Pangolin meat consumption in urban Cameroon has recently plummeted, thanks to rising support for a law protecting these critically endangered animals.
Cameroon provides crucial habitat for three species of pangolins—the most trafficked mammals in the world—making the country a focus of WildAid’s conservation efforts. In 2017, the government of Cameroon banned the hunting, capture, killing, and trade of all pangolin species, both within the country and internationally. Sadly, the consumption of pangolin meat remained widespread in urban areas of Cameroon—until now.
A recent WildAid study revealed that the public’s awareness of laws protecting pangolins has more than doubled over the past two years, with over 60% of urban Cameroonians now on board with protecting them. Countrywide support for pangolin protection has soared, with two-thirds of people living in cities and towns backing the cause.
While there’s still work to be done, this is a huge step forward for pangolins!
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION IN ECUADOR
We're proud to celebrate 10 years of sea turtle conservation in Ecuador!
Ecuador’s coastal waters provide an ideal habitat for five sea turtle species (Green, Leatherback, Olive-Ridley, Loggerhead, and Hawksbill), making the country a long-time priority for WildAid’s marine protection efforts. For the past decade, WildAid has supported NGOs, park rangers, and volunteers across Ecuador's coast on numerous sea turtle conservation projects including marking and protecting nests, releasing more than 350,000 sea turtle hatchlings into the sea, and educating the local community about the importance of protecting sea turtles.
WildAid’s marine team was honored to share our work at the recent 11th COP for the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles in Manta, Ecuador. Sharing our experience and learning from other conservationists was an inspiring step towards a future where sea turtles thrive.
REDUCE FOOD WASTE, CUT CARBON, AND PROTECT VULNERABLE WILDLIFE AND HABITAT
There’s a simple yet powerful way to minimize your ecological footprint and promote a more sustainable food system for the benefit of people and the planet: Eat up!
Limiting food waste helps vulnerable wildlife and habitat by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from food decomposition in landfills. Even better, it conserves water, soil, and energy resources expended in the production of food that goes uneaten. Less waste also means less demand for farming, leading to less deforestation and biodiversity loss.
WildAid teamed up with The James Beard Foundation and School of Visual Arts to create a national ad campaign highlighting accessible ways to reduce food waste and at the same time save money, enjoy tasty meals and step more lightly on our planet.
NEW CAMPAIGN PROMOTES WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY TOURISM IN VIETNAM
We recently launched “Wilderness Explorers”—a new campaign promoting sustainable tourism practices across Vietnam.
Hosted by Miss Universe Vietnam 2017, H’Hen Nie, our new travel series follows well-known ambassadors as they explore the extraordinary natural beauty of Vietnam, learn about wildlife-friendly tourism, and encourage travelers to say no to bushmeat, like pangolin meat, and other harmful activities.
Vietnam is considered a hotspot for the transportation and consumption of bushmeat and other wildlife products, but nature conservation efforts, like ecotourism, have recently gained traction across the country. WildAid initiatives like “Wilderness Explorers” will continue to inspire an interest in sustainability and wildlife-friendly lifestyles!
WE'RE CELEBRATING OUR OCEANS ALL MONTH LONG!
Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean is not just a vast body of water; it’s a lifeline for our planet. From providing the air we breathe to acting as Earth’s climate regulator, the ocean plays a crucial role in sustaining all life on Earth.
From “The Galapagos of Africa” to a marine superhighway in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, discover how WildAid is making a difference in three diverse ocean regions, each facing unique challenges like illegal fishing and climate change.
And, in case you missed it, we hosted a special World Oceans Day livestream celebrating this powerful ecosystem on June 6. Tune in to the recording to hear the dynamic ways WildAid staff are safeguarding marine species and habitats around the world.
"WildAid's Marine Program focuses on strengthening the enforcement of two key areas: coastal fisheries where communities have fished for generations and marine protected areas (MPAs), national parks for the ocean that can safeguard ocean wildlife and habitats. I couldn’t be more excited to be part WildAid’s Marine team; the ocean has given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give back."
—Aldo Simone, WildAid Marine Program Manager
Small But Mighty Agents of Change. WildAid's Mission is to inspire and empower the world to protect wildlife and vital habitats from critical threats.
