World Wildlife Fund

View all press releases from:  2008    2007    2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001    2000    1999    1998    1997    1996

• Rough Seas for Orange Roughy: Popular U.S. Fish Import in Jeopardy

  Washington, D.C. - Reckless overfishing is rapidly causing the demise of orange roughy and other imported fish species popular with U.S. consumers, according to a new scientific study released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and TRAFFIC. The study finds that rapidly expanding and unregulated fishing in deep waters is fast depleting species that could become commercially extinct if protective measures are not taken immediately by international governing bodies

  December 30, 2003

• Prestigious Getty Prize Awarded to Five Conservation Leaders

  Washington, DC - Conservation leaders from Russia, Indonesia, Chile, Papua New Guinea and China will share this year's J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced today. The annual prize honors outstanding contributions to international conservation and carries with it an award of $100,000, which will be equally divided among this year's awardees.

  December 19, 2003

• Ivory Trade Out Of Control In Three West African Countries

  Washington, DC - Domestic ivory markets in three key ivory trading countries in West Africa remain unregulated, subverting international trade controls and leading to the illegal killing of elephants, according to a new report launched today by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network of World Wildlife Fund (WWF). National attempts to control the ivory trade in Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Senegal have been short-lived and have failed. The new report calls for improved legislation and enforcement, as West Africa's ivory markets continue to pose serious challenges to the conservation of elephants throughout the African continent.

  December 15, 2003

• Mozambican Community Leaders Awarded National Geographic Society / Howard Buffett Award

  Washington - Ms. Aida Safire and Mr. Augusto Assane Omar, who helped create one of Africa's newest national parks, have been awarded the prestigious 2003 National Geographic Society/Howard Buffett Award for Leadership in African Conservation.

  December 03, 2003

• Russia clarifies Position on Kyoto Protocol

  Milan, Italy - The recent statement by Russia's deputy economy minister, Mukhamed Tsikhanov, clarifies that Russia is still moving towards ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, according to Greenpeace and WWF, participating in the Climate Change Conference in Milan.

  December 03, 2003

• Russian Election Politicking Over Kyoto Protocol Nothing More than Hot Air

  Milan, Italy - The statement of a Russian economic advisor against the Kyoto Protocol was nothing more than pre-election bluster, ahead of Moscow's Duma election this Sunday, according to the Climate Action Network, speaking at the protocol talks in Milan.

  December 02, 2003

• Chemical Contamination Revealed by UK Blood Testing

  A cocktail of highly toxic chemicals has been found in every one of the 155 people whose blood was tested in a national study commissioned by WWF-UK

  November 25, 2003

• Illegal driftnets continue to kill thousands of dolphins, says WWF report

  Washington, D.C. - World Wildlife Fund (WWF) today warned that illegal driftnets are still killing thousands of dolphins - and other vulnerable species - every year in the Mediterranean, despite the European Union's ban on driftnet fishing from 1 January 2002, and UN moratorium on large scale driftnets from 1992.

  November 19, 2003

• Global Warming-Related Risk: The Next Big Hurdle for Electricity Companies

  WASHINGTON - Some of the world's largest power companies are facing a major financial threat and could face costs equivalent to over 10 percent of 2002 earnings if they fail to take steps to prepare for upcoming global warming regulation, according to a new World Wildlife Fund report released at the London Stock Exchange.

  November 19, 2003

• WWF Kicks Off Annual Pennies for the Planet Campaign

  Washington - Starting today, kids across the country will begin collecting pennies to benefit the planet. For the fifth straight year World Wildlife Fund's Pennies for the Planet campaign will encourage young people across the country to learn about wildlife and wild places and give them a way to improve the environment.

  November 19, 2003

• WWF Slams Canada and Russia for Blocking Listing of Asbestos as a Dangerous Substance

  World Wildlife Fund (WWF) condemns Canada and Russia for leading a revolt against the listing of chrysotile asbestos on a major international toxics convention, despite scientific findings showing that this substance is harmful for human health and the environment, and clear obligations under the treaty for such a listing.

  November 18, 2003

• Local Students Learn to 'Buy Different' at Environmental Scavenger Hunt

  SEATTLE - A diverse group of more than 100 kids from the Puget Sound area combed Northgate Mall today during the inaugural I Buy Different Scavenger Hunt, part of the Buy, Live, Be Different--Make a Difference campaign which challenges young people to make their purchases more environmentally-friendly. Participants formed teams that included students from area middle and high schools, members of regional scout troops and other clubs, and teens from area community centers. During the scavenger hunt, the kids looked for products and stores that promote environmentally and socially responsible practices. A drawing at the end of the scavenger hunt decided prizes such as a trip to the 2004 Environmental Media Awards in Hollywood, a world class DJ for a dance and cash prizes for youth groups.

  November 15, 2003

• Atlantic Salmon Federation Recognizes WWF Conservationist

  New York - In recognition of excellence in international leadership, toward conserving the wild Atlantic salmon, the Canada-based Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) announced today that Tom Grasso, director of Marine Conservation Policy for World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is the 2003 recipient of the Lee Wulff Conservation Award.

  November 13, 2003

• DOD Exemption a Sad Day for America

  World Wildlife Fund issued the following statement by its vice president Ginette Hemley in reaction to Senate passage of a measure to exempt the Department of Defense from provisions of the Endangered Species and Marine Mammal Protection Acts, in the name of military readiness.

  November 12, 2003

• Puget Sound Students to Take Part in the Inaugural I Buy Different Scavenger Hunt November 15

  Seattle - Kids from all over the Puget Sound area will show how their shopping prowess can contribute to a cleaner, greener Earth by participating in the inaugural I Buy Different Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, November 15 at the Northgate Shopping Mall. The I Buy Different Scavenger Hunt is expected to turn out hundreds of students who will compete for great prizes, including a trip to Hollywood, while learning more about what it means to "buy different."

  November 12, 2003

• Theo Colborn Receives Rachel Carson Award

  Dr. Theo Colborn--scientist, author, and environmental advocate--was presented with the 2003 Rachel Carson Award last night by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) at their annual meeting in Austin, TX

  November 10, 2003

• The Prestige: One Year Later Proves Worse than Exxon Valdez

  Washington, D.C. - World Wildlife Fund (WWF-US) warns in a new report released today that the Prestige oil spill crisis is not over, with both the marine environment and the fishing sector on the north-western coast of Spain still suffering from the disaster one year after the tanker sank. This conclusion comes despite claims by the Spanish government that the affected area is recovering well.

  November 07, 2003

• Land Deal Opens the Door to Protecting 147,500 Acres of Chilean Rainforest

  Valdivia, Chile - Transforming a bankruptcy into a conservation opportunity, three international conservation groups have partnered with Chilean environmental organizations to protect the rare plants and wildlife on 147,500 acres of biologically rich temperate rainforest in the Valdivian Coastal Range in southern Chile.

  November 06, 2003

• WWF Statement on the Retirement of U.S. Senator Bob Graham, Everglades Champion

  Washington, DC - Responding to the today's news that Bob Graham, Florida's senior United States Senator, will not be running for a fourth term, Kathryn S. Fuller, President of World Wildlife Fund said:

  November 03, 2003

• San Francisco Endorses European Chemical Reforms

  Washington, DC - San Francisco's Board of Supervisors voted 10-1 on October 28 to adopt a resolution supporting a proposed European Union law to control hazardous chemicals.

  October 30, 2003

• Historic Vote on Global Warming Bill Reflects Building Momentum to Limit Carbon Dioxide

  WASHINGTON - "Today's strong bi-partisan vote shatters the myth that the US Senate will never seriously consider action to address the environmental problem of global warming

  October 30, 2003

• WWF Announces Market-Based Plan to Stop Illegal Logging in West and Central Africa

  Washington, D.C. - Timber companies in West and Central Africa will join World Wildlife Fund in an ambitious effort to halt illegal logging that is devastating the region's forests, including the world's second largest rainforest, the Congo Basin.

  October 15, 2003

• Iguacu National Park Under Threat Again

  Washington - WWF condemns the violent invasion of the Iguaçu National Park in Brazil and the unlawful attempt to reopen a road crossing the area. Sometime in the past week, a group of 300 people invaded the park with bulldozers, breaking down fences and destroying the local post of IBAMA, the Brazilian Environmental Agency, as they tried to reopen the 11.2 mile "Estrada do Colono" (Colonists' Road), closed in 2001 because of its threat to the biological integrity of the park.

  October 09, 2003

• WWF Response to the World Climate Change Conference in Moscow

  WASHINGTON - The World Wildlife Fund noted that the World Climate Change Conference in Moscow, Russia, ended today with a strong confirmation of the findings and recommendations by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the scientific body providing scientific information on climate change for the United Nations.

  October 07, 2003

• New Guide Helps Travelers Avoid Illegal Wildlife Souvenirs on Caribbean Visits

  Washington - As the fall cruise season gets under way, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and TRAFFIC today released a guide to help Caribbean travelers avoid buying illegal souvenirs made from endangered species.

  October 06, 2003

• WWF Says Peru Pipeline Vote Sets Terrible Precedent; Calls US Role Disappointing

  WASHINGTON - World Wildlife Fund-U.S. President Kathryn S. Fuller issued the following statement Wednesday following the vote by directors of the InterAmerican Development Bank to approve $300 million in funding for Peru's controversial Camisea pipeline project.

  September 10, 2003

• Report Finds Global Warming Taking a Toll on Parks

  WASHINGTON - World Wildlife Fund (WWF) today warned that reductions in heat-trapping gas emissions from burning fossil fuels are urgently needed to protect treasured national and state parks from global warming. The warning comes as WWF releases a new report on the latest scientific research on warming and parks at a 10-year global forum of park managers, scientists and policymakers now underway in South Africa.

  September 09, 2003

• Vague Promises Not Enough to Protect Peru Marine Reserve

  WASHINGTON - Guillermo Castilleja, World Wildlife Fund's vice president for Latin America, issued the following statement in response to Peru's announcement of an "environmental accord" to protect the Paracas marine reserve from serious ecological harm associated with the Camisea pipeline project. The Peruvian announcement comes on the eve of Wednesday's critical IABD vote on funding the project.

  September 09, 2003

• Mozambican Environmentalist Wins Prestigious J. Paul Getty Conservation Prize

  WASHINGTON - Antonio Reina, the Director of Mozambique's Forum Natureza em Perigo (FNP) has been awarded this year's J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced today. The annual prize honors outstanding contributions to international conservation and carries with it an award of $100,000.

  September 09, 2003

• Clean Energy -- the Better Solution for Preventing Blackouts

  While some claim that preventing another widespread blackout simply requires greater investment in the existing and antiquated energy system developed early in the last century, the real solution to our energy problems will require the United States to move on to the next stage of energy development - a cleaner, more efficient and more decentralized system.

  September 03, 2003

• 'No' Vote Could Offer New Life to Camisea Project

  WASHINGTON - A "no funding" vote in this week's anticipated decision by the Inter-American Development Bank could bring the government of Peru and sponsors of the controversial Camisea pipeline project back to the negotiating table, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

  September 02, 2003

• Forests Are New York City's Best Hope for Long Term Supply of Clean Water

  Washington, D.C. - A new study launched today by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The World Bank shows that protecting forest areas in New York City's watersheds provides the most cost-effective means of supplying the city with high quality drinking water and results in significant health and economic benefits. The new report - Running Pure - demonstrates that more than a third of the world's 105 biggest cities - including New York - rely on fully or partly protected forests for much of their drinking water. Well-managed natural forests in New York City's watersheds can minimize the risk of landslides, erosion, and sedimentation. Forests in New York's Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds substantially improve water purity by filtering pollutants, such as pesticides, and in some cases capture and store water.

  September 01, 2003

• EPA Failure to Regulate CO2 Emissions - A Missed Opportunity

  WASHINGTON, DC - The following statement was issued by Katherine Silverthorne, Director, U.S. Climate Change Program, World Wildlife Fund, following today's announcement of EPA's decision:

  August 29, 2003

• Swashbuckling Customs Officials Land a Big Catch: Pirate Vessel Nabbed in High Seas Chase , WWF Says

  SYDNEY, Australia - Dodging icebergs and bucking 30-foot seas, a flotilla of Australian-led vessels has captured a pirate fishing ship and its cargo of suspected illegal catch after a 21-day chase across the southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

  August 28, 2003

• New Report Shows Important Benefits of Marine Reserve Networks for Fishing Communities and Oceans

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - Leading scientists report that marine reserves are a win-win for fishers, coastal communities, and environmentalists. Three U.S. states are among global success stories profiled in a study released this week, which is based on a more comprehensive World Wildlife Fund report on the important benefits marine reserves provide to fisheries and ocean wildlife.

  August 28, 2003

• WWF Calls on Ex-Im Bank, IADB to Require Changes in Proposed Camisea Pipeline

  Washington - World Wildlife Fund urges two U.S. taxpayer supported banks to withhold support for the controversial Camisea Pipeline project in Peru. The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States are scheduled to vote soon on more than $300 million in loans for the project. Their votes will have far-reaching impact, both in Peru and beyond, setting a precedent for the condition of pipeline financing in the future.

  August 26, 2003

• Science Must Guide Forest Fire Policy

  Ashland, Ore. - Dominick DellaSala released the following statements in advance of a visit by President Bush that will highlight the administration's forest fire policy. DellaSala is the director of World Wildlife Fund's Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion program in Ashland, Ore. He holds a doctorate in forest ecology.

  August 20, 2003

• Study: Snow Leopards in Decline; Revenge Killings, Illegal Trade Responsible

  Washington - The first study to assess threats to snow leopards across their entire range finds a dramatic decline of the big cats in many countries over the past decade. The species is being threatened by illegal killing and trade across central Asia, Russia and the Himalayas, according to a report released today by TRAFFIC, World Wildlife Fund and the International Snow Leopard Trust.

  August 14, 2003

• Cool Tips for a Wild World

  WASHINGTON - As summer heats up and energy use skyrockets, World Wildlife Fund offers some cool tips to help keep our world wild and full of life.

  August 07, 2003

• WWF Condemns Iceland's Decision to Begin Whaling

  Washington - World Wildlife Fund condemned the announcement by Iceland today that it would begin hunting 38 minke whales this month under the guise of science. The announcement comes just 9 months after Iceland rejoined the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which bans commercial whaling but allows for limited killing of whales for scientific research.

  August 06, 2003

• President Bush's Initiative on Illegal Logging Holds Important Promise for the World's Forests

  Washington, D.C. - U.S. State Department Secretary Colin Powell was joined today by World Wildlife Fund President Kathryn Fuller as he announced a global initiative to help stop illegal logging. According to Secretary Powell, the initiative will assist developing countries reduce illegal logging and address corruption in the forest sector. WWF praised the initiative and encouraged the administration to follow it up with funding and agency support needed to implement a truly comprehensive, multi-year approach.

  July 28, 2003

• Worldwide Illegal Logging Threat Experts Available for Comment

  Washington, DC - At a U.S. State Department event scheduled for 4:45 p.m. today, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will announce the President's Initiative Against Illegal Logging. The initiative aims to assists developing countries in reducing illegal logging and addressing corruption in the forest sector.

  July 28, 2003

• US Research Plan Another Tactic to Delay Taking Action on Global Warming

  WASHINGTON - The ten year research proposal for the US Climate Change Science Program announced today by the Bush Administration appears to be another attempt to focus attention on scientific uncertainties instead of taking action on the basis of science that already exists, according to World Wildlife Fund.

  July 25, 2003

• Congressional Funding For Enforcement of Wildlife Trade Grossly Inadequate

  Washington - David Sandalow, executive vice-president of World Wildlife Fund, the largest privately supported international conservation organization in the world, released the following statement before the Senate hearing today on the importation of exotic species and its impact on public health and safety.

  July 17, 2003

• A 'Forceful' New PSA Marks WWF's Collaboration with Jessica Lange and Five For Fighting

  WASHINGTON - World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has launched "Force for Nature," its new public service advertising campaign enhanced by the remarkable voice of two-time Academy Award winner Jessica Lange and the music of Grammy-nominated John Ondrasik and his band Five for Fighting. 'Terrasong' featured on the TV spot, was written for and donated exclusively to WWF by the band as a celebration of Mother Earth.

  July 09, 2003

• Brazilian Government Reveals Alarming Rate of Deforestation in Amazon

  Washington, D.C. - An unexpectedly high rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest announced by the Brazilian government indicates that urgent, sweeping measures are needed to save this area of global importance, according to WWF. But despite this news there is new hope stemming from efforts to establish protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon.

  July 02, 2003

• Americans Declare Independence From Hazardous Chemicals

  Washington, DC - On the eve of the Fourth of July holiday, over 10,000 Americans from all 50 states have signed the "U.S. Declaration of Independence from Hazardous Chemicals," according to World Wildlife Fund--one of the 61 environmental, health, and trade groups that have endorsed the declaration. Spurred by policy reforms underway in Europe, citizens from around the country have demonstrated their support for improved protection from chemical hazards.

  July 01, 2003

• Shipping Lanes Moved to Protect Right Whales

  SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick - To better protect some of the world's most endangered whales from collisions with ships, Canadian authorities are changing the shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy beginning July 1. The move marks the first time shipping lanes have been altered to protect an endangered species. Over the last decade, ship collisions have been responsible for about 40 percent of all known North Atlantic right whale deaths.

  June 27, 2003

• Whaling Commission Adopts First Ever Bycatch Figure for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

  Berlin - The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has adopted the first global estimate ever done of whale, dolphin and porpoise deaths from entanglement in fishing gear, also known as bycatch. According to a new paper submitted to the IWC, approximately 308,000 of these animals, scientifically classified as centaceans, are unintentionally drowned each year. The paper was adopted by the commission's Scientific Committee earlier this week. The IWC is the only global forum for cetacean conservation.

  June 20, 2003

• Russian and South African Women to Receive WWF Award for Making a Difference in Conservation

  Washington, DC - At an awards ceremony on June 25 in Washington, DC, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will recognize the efforts of two outstanding women for their role in conservation. Svetlana Titova of Russia and Ronwyn "Ronnie" Brereton-Stiles of South Africa will receive awards from WWF for their dedication and the advancement of conservation work in their native countries.

  June 18, 2003

• USDA Honors Successful Eco-Potato Partnership

  Washington, DC - A unique partnership between World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wisconsin potato growers, and university researchers is being recognized today as a recipient of the Department of Agriculture's prestigious "Secretary's Honor Award."

  June 13, 2003

• 308,000 Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises Killed in Fishing Gear Annually, New Study Shows

  Washington - Nearly 1,000 whales dolphins and porpoises (classified scientifically as cetaceans) drown every day when they become entangled in fishing gear, according to a new study submitted to the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Researchers from the United States and United Kingdom estimate that approximately 308,000 cetaceans are unintentionally drowned this way each year.

  June 12, 2003

• MIT Analysis Shows McCain-Lieberman Bill Could Be Cost Effective First Step for US Policy on Warming

  WASHINGTON - "A new economic analysis by MIT shows that the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act could be a highly cost-effective measure to address global warming. According to the analysis, during a period when median household incomes are expected to rise from $40,000 to $61,000 per year, the annual price of implementing the bill could cost a household as little as $100 per year-less than the price a family of four might pay for a day at Disneyland.

  June 10, 2003

• WWF Oceans Experts Available To Discuss Pew Report

  Washington - The Pew Oceans Commission today released its recommendations for protecting and restoring U.S. coastlines and ocean environments. World Wildlife Fund has marine experts who are available to discuss the recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission and the plan's implications for U.S. policy

  June 04, 2003

• AEP Shareholders Vote on Global Warming Resolution

   

  April 23, 2003

• WWF Reports Coral Bleaching Underway in US Territory of American Samoa

  World Wildlife Fund today reported that coral bleaching is occurring at all of its seven research sites in the US territory of American Samoa, including reefs within the protective boundaries of the US National Park of American Samoa, Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Maloata Bay community reserve.

  March 21, 2003

• WWF and Ecuador Sign Accord to Transform Galapagos

  World Wildlife Fund and the government of Ecuador, launching one of the most ambitious conservation partnerships ever undertaken, signed an agreement Friday to transform the Galapagos Islands into a model for 21st Century clean energy use over the next 10 years.

  March 07, 2003

• Disappearance of North American Mammal Linked to Global Warming

  New research published in the February 2003 issue of the Journal of Mammalogy indicates that American pikas may be one of the first mammals in North America known to fall victim to global warming.

  February 25, 2003

• WWF's postion on Administration and Industry Voluntary CO2 Intensity Targets Announcements

  "Voluntary goals for reducing global warming pollution make no more sense than voluntary standards for drinking water or toxic cleanup. With public health and safety and our environment at risk, failure to establish legally binding reduction targets is simply irresponsible.

  February 11, 2003

• WWF Statement on Administration Energy Plan Proposed by President Bush

  The Administration plan continues to leave the United States dependent on outdated technologies and misses the environmental opportunity to switch from dirty coal to clean renewable energy.

  February 06, 2003

• Corporate Carbon Dioxide Commitments: Separating Fact from Fiction

  The burning of fossil fuels - oil, gas and coal - emits carbon dioxide which builds up in the atmosphere, blankets the earth and traps in heat, causing global warming.

  February 04, 2003

• WWF to Use Clean Wind Energy from Regional Windfarm

  World Wildlife Fund today announced that ten percent of the annual power for its Washington DC building would come from wind energy. The building is a 235,759 square foot facility with eight floors plus a two-level parking garage and houses several businesses in addition to the headquarters of WWF's US operations.

  January 30, 2003

• McCain-Lieberman Bill is Potential Jump-Start for US Policy on Global Warming

  It's encouraging to see real action on the environment by senior statesmen so early in the new Congress. The McCain-Lieberman bill could jump-start US policy on global warming.

  January 07, 2003