Sunday 15 April 2012

Fw: Save the Rhino


----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Iain Keith - Avaaz.org <avaaz@avaaz.org>
To: "tacazze2@yahoo.co.uk" <tacazze2@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 March 2012, 2:36
Subject: Save the Rhino

Avaaz.org - The World in Action
Dear friends,



The rhino is being hunted to the brink of extinction, driven by growing horn demand in Asia. But EU pressure on China and Vietnam can force international action to save the rhino -- sign our petition today to ensure the EU acts!
The rhino is being hunted into extinction and could disappear forever unless we act now. Shocking new statistics show 440 rhinos were brutally killed last year in South Africa alone -- a massive increase on five years ago when just 13 had their horns hacked off. European nations could lead the world to a new plan to save these amazing creatures but they need to hear from us first!

Fueling this devastation is a huge spike in demand for rhino horns, used for bogus cancer cures, hangover remedies and good luck charms in China and Vietnam. Protests from South Africa have so far been ignored by the authorities, but Europe has the power to change this by calling for a ban on all rhino trade -- from anywhere, to anywhere -- when countries meet at the next crucial international wildlife trade summit in July.

The situation is so dire that the threat has even spread into British zoos who are on red-alert for rhino killing gangs! Let's raise a giant outcry and urge Europe to push for new protections to save rhinos from extinction. When we reach 100,000 signers, our call will be delivered in Brussels, the decision-making heart of Europe, with a crash of cardboard rhinos. Every 50,000 signatures will add a rhino to the crash -- bringing the size of our movement right to the door of EU delegates as they decide their position. Sign the petition below then forward this email widely:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_rhinos/?vl

So far this year one rhino has been killed every day in South Africa, home to at least 80% of the world's remaining wild rhinos. Horns now have a street value of over $65,000 a kilo -- more expensive than gold or platinum. The South African Environment Minister has pledged to take action by putting 150 extra wardens and even an electric fence along the Mozambique border to try and stem the attacks -- but the scale of the threat is so severe that global action is required.

Unless we act today we may lose this magnificent and ancient animal species permanently. Some Chinese are loudly lobbying for the trade in horn to be relaxed, but banning the trade in all rhinos will silence them. With the EU's leadership, we can bring these international gangsters to justice, put the poachers in prison, and push for public awareness programmes in key Asian countries -- and end this horn horror show for good.

In the next few weeks, the EU will be setting its agenda for the next big global meeting in just a few months -- our best chance of turning the tide against the slaughter. We know that rhinos will be on their agenda, but only our pressure can ensure they challenge the problem at its source. Let's build a giant outcry and deliver it in a spectacular fashion -- sign now and together we can stop the slaughter across Africa:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_rhinos/?vl

In 2010, Avaaz's actions helped to stop the elephant ivory trade from exploding. In 2012, we can do the same for the rhino. When we speak out together, we can change the world -- last year was the worst year ever for the rhino, but this can be the year when we win.

With hope,

Iain, Sam, Maria Paz, Emma, Ricken and the whole Avaaz team

More Information:

Few Rhinos Survive Outside Protected Areas (WWF)
ttp://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/rhinoceros/rhinos.html

South Africa record for rhino poaching deaths (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15571678

'Cure for cancer' rumour killed off Vietnam's rhinos (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/25/cure-cancer-rhino-horn-vietnam

British Zoos on Alert as Rhino Poaching Hits the UK (International Business Times)
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/289792/20120130/british-zoos-uk-alert-rhino-poaching-hits.htm

-----------------


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Friday 8 April 2011

Subject: Save the Serengeti : Choose an Alternate Route & Local Development

Hey,

I just signed the petition "Save the Serengeti : Choose an Alternate Route & Local Development" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.

Our goal is to reach 50,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:


Thanks!
Martyn

Sunday 27 March 2011

UPDATE

It is now almost a year since I last updated this BLOG and a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.............. and that includes all those along the main Kitale to Lodwar road, the bridge across the Moruny River carrying the road to Sigor, those across the Wei Wei and all those footbridges built by Bridging the Gap providing people safe access across the rivers in West Pokot.

Marich Pass is flourishing as I write this. The Field Studies Centre is still visited by many and I hope to return before too long.

I would also love to lead a trip to Kenya so that all those who missed out the first time, or would love to visit again or those that I have enthused with stories, tales, pictures and videos and can also get to appreciate what an awesome place it is. I just need to sort a few things out and then I'll let people know by Facebook or via this BLOG what is planned.

I'll keep you all posted.




Friday 31 July 2009

Apologies

This BLOG had been deactivated for a period of time due to complaints made about the content.

The offending comments have been removed &/or edited hopefully to the satisfaction of all those concerned. If there are still comments that are felt to be misleading then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my utmost to correct any inaccuracies.

I would also like to point out that should a trip to Kenya go ahead next year the health and safety of all participants will be a priority when planning the trip as it was when I was organising this year's field trip.

There will also be amendments to the itinerary to satisfy all those concerned as well as all those who wish to embark on such a once in a lifetime venture.

I would also like to apologise to anyone who may have been concerned by comments that were made.

Wednesday 8 July 2009

URGENT!!! re: School at the Turkwell Dam

It has come to my attention that the school at the Turkwell Dam has run out of money!

This means that the children that we photographed and whom we spoke to and played with during the afternoon when we visited the dam will soon be out of food.

They would appear to be desperate for help as the school was constructed out of the proceeds of charitable donations and this money has dried up......................

If you would like to help, please contact me and I will point you in the right direction.


Monday 6 July 2009

Slideshow - The Best of the Kenya Field Trip

The final video/slideshow until I find time to look at the video we took on the afternoon that we visited the school in Marich and then hopefully put something together with that footage.

Link to the BEST OF is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Io9lDN0nc

Comments, criticism etc. etc. or anyone else interested in a copy of photos.

Martyn