When I was offered EIA’s events and fundraising internship, I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to start working with some of the world’s most dedicated environmental campaigners. I was brought in to work on Tiger Tracks – the largest ever event to save wild tigers
Hard-fought battles that commenced years ago have come to a constructive and logical conclusion in the interests of sharks, manta rays and rosewoods. For Asian big cats, there was a good decision that will review of efforts to combat illegal trade and to end trade in parts and products of captive-bred tigers
Our Tiger Campaign head, Debbie Banks, reports back from the CITES CoP16 meeting in Bangkok that only 15 minutes were allotted to tigers which is extremely disappointing. However, the meeting did at least decide to review implementation and compliance of various Parties in respect of CITES reporting requirements.
As the gun slammed down on the table and I heard the chilling words “I can shoot you now and I may go to prison but I will still be alive, but you, you will be dead” I realised we were in serious trouble
Rhino populations are being hammered by poachers, pushing the species ever-closer to extinction to satisfy demand for rhino horn in Vietnam and elsewhere – yet despite 668 rhinos being slaughtered by poachers across South Africa in 2012, there are indications it is contemplating pushing for a legal trade in rhino horn
If 2012 has shown anything, it’s that we’re still small and that our concise reports anchored in hard documentary evidence – often obtained undercover in potentially dangerous circumstances – continue to give us the clout to punch well above our weight