Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organisations’ Post

Our CEO recently wrote a report titled ‘Forecasting Animal Advocacy Efforts in Africa: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities’, which sought to both summarize current evidence relevant to animal advocacy in Africa, whilst also making big-picture projections of key factors that have the potential shape efforts on behalf of animals across the continent - full report accessible here: https://lnkd.in/gvTDgkFN The report begins: “The future of animal advocacy efforts in Africa faces an array of challenge and opportunities. The continent is invariably going to feel the exponential changes in climate and seasonal weather patterns that have the potential to reconfigure daily life for millions of people. Conflictual relationships over scarce land and water resources, worsened by increasing trends towards industrial animal agriculture and the marginalization of pastoralist communities, have the potential to inflame already volatile tribal dynamics into civil conflicts across much of the sub-Saharan region, especially in the Sahel. Chinese investment into African infrastructure will inevitably diminish the economic autonomy and sovereignty of African nation-states, creating indebtedness that will have consequences for the ownership and preservation of the continent’s vast natural resources. At the same time, challenges to democracy and liberal values, unsustainable levels of inequality and corruption, and shifting geopolitics appear likely to erode and undermine the enforcement mechanisms and institutions of already fragile states. Without functional democratic mechanisms in place acting as levers to push governments and citizens to value such things as biodiversity, the environment, and animal welfare, the task of animal advocates will be an increasingly uphill battle. However, opportunities reside in unlikely grassroots alliances rooted in compassion, disentangled from divisive dogma, driven by evolving ecological consciousness and understandings of animal sentience…” We encourage those with an interest in these issues to read the full report and share your thoughts with us directly at info@anawusa.org ! #futureforecasting #animaladvocacy #Africa

As the CBD COP16 continues in Cali Colombia, we’re excited to share the latest research from a key pillar of our Defra IWTCF funded project. Our new paper establishes a thorough baseline on open illegal wildlife trade at Peru’s Belén market, the largest in Amazonian Peru. This baseline is essential for accurately monitoring and evaluating the impact of our future interventions, which will engage local communities — both consumers and market sellers — alongside corporate and government support to reduce demand for wildlife species threatened with extinction. Explore our findings here: https://lnkd.in/er7vNY8Q Biodiversity Challenge Funds I World Animal Protection UK I World Animal Protection I Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental

Mighty Earth is proud to welcome Indigenous leaders from Brazil who are in the Netherlands this week with AidEnvironment, World Animal Protection Wereld Natuur Fonds (WWF-NL) and Greenpeace. The delegation is calling on European leaders and the private sector to halt the devastating deforestation in the Amazon and the Cerrado, driven by the meat and soy industries. Deforestation in the Cerrado, home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species and Indigenous communities, almost doubled in 2023 from the previous year. The Cerrado needs greater legal protection under the new European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Companies must be held accountable to get full control of their supply chains and cut ties with bad actors. #Deforestation #SaveTheCerrado #ProtectIndigenousCommunities #Indigenous #communities #nature #wildlife #Brazil

🌍 This International Hyena Day, we're highlighting the critical role that hyenas play in maintaining the delicate balance of Africa's ecosystems. Why are hyenas essential? 🗑️ They prevent diseases by consuming carcasses, safeguarding both human and animal health. 🦓 As skilled hunters, they regulate herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing.  ♻️ By consuming a wide range of prey, they help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Despite the benefits hyenas bring to both people and other animals, they face many challenges, from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict to poaching and climate change. Hyenas are also often maligned due to misconceptions about them. In many cultures, hyenas are associated with death, scavenging, and witchcraft, while in movies and literature, they are frequently depicted as villains. These portrayals and perceptions reinforce negative stereotypes about hyenas that aren't in line with their true nature or the ways they protect our health.  Let's debunk myths surrounding hyenas and take action to protect these vital animals. Thank you to Alliance Media - Billboard & Airport Advertising who is flighting this message on billboards across the continent, calling Africans to protect our hyenas. #InternationalHyenaDay #WildlifeConservation #AfricanWildlife #HyenaDay #WAFInternationalHyenaDay #Conservation #Hyenas #NaturePreservation 

🎉 Bullfrog Battle Won! 🐸✨ Our Wildlife Protection Unit celebrates a significant win for the protection of indigenous species in Heidelberg! In December 2023, our Wildlife Protection Unit received a complaint regarding a proposed development on an open space near the British American Tobacco Factory on Stasie Street. This area, home to protected Giant and African Bullfrogs, was at risk due to a lapsed environmental authorisation dating back to 2006. Understanding the high conservation value of these species, we immediately contacted the Lesedi Municipality to clarify the status and impact of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development. Despite initial resistance and outdated authorisations being used to justify the project, we persisted in our advocacy for these vulnerable creatures. Our commitment led to substantial community involvement and lobbying efforts, culminating in a collaborative meeting in March 2024. During this meeting, attended by community members and various stakeholders, the Lesedi Municipality confirmed that the proposed development would not occur on the land inhabited by the bullfrogs. Additionally, it was clarified that the wetland area, vital for the bullfrogs, lies outside the demarcated development zone. This outcome represents a significant victory, underscoring the power of community action and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. The bullfrog habitat will remain undisturbed, ensuring these species continue to thrive in their natural environment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us in this endeavour, proving that together, we can make a difference for wildlife. 🌿💚 ➡️ The NSPCA cares for ALL animals. Support our cause today: https://lnkd.in/gYGtBAz #NSPCA #SPCA #WildlifeProtection #ConservationVictory #SaveTheBullfrogs #CommunityPower #EnvironmentalJustice #HeidelbergConservation #ProtectOurWildlife

🌍 Dive into the important story of animals in international development! 🐄 VWB's Danielle Legault, a VETS Program Officer, shares highlights from her Master's research on the vital roles that animals play in sustainable development and beyond. From enhancing food security to fostering community bonds, read first-hand how animals are changemakers in global aid efforts. 👩💻"Organizations like VWB, that sit in a unique niche among Canada’s international development organizations, are demonstrating the importance of integrating animals into development strategies..." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQxVEzbW #AnimalsInDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment #OneHealth #GlobalAid #FoodSecurity #CommunityDevelopment #AnimalWelfare #GlobalHealth

Today is #InternationalVultureAwarenessDay Sadly, in the wild, poachers in Africa have started to lace animals with poison in order to reduce vulture numbers. This is due to the high numbers of vultures circling the animal carcasses, and therefore drawing attention to the area, leading to the discovery of the poachers. This has contributed to a population decline by an unbelievable 97% in the last 50 years. Vultures are an integral part of the ecosystem in Africa, and their feasting on carcasses helps to stop the spread of diseases such a rabies, anthrax and TB, so protecting this species is vital. We proudly support the International Vulture Programme (IVP) Hawk Conservancy Trust, a multi-partner initiative that focuses efforts on the research and conservation of vultures. The IVP comprises a series of projects in southern Africa and south Asia, and most recently, Banham Zoo donated funds to purchase satellite tracking equipment for their work on Egyptian vulture monitoring.

🌏 Camels and Culling in Australia: A Complex Issue Australia's unique landscape is home to a variety of feral animals, but wild camels often stand out in a complex debate on wildlife management. With over 500,000 feral camels across the country, calls for culling have gained traction, but is it the most effective or humane solution? Our latest blog dives into: ✅ The true impact of camels versus other feral species in Australia ✅ The ethics and economics of culling, especially for Indigenous communities and camel industry stakeholders ✅ Viable solutions that benefit both camels and communities—like water stations and Indigenous partnerships At Summer Land Camels, we're committed to transforming this challenge into an opportunity. Partnering with Indigenous communities, we aim to harness the immense potential of the Australian camel, demonstrating how these animals can support a sustainable, eco-friendly industry. Explore our blog to discover how we’re working toward solutions that celebrate camels as an invaluable resource for Australia's future. Read the article here - https://lnkd.in/gAhQwqrR

#Positive news  👇 Viet Nam is taking inspiring strides towards stemming the flow of illegal wildlife trafficking! 👏 This is a big deal for a country considered a global hotspot for the flow of illegal wildlife products. Every year, elephant ivory, pangolin scales, rhino horns, tiger bones and other animal parts pass through its ports to be used for social and business gifting, traditional medicine, and tourism products.   In 2021, USAID launched the $15 million Saving Threatened Wildlife project with the aim of strengthening Viet Nam’s leadership in tackling wildlife trafficking. The initiative is made possible through close collaboration with the Viet Nam government, public and private-sector partners.    Key actions include:  ▶️ Engaging high-level leaders  ▶️ Enhancing law enforcement ▶️ Reducing consumer demand   Read about why this is so important  ➡️ https://shorturl.at/5WlSX     #IllegalTrade #VietNam #USAID #Conservation #SavingThreatenedWildlife WWF-Viet Nam Saving Threatened Wildlife Project Saving Threatened Wildlife

Animal-based entertainment exploits animals, yet Canada still has an estimated 91 zoos, 106 mobile zoos and exhibitions, and 13 aquaria. It’s estimated that 205 rodeos also took place in 2023 alone. Using animals for entertainment generally involves keeping them captive and preventing them from engaging in natural behaviours crucial for their welfare. Despite this, protection for animals in captivity remains limited. While advancements like Bill S-203, which banned the captivity of whales and dolphins in 2019, are a positive step, much more is needed to create a truly humane country that protects animals from harm in the name of entertainment. Discover more in our new Consideration Keystone report, exploring how animals are considered in society. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eW38WAK