OCTOBER 2018
Dear Readers,
The state of the world’s biodiversity is alarming. We all know it from the figures that show the progression of what is regarded today as the sixth mass extinction of species (1,000 to 10,000 times faster than in the previous century). In 40 years, over half the world’s animal species have disappeared.
Why is this serious? Why is it irresponsible? Because … everything is linked. Because if one component of the chain of life vanishes, this changes the balance of the ecosystems on which we all depend! Our disastrous management of the Earth’s environment means that we, human beings, are endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of species, including our own, from the tiniest to the most emblematic – species that had previously coexisted for several million years.
But civil society has become aware of this critical situation. In this Newsletter, we would like to pay tribute to eight heroines who are fighting to protect animal biodiversity; women who have dedicated their lives, sometimes at great risk (207 murders in 2017), to endangered species. Their names are Claudine, Véronique, Céline, Sabrina, Andrea, Claire, Amandine and Antoinette. At one point, looking into the eyes of a bonobo or a baby elephant, or confronted with the vulnerability of a tiger or a manta ray, their lives changed forever... They make no mention of courage, or merit; all that counts is the cause they defend with such determination.
Their paths have crossed with the Foundation, which has supported their projects. These precious custodians of the chain of life need us, and need you, too. You will doubtless have the opportunity to take a closer look at some of these threatened species, to see them evolve in their natural environment. Whether you are near home or on your travels, take action to protect them. We are all responsible … until proven guilty!
