Food Security and Water Safety

The World Wildlife Fund announces the results of a new study that links food security to intact and safe water biotas. 

 

• A new analysis finds that irrigation with river water accounts for 25% of all food. And 40% of global fish consumption depends on rivers
• One group that knows how to combat this issue may work in your backyard.  They probably need your help. Find or start a WaterKeeper Alliance group in your community.

Waterkeeper Alliance

Waterkeeper Alliance holds polluters accountable. They are the largest and fastest-growing nonprofit solely focused on clean water. They preserve and protect water by connecting and mobilizing more than 300 local Waterkeeper groups worldwide. Waterkeeper states their goal is "drinkable, fishable, swimmable water everywhere." And water is essential to food security. As a result, supporting the Waterkeeper Alliance is one of the best ways to be a part of water and food advocacy in your community.  Read More, find your local Waterkeeper, and find the link to free Waterkeeper Magazine. 

Stronger Hong Kong Illegal Wildlife Smuggling Legislation: Too Little, Too Late?

 
Under a new 2021 bill passed by The Legislative Council of Hong, illegal trade offenses can now be investigated and charged under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinances ( OSCO).

Will the enhanced ability to charge and prosecute actually combat illegal wildlife trade?  The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)  says they formerly  “welcome the legislation.” Still, it isn’t clear if the new bill will make a difference.   

Jovy Chan, Manager, Wildlife Conservation, WWF-Hong Kong, said “The volume of illegal wildlife trade in Hong Kong remains high. However, internationally significant cases have not been pursued by Hong Kong prosecutors owing to the insufficiency of evidence.”

Hong Kong’s record pangolin seizure of 8.3 tons seized, along with 2.1 tons of ivory in 2019 remains unprosecuted because of the lack of evidence. Within the three years between 2018 and 2020, local enforcement authorities seized over 929 tons of wildlife valued at over HK $358 million. 

Pangolins are believed to be the world's most trafficked mammal, accounting for as much as 20% of all illegal wildlife trade

 

“Hong Kong is a major transit hub for the illegal wildlife trade. Traffickers exploit the Hong Kong Ports for continuous trade of the world’s most endangered species of wild fauna and flora. The volume of trade is on the rise, contributing to the global extinction crisis," added Chan.

The WWF reported in 2020 a two-thirds decline in wildlife populations on average since 1970. Since declines are not consistent across all species, biodiversity suffers. Protecting illegal trade could make a difference in protecting traded species. 

When consumers find illegal wildlife products for sale, they can use the WWF  online reporting tool at endwildlifetraffickingonline.org.  

Sources:

www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org

www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/hong-kong-officially-includes-illegal-wildlife-trade-in-organized-and-serious-crimes-ordinance-to-better-curb-smuggling-activities