Fw: Help Save the Peruvian Rain Forest

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Conservation Action Network Action AlertWWF Conservation Action

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HELP SAVE THE PERUVIAN RAIN FOREST

ACTION DEADLINE: immediately

 

**Help save one of the world's most precious tropical forests and prevent

the unsustainable logging of big-leaf mahogany in Peru.**

http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/action/index.asp?step=2 & item=31417

 

The Peruvian rain forest is one of the world's most biologically rich and

diverse regions and provides habitat for wildlife such as the jaguar, harpy

eagle and giant river otter.

 

Unfortunately, these creatures and their habitats are at risk from the

unsustainable harvest of timber, particularly of big-leaf mahogany--a

threatened species so valuable that it can lead to the destruction of large

forest areas. Peru is the world's largest exporter of big-leaf mahogany,

with 90 percent going to the North American market.

 

»» TAKE ACTION: Send an email urging Peru to take immediate measures to

conserve and sustainably manage mahogany.

The international trade in big-leaf mahogany is regulated by the Convention

on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

(CITES), and the Peruvian government has taken many steps to improve forest

management and stop illegal logging. Despite these precautions, big-leaf

mahogany continues to be harvested at unsustainable levels and illegal

logging remains rampant.

 

Many of these trees are illegally logged in protected areas or on the lands

of indigenous peoples who receive only a fraction of the actual value of the

wood. Strong measures must be taken today if this species and the rain

forest of which it is a part are to survive for future generations.

 

Every year, Peru sets a quota for mahogany that determines how much can be

exported. It is critically important that Peru sets a quota level that is

sustainable and scientifically-based, and that can be verified as legally

harvested. If that does not happen, WWF will urge countries worldwide not to

import Peruvian mahogany.

 

Action is urgently needed as Peru is expected to announce its annual quota

for mahogany exports in only a few days.

Please forward this alert to your friends and family. You can make a huge

difference for the Peruvian rain forest and its creatures. Thanks for your

help.

 

Sincerely,

Fred Prins

Peru Program Office

World Wildlife Fund

 

 

TAKE ACTION ONLINE:

http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/action/index.asp?step=2 & item=31417