ifaw’s Post

#UseYourVote during #euelections2024 #eu2024 between 6-9 June 2024. Email reminders can be set up at https://together.eu/, and more info on the #EU is at https://lnkd.in/d-MAc6dr Fingers crossed, the EU elections will be a win for, among others, animal welfare, nature conservation, and wildlife protection in order to restore biodiversity and tackle climate change.

Giving agency to animals and plants is a key element in how we change our understanding of and our relationship with the living world around us. https://lnkd.in/esXqPVBa

#rightsofnature ..."At least 30 countries have rights of nature laws, including Ecuador, the first nation to recognize nature’s rights in its constitution in 2008. Since then, the country’s top court has used the law to block a proposed copper and gold mining project in a protected cloud forest and halt a road construction project that was polluting a river. In 2020, Veelenturf proposed a national rights of nature law to Panamanian lawmakers. She spent the next two years helping draft the law, which went into effect earlier this year. During that time, Panama’s Ministry of the Environment asked Veelenturf to provide expertise on new sea turtle protections and help draft a second law that grants the animals specific rights tailored to the threats they face. “The rights of sea turtles are going to be much different than the rights of a coral reef or the rights of a whale or the rights of an eagle or a river,” she said. Under the new law, individuals, organizations or companies found guilty of violating the turtles’ rights to live in a pollution-free environment and remain unharmed by fishing activity, coastal development and climate change may be fined or have their businesses shut down. The law also requires the creation of a committee of officials, scientists and advocates to oversee its implementation. “They’re all now sitting at the table supervising what’s going on, and they can more easily report violations,” said Panamanian Congressman Gabriel Silva, a top backer of the law. But the law is not meant to only be punitive, says Constanza Prieto, an expert at Earth Law Center, a U.S.-based nonprofit that also helped draft Panama’s rights of nature law. Much of its strength lies in its mandate to prevent further harm and restore populations through community partnerships. “That’s the most important part,” she said."...

These hatchlings have legal rights in Panama. A law passed by the country’s National Assembly earlier this year guarantees sea turtles the right to thrive in a healthy #environment, a protection until now typically reserved for humans. Panama is part of a growing list of countries and communities around the world latching on to the Rights of #Nature movement, which seeks to grant #wildlife a similar legal status to that of individuals and companies. While the strategy has so far been mostly used to protect whole #ecosystems, … At least 30 countries have rights of #nature rights in its #constitution in 2008. Since then, the country’s top court has used the law to block a proposed copper and #gold mining project in a protected cloud forest and halt a road construction project that was #polluting a river. Back to #eden #naturerestoration #naturerevival #biodiversity #ecosystemservices #ecosystemrestoration #animalrights

2023 Zimbabwe Animal Law Conference! #ClimateChange session, the global impact of climate change and its effects on our planet. Dan Church Aid in Zimbabwe is tirelessly working to enhance the livelihoods of at-risk communities residing along the Zambezi Valley Basin. Dan Church Aid in Zimbabwe tackle human-wildlife conflicts caused by habitat encroachment, #climatechange, and the unfortunate loss of life. Let's join forces for a sustainable future!#ClimateAction #climatechange #ClimateEmergency

🌟WEDNESDAY WIN🌟 🛒 The UK government is planning to implement a law to ban products from supermarkets that have links with illegal deforestation abroad. But what does this mean for wildlife? Watch to find out why this law is an animal win! 🐾 Another way of looking at this law is that it may mean our government is taking a more proactive approach in emphasising a direct link between our diet, compassion and conservation. But while it targets big businesses, gaps exist for independent sellers, farmers, online markets, etc. How effective will this proposed law be in restricting goods sourced from the destruction of wildlife and nature? Share your thoughts below👇 Sources: (1)https://lnkd.in/eFjEMPQi. [Open Government License] (2)https://lnkd.in/eqntz_MH [Press Release] #animalwelfare #UK #VHWW #VerifyHumanity #CompassionateConservation #veganism

🐾 Urgent Call for Animal Conservation 🌍 Let's take a moment to ponder: what happens if we don't step up to save our precious animal friends? 🦁🐘 🌿 Ecological Balance: Animals play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems. If we don't protect them, it could disrupt food chains and impact the health of our planet. 🌍 Biodiversity Loss: Animals contribute to the rich tapestry of life on Earth. Without them, we could lose incredible species forever, affecting the beauty and balance of our world. 🌏 Human Connection: Many animals are integral to cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom. Losing them would diminish our collective human story. 💔 Ethical Responsibility: Every creature has a right to exist. By safeguarding animals, we uphold a moral duty to protect the vulnerable. Let's rally together and be the voice for those who can't speak for themselves. 🌱🐾 #SaveOurAnimals #ConservationMatters #ProtectOurPlanet

Should forests have rights? Sign up for our emails today to get environmental news you might have missed straight to your inbox! We launched 'Synchronicity Recommends' earlier this year as a way of sharing the news and stories our team have been reading, watching, and listening to, and it has proved incredibly popular! Our next issue, coming out tomorrow, includes news about pangolin conservation, research on animal consciousness, and a podcast discussing whether nature should be afforded legal rights, and how that would work. Let us know if you'd like to receive it 👉 https://lnkd.in/eJmgFqKb Image description: An email notification on a forest backdrop reading 'Environment news you might have missed! Should forests have rights?' #Conservation #Environment #EnvironmentNews

🎉 Bullfrog Battle Won! 🐸✨ Our Wildlife Protection Unit celebrates a significant win for the protection of indigenous species in Heidelberg! In December 2023, our Wildlife Protection Unit received a complaint regarding a proposed development on an open space near the British American Tobacco Factory on Stasie Street. This area, home to protected Giant and African Bullfrogs, was at risk due to a lapsed environmental authorisation dating back to 2006. Understanding the high conservation value of these species, we immediately contacted the Lesedi Municipality to clarify the status and impact of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development. Despite initial resistance and outdated authorisations being used to justify the project, we persisted in our advocacy for these vulnerable creatures. Our commitment led to substantial community involvement and lobbying efforts, culminating in a collaborative meeting in March 2024. During this meeting, attended by community members and various stakeholders, the Lesedi Municipality confirmed that the proposed development would not occur on the land inhabited by the bullfrogs. Additionally, it was clarified that the wetland area, vital for the bullfrogs, lies outside the demarcated development zone. This outcome represents a significant victory, underscoring the power of community action and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. The bullfrog habitat will remain undisturbed, ensuring these species continue to thrive in their natural environment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us in this endeavour, proving that together, we can make a difference for wildlife. 🌿💚 ➡️ The NSPCA cares for ALL animals. Support our cause today: https://lnkd.in/gYGtBAz #NSPCA #SPCA #WildlifeProtection #ConservationVictory #SaveTheBullfrogs #CommunityPower #EnvironmentalJustice #HeidelbergConservation #ProtectOurWildlife

Exciting news for Colorado's bee species! 🙌 The state legislature has passed a bill authorizing a comprehensive study of these insects—by classifying bees as animals under Colorado law, the state can now use existing funds and programs to protect them. We're thrilled to see this critical step towards understanding and protecting these vital ecological players and look forward to continuing our mission of studying and improving pollinator health throughout this region. #Biodiversity #Pollinators #PositiveNews #WildlifeConservation #SustainabilityNews