Latest news with #WildlifeAlliance
Forbes
a day ago
- Science
- Forbes
The Planet Is Burning — But Proven Solutions Are Within Reach
In 2024, the world lost 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary rainforest, the highest level of loss in at least two decades. That's nearly double the destruction recorded in 2023. Fires were the main culprit, fueled by record heat, prolonged drought, and a failure to enforce environmental protections. But, amid the devastation, there is a powerful truth that is too often overlooked: we already know how to stop this. New data from the University of Maryland's GLAD lab, published by Global Forest Watch, shows that the tropics lost forest at a blistering pace of 18 football fields per minute in 2024. The 3.1 gigatons of carbon released into the atmosphere from this single year of forest destruction was greater than India's entire annual fossil fuel emissions. The world's primary rainforests, vital for regulating climate, storing carbon, and preserving biodiversity, are disappearing before our eyes. In Cambodia, where Wildlife Alliance has worked for more than two decades, we have helped protect over 1.4 million hectares of rainforest in the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia's last intact forest ecosystems. This isn't symbolic protection; tangible, measurable, boots-on-the-ground conservation has kept the forest standing. Independent evaluations have shown that Wildlife Alliance's direct protection model is among the most effective in Southeast Asia at preventing deforestation in real-time. By integrating satellite surveillance, ranger deployment, and community incentives, we have created a replicable approach that can be adapted for other threatened forests around the world. Our approach combines law enforcement, technology, and community engagement through direct partnerships with the Cambodian government, Indigenous communities, and local authorities. We fund and manage ranger patrols, build capacity for rapid enforcement, and use satellite data to detect threats before they escalate. The result? In the areas we patrol and manage, satellite data shows forest clearance has fallen to near zero. We are not alone. In 2024, Indonesia and Malaysia reduced their primary forest loss. Their success was also no accident. It was the product of consistent government policies, corporate accountability, and better fire prevention. In southern Bolivia, the Charagua Iyambae Indigenous Territory showed what's possible when early warning systems and community land governance are taken seriously. Despite the flames raging across Latin America, this area stayed intact thanks to foresight, training, and local leadership. Yet such examples remain the exception, not the rule. Smoke from wildfires blankets forests south of the Orinoco River, Venezuela (March 26, 2024) Alarmingly, Global Forest Watch reports that the 2024 fire season devastated forests across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Nicaragua, and Mexico, much of it tied to agricultural expansion, mining, and weak governance. Bolivia saw a 200% increase in forest loss. Brazil alone accounted for 42% of all tropical forest destruction, with illegal soy and cattle farming driving deforestation deep into the Amazon. In Central America, forest fires burned through protected areas and Indigenous lands, often with ties to organized crime. In Africa's Congo Basin, the world's second-largest rainforest, forest loss also reached record highs, driven by charcoal production, smallholder agriculture, and land pressures made worse by violent conflict. These are complex challenges. But complexity is not an excuse for inaction. Too often, international climate finance goes to ideas still being tested or to 'capacity building' projects with little real-world enforcement impact. Meanwhile, field-tested models like ours, which deliver verifiable results, struggle to scale due to a lack of funding. The gap between rhetoric and reality is growing wider every year. If we are serious about halting and reversing deforestation by 2030 — a promise made by over 140 countries in the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration — we must act differently. First, we need more vigorous enforcement. Whether through national ranger programs or Indigenous-led patrols, the world must invest in proper protection on the ground. This includes satellite monitoring, rapid-response teams, and legal action against illegal deforestation. Second, we must scale what works. Proven conservation models — as in Cambodia, Bolivia's Indigenous territories, and parts of Indonesia — need finance to expand. These efforts must be rewarded based on verified results, not good intentions. Third, the global community must confront the reality that commodity production and deforestation remain tightly linked. Cattle, soy, palm oil, and mining continue to push deeper into tropical forests. Voluntary commitments are not enough; market countries must enforce laws like the EU Deforestation Regulation and ensure companies are not profiting from environmental destruction. Fourth, Indigenous communities must be empowered and financed as frontline protectors of the world's forests. They are already doing this work, often without support or recognition. The world must back them, not just with words, but with resources, legal protection, and land rights. And finally, forest protection must be treated as a frontline climate solution. Forests are carbon sinks, natural air conditioners, and buffers against extreme weather. Letting them burn undermines every other climate goal. The forest loss in 2024 should be a turning point, shaking us out of complacency. But we've seen data like this before and still the money, policies, and enforcement needed to turn the tide remain insufficient. Wildlife Alliance stands ready to help scale what works. We don't need another conference or another set of promises. We need action grounded in science, delivered in partnership, and driven by urgency. The forests are burning. We have the tools to stop it. The question is not whether we know what to do but whether we will do it.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Rare 'albino' fox cubs seen playing in Hull cemetery
A woman has told of her delight at spotting four rare white fox cubs playing in a city Frances and her family caught sight of the creatures at the former Jewish Cemetery in Ella Street, Hull, on Thursday evening. They were treated to a second appearance on Friday morning. Ms Frances said: "It really threw us as we just didn't know what they were. We do see quite a lot of foxes but we've never seen any white ones. We stood there for ages watching them playing and play fighting with their mum."Jennifer Quinn, founder of The Wildlife Alliance Hull and East Yorkshire, said: "Albinism in foxes is very rare, especially in the UK." Ms Frances said her garden backs onto the said she could not believe her eyes when her son alerted her to what he thought was a pack of dogs playing together."They where there until last light, and then at 7am I looked out the window and the mum was nudging them [the cubs]," said Ms Frances."I love foxes, so I was just like wow! My neighbour texted and was saying can we swap houses?" Ms Quinn explained albinism is caused by "a genetic mutation of the gene that produces the melanin, which produces the colour in foxes". She added: "It's nice we've got a couple of excited cubs in Hull." Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Hospitality Net
07-05-2025
- Hospitality Net
Newborn Elephants and Endangered Dholes Thrive in Minor Hotels' Protected Cardamom Forest
A landmark two-month camera-trap survey has revealed that the endangered dhole (Asiatic wild dog) still roams, and that a breeding herd of Asian elephants now finds safe haven, inside the 18,000-hectare forest concession that Minor Hotels has leased and protected since 2014 in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains. Conducted by Wildlife Alliance and sponsored by the Dhole Conservation Fund, the study deployed 60 motion-sensitive cameras in a grid pattern from February through March this year. Dholes appeared on seven cameras, prompting rangers to focus the full array on that hotspot in May to refine data on pack size and behaviour. The dhole is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 2,500 mature animals left worldwide. The species has vanished from much of Cambodia, and reliable national population data are lacking. Although no more than two dholes appeared in any single frame, the latest images verify the species' presence, and an expanded camera grid equipped with advanced recognition software will now gauge pack dynamics and habitat use more accurately. Equally significant, the survey captured female and juvenile elephants in the concession for the first time. Cambodia is believed to have only three remaining breeding elephant populations, underscoring the Minor‑backed concession's role as a critical nursery. Other images documented a mother sun bear with her cub, Sunda pangolin, clouded leopards; marbled, fishing and leopard cats, silvered langurs, pig-tailed macaques, sambar deer and a robust prey base of small deer, birds and rodents. The 18,000-hectare concession, once earmarked for clear-felling, forms the core protection zone surrounding Cardamom Tented Camp, a partnership between Minor Hotels, Wildlife Alliance and YAANA Ventures that channels eco-tourism revenue – alongside donations from the Minor Hotels-run Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) – directly into forest law-enforcement. I'm thrilled to see evidence of young and female elephants using the forest that we have been protecting for over ten years now as a nursery. These results are a direct pay-off for thousands of kilometres patrolled by rangers and every snare they pull. They also remind us we must keep this forest standing and poacher-free for the next sixty years to protect these young animals through adulthood. John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at Minor Hotels In 2024 alone, camp-supported rangers completed 486 foot, bike and river patrols covering more than 27,000 kilometres and removed 1,175 snares and traps, creating the safe conditions now attracting breeding herds of elephants and sustaining endangered predators like the dhole. This camera-trap survey proves the presence of newborn elephant calves and dholes and shows what happens when the private sector truly steps up. This land once slated for clear-cutting has been turned into a living sanctuary that now funds rangers, empowers REDD+ community projects and shelters everything from Asiatic wild dogs to one of Cambodia's last breeding elephant herds. That transformation is exactly what public-private conservation should look like across Southeast Asia. Suwanna Gauntlett, Founder & CEO of Wildlife Alliance Cardamom Tented Camp is one of several flagship conservation programmes spearheaded by Minor Hotels worldwide. In parallel with field projects from Thailand's Golden Triangle to Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls Game Reserve, the group has committed to becoming a net-zero organisation by 2050. About Minor Hotels Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 560 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 58 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners. Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY. Discover our world at and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. View source
Khaleej Times
11-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort joins global conservation effort to rescue endangered wildlife in Cambodia
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort (EPZR), one of the UAE's leading wildlife destinations, has strengthened its commitment to global conservation through a strategic partnership with Wildlife Alliance. Launched in early 2024, the collaboration supports the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (PTWRC) in Cambodia, which focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife affected by illegal trade and habitat loss. Since the beginning of 2024, Wildlife Alliance's efforts at PTWRC have resulted in the rescue of over 550 animals - including two elephant calves, pangolins and other vulnerable species. EPZR's support includes proceeds from its 'Made in the Zoo' merchandise initiative, which contributes directly to Wildlife Alliance's operations in Cambodia. The initiative also raises awareness among visitors by promoting the idea of 'purchasing with a purpose'. "Conservation is a shared responsibility that transcends borders," said Dr Walid Shabaan, director of Emirates Park Zoo & Resort. "Our partnership with Wildlife Alliance allows us to bring global conservation efforts closer to home, encouraging our visitors to engage with wildlife protection on a personal level. Through education and outreach, we aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and inspire the next generation to protect our planet's biodiversity." Among the many impactful stories is that of Chanam, an elephant calf found alone on farmland in October 2024 after villagers attempted to drive away an elephant herd. He was rescued and provided with urgent care. Another elephant, Lomphat, was found in Cambodia's Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary with a severe snare wound on her front right leg. Thanks to advanced therapies, she has since gained 24kg and is recovering steadily. In January 2025, both calves were relocated to a specially designed enclosure to ensure their safety and comfort. In another success, Chhouk - a disabled elephant rescued in 2007 - received a lighter prosthetic shoe in September 2024, reducing its weight from 20kg to 15kg and significantly improving his mobility. The partnership also supports the care of rescued pangolins. Three young pangopups - Srey Roth, Srey Pov and Mimi - rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, are currently receiving specialised care in PTWRC's nursery. Two older pangolins have begun weaning and are feeding on ants, termites and their eggs, progressing well in their rehabilitation. Education remains central to EPZR's conservation efforts. Inspired by Cambodia's Kouprey Express Mobile Environmental Education Project, the only initiative of its kind in the country, EPZR has developed interactive conservation programmes, including on-site talks, workshops, and digital outreach through social media and live sessions. The Kouprey Express has reached more than 51,000 students across 55 schools since January 2024. It has also trained over 588 teachers (68 per cent of whom are women) and distributed more than 60,000 educational materials, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility among youth. Locally, EPZR collaborates with universities to provide students with hands-on experience in conservation research, sustainability projects and internships. The zoo also runs community outreach programmes in partnership with Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, delivering interactive educational activities and environmental projects for the wider public. EPZR has been working with Wildlife Alliance since 2019. The ongoing collaboration enables the zoo to align global conservation with its local outreach and educational efforts, enhancing best practices in animal welfare, sustainability and community engagement. Through this partnership, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is cementing its role in the UAE's growing conservation movement. The exchange of knowledge and expertise between EPZR and Wildlife Alliance enhances best practices in animal welfare, conservation management, and community engagement - connecting visitors with global initiatives and inspiring lasting action for wildlife protection.
