By throwing our lives into disarray, this pandemic has proven the value of human compassion towards the natural world. We are not, and never will be, in control of planet earth and have no choice but to commit more fiercely to safeguarding all the lives and ecosystems that it supports.
Personally, I’ve been exposed to the kindness people can show in times of need - a few months ago I sent out an urgent appeal to raise donations for International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals and your response was overwhelming. As a result, beautiful creatures like Oppa the dog (pictured above) have recovered from intense suffering and ill-health. These are tough times for many charitable organisations, but with your generosity lives continue to be saved. If you’re interested in finding out more about the vital work of IAPWA in communities globally and could consider making a donation of any size please click on this link.
In addition to being incredibly grateful for compassion of this kind, I’ve also been given the time and space to understand more deeply the fragility of the natural world as it stands and how vulnerable this could make us all to similar crises in the future. We owe so much to the living world that surrounds us and will undoubtedly suffer if we fail to take this pandemic as a clarion bell for real, substantial action.
John E Scanlon, special envoy for African Parks and former secretary-general of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, has been speaking out about the need for a new wildlife trade regime. It’s not that such measures would have been less beneficial in the past, it’s that present challenges have proven the desperate need for this strengthened commitment.
Enormous changes are in order and I have faith that with people like yourselves, all over the world, enough momentum can be built to bolster and build upon our existing protections. Tackling such sprawling issues there is no quick fix, no short cuts or cheat codes, and I can’t claim to know everything there is to know about the necessary solutions. I’m writing this, however, in hopes that increased awareness will be an initial step towards a natural world which is safeguarded in far more than just words or idealistic thoughts.
I’ve been so grateful for your support over the last few years - your actions have made a world of difference to so many lives and have inspired me to imagine a far brighter future. To all who have donated already, thank you so much and if you're able to contribute to IAPWA's urgent appeal here's the link. Moving forward, I’ll do all that I can to learn more about how we can work together to embolden international wildlife and environmental protections. As of September, I’ll hopefully be starting university and look forward to keeping up my campaigning and updating you all on actions you can take to make a real difference.
Wishing you all a safe and happy end to the summer,
As ever, much love,
Lucy x