About

Campaign outline

Southeast Asia is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, populated by some of the best recognised and well loved species on the planet, including the Sumatran tiger, Asian elephant and orangutan. But this campaign will be focusing on some of the more mysterious species to be found in the diverse habitats of the area and highlighting our opportunity to ensure that they also have a future. Species such as the almost mythical saola, the unicorn of Asia, the proboscis monkey, the Roti Island snake-necked turtle, the spectacular giant fish of the majestic rivers of the region and the magical hornbills and dragons. The EAZA IUCN/SSC campaign focuses attention on the countries of the ASEAN grouping.

The IUCN/SSC has identified large animals in Asia as being at particular risk through a combination of factors, most prominently illegal trade-driven hunting and habitat loss. The SSC has founded Action Asia to help stimulate action to combat this potential loss. Species such as the saola probably number no more than a few hundred animals, yet we can and should save this species before it’s too late. While some of the species most at risk are largely unknown they play important roles in preserving the health of the ecosystems they inhabit, helping ensure that the tropical forests, the lungs of the world, are healthy and functioning. With illegal trade the most important factor in species decline in this region, it’s not enough to protect forest – though this is a vital conservation action; the species themselves must be protected from unsustainable hunting and capture.

Campaign aims:

  • Raise awareness in the European public, European institutions and European business community of the amazing, yet threatened, animal species of Southeast Asia;
  • Create a fund of €750,000 for Southeast Asian species conservation projects;
  • Assist in reducing trade and hunting of Southeast Asian species at risk;
  • Influence European consumer behavior, demonstrating how this can positively impact on conservation issues.

This campaign will cover all species over 1kg and at risk of extinction in Southeast Asia. It will achieve its objectives through raising awareness in Europe of the threats to species in Southeast Asia via; lobbying the EU and other key decision makers on issues impacting the survival of species in Southeast Asia where appropriate; raising funds for conservation action via the European public, corporations and individuals; work in partnership with a range of organisations with compatible aims.

The Campaign will run from the 1st October 2011 to the 30th September 2013.

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