290 Scientists from 32 countries have signed a petition asking the government of Tanzania choose an alternate route around the Serengeti National Park, rather than building one through it.
The petition is a reaction to the announced plans of the Tanzanian government to build a commercial route across the northern part of the Serengeti National Park.
International and conservation organizations, the travel industry, and the public have protested the decision. Now scientists are speaking out. The petition, and accompanying survey, follows an article in the scientific journal, Nature, in which 27 leading scientists described the destruction the road would cause.
The Petition of scientists states:
“Evidence from other parts of the world, combined with our deep understanding of the Serengeti ecosystem, makes it clear – the road will result in severe, negative, irreversible impacts, with little mitigation possible.”
The petition reiterates warnings by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in July of this year about specific negative impacts of the highway and adds,
“The proposed road cuts through a critical wilderness area that is essential to the migration. The type of road surface matters little. The migration itself could easily collapse, with a devastating effect on all wildlife, the grasslands, and the entire ecosystem.”
It concludes by asking that an alternative highway be found:
“The government of Tanzania has to work for development and welfare in all areas of the country. But there is no need to sacrifice its most precious wilderness, or its income from tourism, or its heritage of conservation. An alternative can and must be found.”
“Scientists, government officials, engineers, conservationists, economists, aid and lending institutions - all can study and work together to both protect the environment and help the people. This task is critical for both Tanzania and the world.”
Included in the petition is a survey about likely negative impacts. Results clearly show that scientists believe these to be extremely serious. Many, in fact, concluded that the collapse of the wildebeest migration was likely or even inevitable. Results of the survey on impacts are:
In your opinion, how likely are the following:
Combined % Saying Inevitable, Extremely Likely, Very Likely
Disruption and obstruction of migration routes: 85%
57% said it would be inevitable. 28% said extremely likely.
Introduction of invasive plants, animals, and disease: 91%
35% said inevitable. 67% said very likely or extremely likely.
Increased mortality due to wildlife-vehicle collisions: 98%
67% said inevitable. 21% said extremely likely.
Intensive, organized poaching, especially reintroduced rhino: 88%
32% said inevitable. 38% said extremely likely.
Loss of habitat from human settlement and agriculture: 87%
40% said inevitable. 32% said extremely likely.
Eventual collapse of migration:
54% said very or extremely likely. 17% said inevitable. 71%
Respondents also wrote about their professional experiences and opinions:
Dr. Anne Pusey, a professor at Duke University who studied lions in the Serengeti for ten years, wrote: “The Serengeti is a unique and precious ecosystem - one of the very few large scale migratory systems of large animals remaining on the planet…A road across the migratory routes will devastate the system for all the reasons listed in this [petition] letter and survey. “
Traci Birge, a researcher from Finland echoed the thoughts of many in saying, “the proposed highway route would be devastating for the ecology of the Serengeti, and would have long-term negative effects on local residents, wildlife and ecology and would be a terrible blow for global biodiversity.”
Scientists, including top experts in their field, are from more than fifty different universities, research, and conservation organizations. Scientific fields represented included: Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Population Ecology, Reproductive Biology, Wildlife Epidemiology, and Biodiversity Management.
Among the 32 countries represented are: UK, USA, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Israel, Finland and Australia, and the African countries of South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Namibia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The petition and survey were conducted by Save the Serengeti, a nonprofit organization.
Results of the petition and survey, including petitioners names, organizations, countries, and detailed written responses can be found at: http://www.savetheserengeti.org/?p=417
# # #
Contact:
David Blanton
info@savetheserengeti.org
Boyd Norton
info@savetheserengeti.org
Website
http://www.savetheserengeti.org/
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Reuseit.com Helps Consumers Give the Good Life This Holiday Season
Living simply and healthfully while making a significant, long-lasting impact on the environment and society – that’s the definition of the good life, says reuseit.com. This holiday, you can help people live the good life by giving gifts that help them consume less, preserve natural resources and save money, too. Reuseit.com helps solve a common problem for conscious consumers who want to give a gift but don’t know what makes sense. The company’s products are beautifully designed and solution-oriented, helping the recipient eliminate thousands of disposables from their life.
Recognized in 2009 and 2010 as one of Inc. 500's fastest-growing companies, reuseit.com is a one-stop-shop to help consumers give the good life with its innovative gift ideas. What’s more, the products come from good companies that are socially responsible, and reuseit.com donates one percent of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. The company has empowered its nearly 240,000 customers to eliminate more than 900,000,000 use-and-toss items.
“This holiday season, we anticipate another onslaught of eco-tschotskes and gimmicky green products from a huge range of retailers,” said Vincent Cobb, founder of reuseit.com. “Our gift ideas reinforce the fact that we’re not going to consume our way out of this problem. The holidays are a chance to share the good life with friends and family, and reusables are gifts that keep giving throughout the year. Giving gifts that actually help people consume less is a smart, interesting idea whose time has come."
To help consumers select the right reusable for anyone on their gift list, the company has created a comprehensive Gift Center to make the process easy, with buying guides, videos, and hand-picked gift ideas for him, for her, for kids and niches like travelers, co-workers, newbie environmentalists and more.
Below are the company’s top ten overall reusable gift picks for the holidays – innovative, well-designed products that help replace some of the most common disposables.
Reuseit.com’s 2010 Overall Top 10 Picks for Giving the Good Life:
1. Bobble Filtering Reusable Water Bottle - affordably-priced PET water bottle with a built-in filter
2. I’m Not A… Products - clever replacements for paper lunch bags, paper towels, plastic water bottles, plastic bags, facial tissue and more
3. reuseit™ Recycled PET Mesh Ultra Compact Tote - a smart, stylish, 55% recycled bag that folds into its own compact pouch
4. Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle - rolls up flat when empty, can be conveniently stored in bags, purses or pockets and filled for on-the-go hydration
5. To-Go Ware Repeat Utensil Set & Zelco Stainless Steel Portable Utensils - innovative alternatives to disposable plastic utensils
6. Insulated Mugs - ideal for the commuter or coffee lover, porcelain, stainless steel and safe plastic options
7. Glass Bottles - cut back on bottled water and paper cup waste with these gorgeous & safe glass options
8. "We Are Happy to Serve You" New York City Coffee Mug - iconic design, perfect for the office worker looking to cut back on paper and Styrofoam cups
9. Ultra-Compact Shopping Bags - smart & stylish stocking stuffers - makes great gift wrap, too
10. Essential oils - Homemade perfume, cologne, cleaning products and air fresheners make a unique gift
Some of reuseit.com’s best sellers are from its house brand, reuseit™, including everyday basics like shopping totes, ultra-compact bags, lunch bags and more. For more holiday gift picks, visit the company’s Gift Center and check out their Gift Wrap Buying Guide for tips on wrapping gifts with reusable bags.
About reuseit.com
Recognized as a leader and innovator, reuseit.com won Green America’s prestigious Green Business of the Year in 2007 and their Longtime Leadership award in 2009. A trusted source, the company is a BizRate Circle of Excellence Gold Honoree and was recognized by Inc. 500|5000 in 2009 and 2010 as one of the nation’s Fastest Growing Companies. The company has been featured hundreds of times including major media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, ABC News and Vogue. Reuseit.com is an authentic, triple-bottom-line company, supporting Fair Trade Practices and donating one percent of all sales to environmental causes through 1% For the Planet. To date, Reuseit.com has empowered its nearly 240,000 customers to eliminate more than 900,000,000 use-and-toss items.
About Verde PR & Consulting
Verde PR & Consulting is a full-service public relations, marketing, branding, and consulting agency, with an emphasis in new media and corporate social responsibility. Verde’s clients are in the adventure-based outdoor, bike and snowsports industries, as well as the health and wellness and natural grocery markets. http://www.verdepr.com and join the conversation on Twitter.
Recognized in 2009 and 2010 as one of Inc. 500's fastest-growing companies, reuseit.com is a one-stop-shop to help consumers give the good life with its innovative gift ideas. What’s more, the products come from good companies that are socially responsible, and reuseit.com donates one percent of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. The company has empowered its nearly 240,000 customers to eliminate more than 900,000,000 use-and-toss items.
“This holiday season, we anticipate another onslaught of eco-tschotskes and gimmicky green products from a huge range of retailers,” said Vincent Cobb, founder of reuseit.com. “Our gift ideas reinforce the fact that we’re not going to consume our way out of this problem. The holidays are a chance to share the good life with friends and family, and reusables are gifts that keep giving throughout the year. Giving gifts that actually help people consume less is a smart, interesting idea whose time has come."
To help consumers select the right reusable for anyone on their gift list, the company has created a comprehensive Gift Center to make the process easy, with buying guides, videos, and hand-picked gift ideas for him, for her, for kids and niches like travelers, co-workers, newbie environmentalists and more.
Below are the company’s top ten overall reusable gift picks for the holidays – innovative, well-designed products that help replace some of the most common disposables.
Reuseit.com’s 2010 Overall Top 10 Picks for Giving the Good Life:
1. Bobble Filtering Reusable Water Bottle - affordably-priced PET water bottle with a built-in filter
2. I’m Not A… Products - clever replacements for paper lunch bags, paper towels, plastic water bottles, plastic bags, facial tissue and more
3. reuseit™ Recycled PET Mesh Ultra Compact Tote - a smart, stylish, 55% recycled bag that folds into its own compact pouch
4. Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle - rolls up flat when empty, can be conveniently stored in bags, purses or pockets and filled for on-the-go hydration
5. To-Go Ware Repeat Utensil Set & Zelco Stainless Steel Portable Utensils - innovative alternatives to disposable plastic utensils
6. Insulated Mugs - ideal for the commuter or coffee lover, porcelain, stainless steel and safe plastic options
7. Glass Bottles - cut back on bottled water and paper cup waste with these gorgeous & safe glass options
8. "We Are Happy to Serve You" New York City Coffee Mug - iconic design, perfect for the office worker looking to cut back on paper and Styrofoam cups
9. Ultra-Compact Shopping Bags - smart & stylish stocking stuffers - makes great gift wrap, too
10. Essential oils - Homemade perfume, cologne, cleaning products and air fresheners make a unique gift
Some of reuseit.com’s best sellers are from its house brand, reuseit™, including everyday basics like shopping totes, ultra-compact bags, lunch bags and more. For more holiday gift picks, visit the company’s Gift Center and check out their Gift Wrap Buying Guide for tips on wrapping gifts with reusable bags.
About reuseit.com
Recognized as a leader and innovator, reuseit.com won Green America’s prestigious Green Business of the Year in 2007 and their Longtime Leadership award in 2009. A trusted source, the company is a BizRate Circle of Excellence Gold Honoree and was recognized by Inc. 500|5000 in 2009 and 2010 as one of the nation’s Fastest Growing Companies. The company has been featured hundreds of times including major media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, ABC News and Vogue. Reuseit.com is an authentic, triple-bottom-line company, supporting Fair Trade Practices and donating one percent of all sales to environmental causes through 1% For the Planet. To date, Reuseit.com has empowered its nearly 240,000 customers to eliminate more than 900,000,000 use-and-toss items.
About Verde PR & Consulting
Verde PR & Consulting is a full-service public relations, marketing, branding, and consulting agency, with an emphasis in new media and corporate social responsibility. Verde’s clients are in the adventure-based outdoor, bike and snowsports industries, as well as the health and wellness and natural grocery markets. http://www.verdepr.com and join the conversation on Twitter.
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