Every once in a while, we get the opportunity to make gifts that directly solve a specific problem.
Saving a species is one of those opportunities.
How often do donors, volunteers, scientists, governments and industry work together to save an endangered species? Not often enough but it does happen.
The Marmot Recovery Foundation was formed in 1998 to save Canada’s most endangered mammal, the Vancouver Island marmot. In 1999, there were less than 80 marmots in the wild. Through direct mail appeals, well-placed media articles, and local outreach, HMA helped the Marmot Recovery Foundation call on Canadians to help.
Canadians heard the call and gave their money, and their hearts.
Government heard the call and gave their money and scientists.
Zoos heard the call and gave their money and expertise, breeding marmots that would eventually be introduced to the wild.
Industry heard the call and gave their money and volunteered their time.
As of today, there are over 200 marmots in the wilds of Vancouver Island.
As of today, the number of marmots born in the wild EXCEEDED the number born in captivity.
We’re about 2 years away from reaching a sustainable population of 600 in the wild.
We’re about 2 years away from saving a species.
The staff at Harvey McKinnon Associates thanks every Canadian who’s supported the Marmot Recovery Foundation. We’re almost there, Canada. We can almost say “We did it!”
This morning Ecojustice announced a victory in Canada’s Supreme Court:
Today, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Canadian government has violated a national environmental law aimed at ensuring sustainable development. In a case centered on the proposed Red Chris mine in British Columbia, the Court ruled that the federal government cannot split projects into artificially small parts to avoid rigorous environmental assessments. The ruling also guarantees that the public will be consulted about major industrial projects, including large metal mines and tar sands developments.
Congratulations to Ecojustice on this victory. And a big thank you to Ecojustice and their lawyers as well for working so hard to hold the government accountable to the law in the service of protecting our environment.
