New EU Environment Action Programme neglects wildlife in crisis
The new Environment Action Programme adopted today is a clear
signal that the environment remains a priority for the European
Union. However, the continued unsustainable use and abuse of
wildlife calls for more urgent and drastic measures than those
outlined in the programme according to the International Fund
for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org). As an international
animal welfare NGO with local expertise and projects from South
Africa to Russia, from Australia to Canada, IFAW has first-hand
and daily experience with the disappearance of wildlife. “Last
year more than 25,000 elephants were killed for their ivory,
there are only 3,000 tigers left in the wild, prices for polar
bear pelts have doubled and the number of skins up for auction
has tripled (in the last five years),” said IFAW EU Director
Sonja Van Tichelen. “Saving the environment can only be done in
conjunction with a halt to the devastation of the world’s most
charismatic wildlife