following the coup.<br /> <br /> No Malagasy rose wood, ebony and palissander species are listed in a CITES appendix so far. The newly submitted proposal is a success for WWF’s continuous lobbying in the Malagasy government for over two years and gives hope for an inclusion of precious timber species in Appendix II in 2013.<br /> <br /> A listing in CITES Appendix III will allow the government to effectively work with other countries to enforce the existing laws in Madagascar. It will also cover a hole in the Malagasy law concerning the protection of palissander. Certified Permits from the CITES authority will be necessary in the future certifying that each tree was cut legally and is not detrimental to species survival.<br /> <br /> “We will benefit from more transparency in the timber trade as we will have more information about wood operators, their operation sites, the amount of wood being shipped and, last but not least, the buyers” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> “ This is also a necessary stepping stone for us to push the Malagasy CITES authorities to list precious hard wood species in Appendix II during the next CITES Conference of the Parties in Thailand in 2013.”<br /> <br /> WWF Madagascar programme representatives have been doing intensive lobbying within the Malagasy government for almost two years. They have supported a group of 30 plant experts and foresters to provide government officials with a solid scientific base that made a CITES proposal possible. “WWF MWIOPO will continue doing research on hard woods species to be able to support our partners in the Malagasy CITES delegation” says Ramahaleo.<br /> <br /> Malagasy precious hard wood species suffer from selective logging because of their high value in international markets. But with a high number of loggers within Malagasy forest, pressure on other species rise too.<br /> <br /> With as much as 90% of the country’s primary forest already lost, continued logging will mean species extinctions beyond rosewood in Madagascar’s unique ecosystems.<br /> <br /> Listing under CITES appendix III would not only increase the conservation of rosewood, palissander and ebony species but also help protect threatened ecosystems in general.<br /> <br /> “This is a good step forward, however a listing in CITES Annex III does not prevent trade, it only makes it more difficult,” said Conservation Director Nanie Ratsifandrihamanana.<br /> <br /> “We call on the Malagasy government to walk the talk and enforce the recent decree to stop illegal logging in and outside protected areas, sanction the delinquent operators and implement the necessary actions to responsibly and sustainably manage the timber chain of custody.<br /> <br /> “We call on Chinese consumers to stop buying illegally cut wood from Madagascar and on Chinese authorities to set higher standards on their wood sourcing.“<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information:<br /> </strong><br /> Martina Lippuner, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,108,105,112,112,117,110,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,109,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Glimmer%20of%20hope%20for%20ravaged%20Madagascar')">mlippuner@wwf.mg</a>, +261 344980384<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF<br /> </strong><br /> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 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.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.panda.org/media ">www.panda.org/media </a>for latest news and media resources<br /></p>" } [17]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(76) "Swindon turns the taps off in bid to become UK’s most water-efficient town" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4004" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(7042) "<p>Swindon is hoping to set an example to the rest of the UK as the town embarks on an ambitious challenge to reduce its water use. Over the next year, residents of the Wiltshire town will be supported in their efforts to save water at home as part of the new Save Water Swindon campaign launched today by WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water. This will ease pressures on rivers and the natural environment, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p>Swindon is in an area deemed ‘seriously water stressed’ by the Environment Agency. These are areas where population density is high and water is scarcer than anywhere else in England and Wales. Despite this, the average person in Swindon uses 164 litres per person per day – a much higher amount than the national average of 148 litres per person and the Government’s target of 130 litres per day.<br /> <br /> This comes at a cost to homeowners and the environment, with 6 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gases resulting from pumping, treating and heating water - more than the aviation industry. Save Water Swindon estimates that by saving 20 litres of water a day, an average home can reduce their water and energy bills by £100 a year.<br /> <br /> To help Swindon reduce its water use, a website www.savewaterswindon.org.uk has been set up giving advice on how a few simple actions can make a difference. Householders can also register online for a free water-saving makeover for taps, toilets and showers. Water saving kits are available for householders to fit themselves or they can register for a trained fitter to visit. The trained fitter can give homes a water audit, advise on the best water saving products and install them – all for free. <br /> <br /> <strong>On launching the campaign, WWF Ambassador and presenter of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud said:<br /> </strong><br /> “Save Water Swindon is an ambitious campaign that will set a precedent for how large-scale water efficiency in existing homes can be achieved – with benefits for homeowners and the environment.”<br /> <br /> “As we continue moving towards a more holistic sustainable lifestyle, both in our homes and the way we live, water efficiency will play a significant role. Not only will reducing demand for water help reduce the amount we need to take from the environment it can also reduce greenhouse gases and as a result our home energy and water bills.” <br /> <br /> Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise, says:<br /> “Saving water in and around you home is easy and through simple behaviour changes and installation of water-efficient products we can all reduce the amount of water we use by about one third. Swindon is the first town in the UK to have this whole-town approach to water efficiency, and through working together the savings really can be significant.”<br /> <br /> Richard Aylard, Director of Sustainability of Thames Water, says:<br /> “Population increase and climate change are making water an increasingly precious resource. It really is very simple to reduce the amount of water we use, both in the home and at work, all without changing our lifestyles too dramatically. And our metered customers can save on their water bills too. We hope that more of the towns we serve will follow in Swindon’s footsteps - as the more we do, the more water we can save, which is good for our pockets and good for the environment.”<br /> <br /> Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy and Programme Officer at WWF-UK says:<br /> “All the water we use at home comes from the natural environment. People tend not to realise that when they turn on the tap or flush the loo the water could be coming from the local river and when we use too much it’s bad news for the animals and plants that live there. With water use on the up, a growing population and the threat of climate change it’s vital that we all take steps now to reduce the amount of water that’s wasted and help protect some of our most special native species, like the otter, water vole and brown trout. Reducing the amount of water we use is something we can all achieve with minimal effort. We hope that other villages, towns, and cities will follow Swindon’s lead.”<br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> <strong>Kevin McCloud is available for interviews, alongside spokespeople from the three partner organisations – WWF-UK, Waterwise, and Thames Water.</strong><br /> <br /> On Thursday 17 June a photocall will be held at Basil Close, Swindon, displaying the average weekly water use of a Swindon family.<br /> <br /> Save Water for Swindon is a partnership between WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water to help reduce the pressures on the natural environment caused by a growing population, increasing demand for water and a changing climate. The campaign highlights simple ways to save water in the home, as well as offering Swindon residents the opportunity for a free home makeover to make their home more water efficient.<br /> <br /> The campaign is being support by HSBC through the HSBC Climate Partnership, of which WWF is one of the four charity partners. <br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Waterwise:<br /> </strong>Waterwise is the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK. Waterwise is an independent, not for profit, non-governmental organisation focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large scale water efficiency. Waterwise provides tips and advice on water efficiency, runs the Waterwise Marque scheme which is awarded to water-efficient products, and works in partnership with other organisations to promote water efficiency at a local, regional and national-scale. We provide information and assistance to households, businesses, media and the government amongst others.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Thames Water:<br /> </strong>Thames Water is the UK's largest water and wastewater services company. Every day it supplies 2,600 million litres of tap water to 8.5 million customers across London and the Thames Valley. It also removes and treats 2,800 million litres of sewage for an area covering 13.6 million customers. <br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-17" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(7042) "<p>Swindon is hoping to set an example to the rest of the UK as the town embarks on an ambitious challenge to reduce its water use. Over the next year, residents of the Wiltshire town will be supported in their efforts to save water at home as part of the new Save Water Swindon campaign launched today by WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water. This will ease pressures on rivers and the natural environment, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p>Swindon is in an area deemed ‘seriously water stressed’ by the Environment Agency. These are areas where population density is high and water is scarcer than anywhere else in England and Wales. Despite this, the average person in Swindon uses 164 litres per person per day – a much higher amount than the national average of 148 litres per person and the Government’s target of 130 litres per day.<br /> <br /> This comes at a cost to homeowners and the environment, with 6 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gases resulting from pumping, treating and heating water - more than the aviation industry. Save Water Swindon estimates that by saving 20 litres of water a day, an average home can reduce their water and energy bills by £100 a year.<br /> <br /> To help Swindon reduce its water use, a website www.savewaterswindon.org.uk has been set up giving advice on how a few simple actions can make a difference. Householders can also register online for a free water-saving makeover for taps, toilets and showers. Water saving kits are available for householders to fit themselves or they can register for a trained fitter to visit. The trained fitter can give homes a water audit, advise on the best water saving products and install them – all for free. <br /> <br /> <strong>On launching the campaign, WWF Ambassador and presenter of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud said:<br /> </strong><br /> “Save Water Swindon is an ambitious campaign that will set a precedent for how large-scale water efficiency in existing homes can be achieved – with benefits for homeowners and the environment.”<br /> <br /> “As we continue moving towards a more holistic sustainable lifestyle, both in our homes and the way we live, water efficiency will play a significant role. Not only will reducing demand for water help reduce the amount we need to take from the environment it can also reduce greenhouse gases and as a result our home energy and water bills.” <br /> <br /> Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise, says:<br /> “Saving water in and around you home is easy and through simple behaviour changes and installation of water-efficient products we can all reduce the amount of water we use by about one third. Swindon is the first town in the UK to have this whole-town approach to water efficiency, and through working together the savings really can be significant.”<br /> <br /> Richard Aylard, Director of Sustainability of Thames Water, says:<br /> “Population increase and climate change are making water an increasingly precious resource. It really is very simple to reduce the amount of water we use, both in the home and at work, all without changing our lifestyles too dramatically. And our metered customers can save on their water bills too. We hope that more of the towns we serve will follow in Swindon’s footsteps - as the more we do, the more water we can save, which is good for our pockets and good for the environment.”<br /> <br /> Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy and Programme Officer at WWF-UK says:<br /> “All the water we use at home comes from the natural environment. People tend not to realise that when they turn on the tap or flush the loo the water could be coming from the local river and when we use too much it’s bad news for the animals and plants that live there. With water use on the up, a growing population and the threat of climate change it’s vital that we all take steps now to reduce the amount of water that’s wasted and help protect some of our most special native species, like the otter, water vole and brown trout. Reducing the amount of water we use is something we can all achieve with minimal effort. We hope that other villages, towns, and cities will follow Swindon’s lead.”<br /> <br /> <strong>- ends -</strong><br /> <br /> Editor's notes<br /> <br /> <strong>Kevin McCloud is available for interviews, alongside spokespeople from the three partner organisations – WWF-UK, Waterwise, and Thames Water.</strong><br /> <br /> On Thursday 17 June a photocall will be held at Basil Close, Swindon, displaying the average weekly water use of a Swindon family.<br /> <br /> Save Water for Swindon is a partnership between WWF-UK, Waterwise and Thames Water to help reduce the pressures on the natural environment caused by a growing population, increasing demand for water and a changing climate. The campaign highlights simple ways to save water in the home, as well as offering Swindon residents the opportunity for a free home makeover to make their home more water efficient.<br /> <br /> The campaign is being support by HSBC through the HSBC Climate Partnership, of which WWF is one of the four charity partners. <br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Waterwise:<br /> </strong>Waterwise is the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK. Waterwise is an independent, not for profit, non-governmental organisation focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large scale water efficiency. Waterwise provides tips and advice on water efficiency, runs the Waterwise Marque scheme which is awarded to water-efficient products, and works in partnership with other organisations to promote water efficiency at a local, regional and national-scale. We provide information and assistance to households, businesses, media and the government amongst others.<br /> <br /> <strong>About Thames Water:<br /> </strong>Thames Water is the UK's largest water and wastewater services company. Every day it supplies 2,600 million litres of tap water to 8.5 million customers across London and the Thames Valley. It also removes and treats 2,800 million litres of sewage for an area covering 13.6 million customers. <br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:<br /> </strong>Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a><br /></p>" } [18]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(58) "WWF to progress with plans for new headquarters in Woking." ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4003" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1804) "<p>Following agreement on Heads of Terms with Woking Borough Council, WWF-UK is delighted to be able to move forward with plans to develop the brownfield site at Woking's Brewery Road (currently a council-run public car park) for its new headquarters, subject to contract. WWF will work with appointed architects, Hopkins, to produce initial designs for the building before plans are put forward for public consultation.</p><p>David Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-UK said:<br /> "The Brewery Road site in Woking appeals to us for a number of reasons, including its natural surroundings, excellent public transport links and local amenities. We are therefore delighted that our negotiations with Woking Borough Council have reached this stage."<br /> <br /> "Creating new headquarters gives us an unrivalled opportunity to communicate our organisation's vision to visitors and to showcase our work to the public. We look forward to designing a building that brings real benefit to the local community, our staff, and the environment."<br /> <br /> Cllr John Kingsbury, Woking Borough Council's Leader of the Executive<br /> commented:<br /> "This is excellent news for our Borough and we are looking forward to working increasingly closely with WWF-UK to help turn their vision for a new headquarters into a reality. Their re-location to the town will be an additional boost for the local economy - it will bring more business into the town whilst retaining important public parking facilities on the site."<br /> <br /> Cllr Richard Sharp, Leader of the Woking Liberal Democrat Party, added:<br /> "WWF's visions for their new headquarters fits well with the Borough's green credentials and I believe this building will significantly enhance and complement the canalside environment."<br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-17" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1804) "<p>Following agreement on Heads of Terms with Woking Borough Council, WWF-UK is delighted to be able to move forward with plans to develop the brownfield site at Woking's Brewery Road (currently a council-run public car park) for its new headquarters, subject to contract. WWF will work with appointed architects, Hopkins, to produce initial designs for the building before plans are put forward for public consultation.</p><p>David Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-UK said:<br /> "The Brewery Road site in Woking appeals to us for a number of reasons, including its natural surroundings, excellent public transport links and local amenities. We are therefore delighted that our negotiations with Woking Borough Council have reached this stage."<br /> <br /> "Creating new headquarters gives us an unrivalled opportunity to communicate our organisation's vision to visitors and to showcase our work to the public. We look forward to designing a building that brings real benefit to the local community, our staff, and the environment."<br /> <br /> Cllr John Kingsbury, Woking Borough Council's Leader of the Executive<br /> commented:<br /> "This is excellent news for our Borough and we are looking forward to working increasingly closely with WWF-UK to help turn their vision for a new headquarters into a reality. Their re-location to the town will be an additional boost for the local economy - it will bring more business into the town whilst retaining important public parking facilities on the site."<br /> <br /> Cllr Richard Sharp, Leader of the Woking Liberal Democrat Party, added:<br /> "WWF's visions for their new headquarters fits well with the Borough's green credentials and I believe this building will significantly enhance and complement the canalside environment."<br /></p>" } [19]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(43) "EU Economy can be boosted by green ambition" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4011" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(6444) "<p>EU summit, 17 June 2010 Brussels, Belgium – Solutions to the economic downturn will be discussed during the Heads of State or Government meeting this Thursday, 17 June in Brussels. The agenda features economic and financial reforms, including a possible increase of Europe's ambitions for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. </p><p>‘EU leaders are under high pressure to find economic answers and suddenly a more ambitious climate target is up for discussion; however, this should not be surprising’, said Jason Anderson, head of EU climate and energy policy at WWF. ‘More ambitious climate policies would raise billions of Euros that could be reinvested into an economy of the future – a green economy. Heads of States should act on this now.’<br /> <br /> Last week’s Environment Council paved the way with ministers calling for further analysis of an increased CO2 emissions reduction target and further consideration later this year. The upcoming Summit should now demonstrate leadership and boost the European economy by helping create the conditions for low-carbon investment through a deeper greenhouse gas target. <br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>WWF insights into what is happening in European capitals:<br /> <br /> United Kingdom</strong><br /> UK Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne, was among ministers calling for more ambitious emissions reduction targets at Friday's Environment Council. Huhne called for the target to be increased to 30%, a move he believes is achievable – right for the climate and right for Europe. Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change, WWF-UK said: "David Cameron has promised that his new government will be 'the greenest ever'. To deliver that promise, he must bring renewed momentum to EU climate policy - and particularly to increasing the ambition of EU targets to at least 30%. The Prime Minister should also show he means business at home by swiftly adopting the tougher target for emissions recommended by the UK's Committee on Climate Change. Both of these moves are vital to kick-start the green economy."<br /> <br /> <strong>France</strong><br /> France had sent out some mixed signals, with the minister for Economy, Christian Estrosi, calling off the 30% debate. However, at the Environment Council the minister for the Environment Jean-Louis Borloo stated that an increased target was both achievable and desirable. Borloo also said that other major economies had already taken steps comparable to a unilateral 30% EU target – this was the European Union’s condition in international talks for increasing the EU target. Elise Buckle, Energy and Climate manager at WWF France says: ‘French President Nicolas Sarkozy must now confirm Borloo’s commitment and bring France back to speaking with one voice. We are expecting Sarkozy to deliver a strong pro 30% statement, showing that he will not break his word. A joint declaration from France and Germany in support of the 30% target would put the EU back on track in its leadership role in the climate debate.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Germany</strong><br /> German Chancellor Angela Merkel is under much pressure – she will have to prove her leadership and determination as head of Europe’s biggest economy during this summit meeting. Regine Günther, Director Climate and Energy Policy of WWF Germany, says: “Under Merkel´s leadership Germany has adopted an unconditional 40% reduction target. Now it’s time to bring the EU back into a leadership position by strengthening its target to at least 30%.” A 30% EU target would be in line with the German commitment. However, Germany has been unusually quiet on climate issues this year, except for German industry minister Rainer Bruederle, who recently contradicted the long-standing official German position. Merkel will have to put her industry minister back in his place by clearly re-affirming what she promised before. She should publicly call for an unconditional move to 30% for the European Union. <br /> <br /> <strong>Sweden</strong><br /> A surprise came from Sweden, with Swedish minister for the Environment, Andreas Carlgren, stating Friday at the Environment Council that he felt the EU was not ready for a 30% target. Lasse Gustavsson, CEO of WWF Sweden says: ‘It is baffling that Sweden has a national, unconditional 40% target by 2020 whilst claiming that conditions are not there yet for the EU to go to 30% by 2020. It almost seems as if Sweden wanted to reap the benefits of green jobs and innovation as highlighted by the European Commission by setting a fairly ambitious target domestically whilst leaving the EU behind. The conditions are clearly already there for more ambitious action in Sweden as well as in the EU as a whole.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Italy</strong><br /> Whilst Italian minister for the Environment, Stefania Prestigiacomo, continues to oppose all talk of a 30% EU-target; the Italian Industry Ministry Undersecretary, Stefano Saglia, said on 10 June that doors to 30% should not be closed, since an increased target could well be an opportunity for the industry worth discussing. Mariagrazia Midulla, Head of Climate and Energy at WWF Italy, says: ‘It is interesting that this awareness reaches the Ministry of Economic Development first, even before the Ministry for the Environment. This fuels hope that Italy could give up its defensive attitude and finally elaborate a strategy on reducing emissions and starts looking at carbon free economy as a convenience.’<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=RE%3A%20Press%20Release%20-%20EU%20Economy%20can%20be%20boosted%20by%20green%20amibition')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk </a><br /></p>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-17" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6444) "<p>EU summit, 17 June 2010 Brussels, Belgium – Solutions to the economic downturn will be discussed during the Heads of State or Government meeting this Thursday, 17 June in Brussels. The agenda features economic and financial reforms, including a possible increase of Europe's ambitions for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. </p><p>‘EU leaders are under high pressure to find economic answers and suddenly a more ambitious climate target is up for discussion; however, this should not be surprising’, said Jason Anderson, head of EU climate and energy policy at WWF. ‘More ambitious climate policies would raise billions of Euros that could be reinvested into an economy of the future – a green economy. Heads of States should act on this now.’<br /> <br /> Last week’s Environment Council paved the way with ministers calling for further analysis of an increased CO2 emissions reduction target and further consideration later this year. The upcoming Summit should now demonstrate leadership and boost the European economy by helping create the conditions for low-carbon investment through a deeper greenhouse gas target. <br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>WWF insights into what is happening in European capitals:<br /> <br /> United Kingdom</strong><br /> UK Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne, was among ministers calling for more ambitious emissions reduction targets at Friday's Environment Council. Huhne called for the target to be increased to 30%, a move he believes is achievable – right for the climate and right for Europe. Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change, WWF-UK said: "David Cameron has promised that his new government will be 'the greenest ever'. To deliver that promise, he must bring renewed momentum to EU climate policy - and particularly to increasing the ambition of EU targets to at least 30%. The Prime Minister should also show he means business at home by swiftly adopting the tougher target for emissions recommended by the UK's Committee on Climate Change. Both of these moves are vital to kick-start the green economy."<br /> <br /> <strong>France</strong><br /> France had sent out some mixed signals, with the minister for Economy, Christian Estrosi, calling off the 30% debate. However, at the Environment Council the minister for the Environment Jean-Louis Borloo stated that an increased target was both achievable and desirable. Borloo also said that other major economies had already taken steps comparable to a unilateral 30% EU target – this was the European Union’s condition in international talks for increasing the EU target. Elise Buckle, Energy and Climate manager at WWF France says: ‘French President Nicolas Sarkozy must now confirm Borloo’s commitment and bring France back to speaking with one voice. We are expecting Sarkozy to deliver a strong pro 30% statement, showing that he will not break his word. A joint declaration from France and Germany in support of the 30% target would put the EU back on track in its leadership role in the climate debate.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Germany</strong><br /> German Chancellor Angela Merkel is under much pressure – she will have to prove her leadership and determination as head of Europe’s biggest economy during this summit meeting. Regine Günther, Director Climate and Energy Policy of WWF Germany, says: “Under Merkel´s leadership Germany has adopted an unconditional 40% reduction target. Now it’s time to bring the EU back into a leadership position by strengthening its target to at least 30%.” A 30% EU target would be in line with the German commitment. However, Germany has been unusually quiet on climate issues this year, except for German industry minister Rainer Bruederle, who recently contradicted the long-standing official German position. Merkel will have to put her industry minister back in his place by clearly re-affirming what she promised before. She should publicly call for an unconditional move to 30% for the European Union. <br /> <br /> <strong>Sweden</strong><br /> A surprise came from Sweden, with Swedish minister for the Environment, Andreas Carlgren, stating Friday at the Environment Council that he felt the EU was not ready for a 30% target. Lasse Gustavsson, CEO of WWF Sweden says: ‘It is baffling that Sweden has a national, unconditional 40% target by 2020 whilst claiming that conditions are not there yet for the EU to go to 30% by 2020. It almost seems as if Sweden wanted to reap the benefits of green jobs and innovation as highlighted by the European Commission by setting a fairly ambitious target domestically whilst leaving the EU behind. The conditions are clearly already there for more ambitious action in Sweden as well as in the EU as a whole.’<br /> <br /> <strong>Italy</strong><br /> Whilst Italian minister for the Environment, Stefania Prestigiacomo, continues to oppose all talk of a 30% EU-target; the Italian Industry Ministry Undersecretary, Stefano Saglia, said on 10 June that doors to 30% should not be closed, since an increased target could well be an opportunity for the industry worth discussing. Mariagrazia Midulla, Head of Climate and Energy at WWF Italy, says: ‘It is interesting that this awareness reaches the Ministry of Economic Development first, even before the Ministry for the Environment. This fuels hope that Italy could give up its defensive attitude and finally elaborate a strategy on reducing emissions and starts looking at carbon free economy as a convenience.’<br /> <br /> <strong>About WWF:</strong><br /> As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world’s natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.<br /> <br /> <strong>For further information, please contact:</strong><br /> Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=RE%3A%20Press%20Release%20-%20EU%20Economy%20can%20be%20boosted%20by%20green%20amibition')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk </a><br /></p>" } } ["channel"]=> array(14) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(31) "Press and media centre RSS feed" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(81) "News, publications and job feeds from WWF - the global conservation organization " ["managingeditor#"]=> int(1) ["managingeditor"]=> string(25) "WWF - no_reply@wwf.org.uk" ["link#"]=> 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ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.</p><p>“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. <br /> <br /> “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.”<br /> <br /> WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics.<br /> <br /> “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.”<br /> <br /> WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly.<br /> <br /> With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information:<br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /></p>" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(2689) "<p>The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.</p><p>“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. <br /> <br /> “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.”<br /> <br /> WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics.<br /> <br /> “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.”<br /> <br /> WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly.<br /> <br /> With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd.<br /> <br /> <br /> For further information:<br /> Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK<br /> Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519<br /></p>" ["epoch"]=> array(3) { ["issued"]=> int(1280473200) ["created"]=> NULL ["modified"]=> int(1280473200) } ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2010-07-30 07:00:00" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2010-07-30 07:00:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-07-30 07:00:00" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-07-30 07:00:00" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["guid"]=> string(53) "tag:www.wwf.org.uk://b5125e9c68cc87341732fe6210cab7a4" ["meta"]=> array(6) { ["syndication_source"]=> string(31) "Press and media centre RSS feed" ["syndication_source_uri"]=> string(21) "http://www.wwf.org.uk" ["syndication_feed"]=> string(69) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/rss/rss.cfm?9274C9FA-D618-BE9A-A54070AFA5DB98F2" ["syndication_feed_id"]=> string(2) "23" ["syndication_permalink"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4128" ["syndication_item_hash"]=> string(32) "2ced0067ea6119378196aa22313d7bc2" } ["tags_input"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(0) "" } ["post_author"]=> int(62) ["post_category"]=> array(2) { [0]=> int(119) [1]=> int(204) } } ["_freshness"]=> int(2) ["_wp_id"]=> int(0) ["uri_attrs"]=> array(25) { [0]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(1) "a" [1]=> string(4) "href" } [1]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "applet" [1]=> string(8) "codebase" } [2]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(4) "area" [1]=> string(4) "href" } [3]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "blockquote" [1]=> string(4) "cite" } [4]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(4) "body" [1]=> string(10) "background" } [5]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(3) "del" [1]=> string(4) "cite" } [6]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(4) "form" [1]=> string(6) "action" } [7]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(5) "frame" [1]=> string(8) "longdesc" } [8]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(5) "frame" [1]=> string(3) "src" } [9]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "iframe" [1]=> string(8) "longdesc" } [10]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "iframe" [1]=> string(3) "src" } [11]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(4) "head" [1]=> string(7) "profile" } [12]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(3) "img" [1]=> string(8) "longdesc" } [13]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(3) "img" [1]=> string(3) "src" } [14]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(3) "img" [1]=> string(6) "usemap" } [15]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(5) "input" [1]=> string(3) "src" } [16]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(5) "input" [1]=> string(6) "usemap" } [17]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(3) "ins" [1]=> string(4) "cite" } [18]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(4) "link" [1]=> string(4) "href" } [19]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "object" [1]=> string(7) "classid" } [20]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "object" [1]=> string(8) "codebase" } [21]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "object" [1]=> string(4) "data" } [22]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "object" [1]=> string(6) "usemap" } [23]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(1) "q" [1]=> string(4) "cite" } [24]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "script" [1]=> string(3) "src" } } ["_base"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4128" ["strip_attrs"]=> array(1) { [0]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "[a-z]+" [1]=> string(6) "target" } } } }