Our greatest gifts to the planet in 2011
Our Vision for the Arctic: Opening an office in Inuvik, where we’re contributing to planning initiatives in the Beaufort Sea, and taking on the hosting responsibilities for WWF’s Global Arctic Programme. Why it matters: “Now, literally at my doorstep, I have some of the best expertise in the world on polar bears and access to international expertise and perspectives on topics like conservation planning and oil and gas development,” says Martin von Mirbach, Arctic program director.
(c) Lee Narraway/WWF-Canada
Our Commitment to Renewable Energy: WWF produced The Energy Report, which outlines a powerful global vision for a world run entirely on renewable energy by 2050. What’s more, Earth Hour was more successful this year globally than ever, and we had more cities sign up in Canada, which reflects a concern for climate change—and the hope for a solution. Why it matters: “Our ability to rally and convene one of every six people on the planet—all ages, all different countries—is something I don’t think any other organization can do,” says Josh Laughren, Climate and Energy program director.
Our Passion for Living Rivers: We’ve brought together some of the best Canadian minds around water science and policy. We also commissioned an expert in Canadian water law to assess how well federal and provincial laws in this country protect nature’s water needs. Why it matters: “This work confirms that WWF has a massive opportunity to change the rules of the game in Canada and put healthy ecosystems at the centre of water policy,” says Tony Maas, Freshwater program director.
Our Determination to Make Oceans Healthy: Our new fisheries improvement project is helping one of the main cod fisheries in Newfoundland meet the standards of the Marine Stewardship Council, and our new ocean noise project is safeguarding cetaceans, such as whales and dolphins, in the Great Bear Sea. Why it Matters: “The Great Bear Marine area supports at least 18 species of whales and dolphins, including 10 that are threatened, endangered, or of special concern in Canada. Ocean noise can present a devastating threat to these creatures because they use echolocation to communicate, locate prey and evade predators,” says Bettina Saier, Oceans program director.
