Biodiversity
Life on Earth originated around 4 billion years ago. While it initially existed only in the oceans, it later spread to the land and atmosphere. Since then, an unfathomable number of species have evolved, around half of which are insects. Numerous plant and animal species have yet to be documented, and many new ones are being discovered every day.
While we are only just beginning to understand the web of interdependencies between organisms, humans are jeopardizing our planet’s highly complex ecosystems and their inhabitants by clearing forests, overfishing the oceans and overfertilizing agricultural land. Air pollution and increasing levels of acidity in the oceans are having profound consequences.
The pace of extinction has accelerated to the point that species are vanishing before we even have a chance to discover them. Find out more here.
Your signature can make a real difference. Our petitions expose destructive projects and name the perpetrators. Together we can have an even greater impact!
Not a suitable place for our closest relatives in the animal kingdom: A young orangutan behind bars (© Jay Ullal)
Spain: Pass a law to protect great apes NOW!
The Spanish government has pledged to pass a law to protect bonobos, orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas as part of its Animal Welfare Act. It has not yet done so, and time is running out for our endangered close relatives in the animal kingdom. Please sign our petition for the great apes.
More informationTo: the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda; Directorate-General for Animal Rights
“Spain urgently needs a law to give great apes special protection and abolish practices that threaten their lives.”
Liberia: Ecoguards patrol hundreds of kilometers on foot to protect chimpanzees
Indonesia: Striking a blow against the bird mafia
Rescued: Proboscis monkeys, leopard cats and black-capped lories returned to the wild
Nigeria: Growing lawlessness endangers forest communities
