Millions of people – many of the world’s poorest – have so few safe, available food options that they must rely on meat of endangered species for their survival.
New research shows that of 301 terrestrial mammals threatened with extinction, 285 - or 94% - are hunted to be eaten. People in Asia, Africa, Oceania and parts of South America, depend upon wild meat to feed themselves and their families. They consume animals such as the critically endangered pangolin, threatened chimpanzees and gorillas, marsupials, deer, and big cats and bears – and unfortunately have to do so to meet their dietary needs. In Central Africa alone, wild meat accounts for 80% of protein and fat in the diets of rural populations.
Unsustainable hunting of wild animals could have numerous catastrophic consequences. Large herbivores and top predators provide ecosystem balance, and the loss of large populations of these animals could result in irrevocable environmental changes. As human populations continue to grow and animal populations diminish, the millions of people who depend upon wild meat for their survival will no longer have any secure food source. In addition, hunting wild animals presents risk of disease. The emergence of ebola and HIV were both linked to hunting wild meat.
International action is needed to simultaneously address the lack of sustainable food sources and the threats to endangered wildlife posed by hunting for wild meat. Please show compassion for people in need by requesting that the United Nations develop comprehensive strategies to increase the number of alternative food options for people currently relying on meat of wild animals. At the same time, legal action is needed to increase protections of endangered animals in regions where they are overhunted. Education regarding the environment and species’ decline must be provided as well.
Please sign this petition urging the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme to develop a multifaceted approach to provide sustainable food sources for people in poverty and protect endangered animals from extinction.
Dear Administrator Clark and Director Solheim,
Millions of people – many of the world’s poorest – have so few safe, available food options that they must rely on meat of endangered species for their survival.
New research shows that of 301 terrestrial mammals threatened with extinction, 285 - or 94% - are hunted to be eaten. People in Asia, Africa, Oceania and parts of South America, depend upon wild meat to feed themselves and their families. They consume animals such as the critically endangered pangolin, threatened chimpanzees and gorillas, marsupials, deer, and big cats and bears – and unfortunately have to do so to meet their dietary needs. In Central Africa alone, wild meat accounts for 80% of protein and fat in the diets of rural populations.
Unsustainable hunting of wild animals could have numerous catastrophic consequences. Large herbivores and top predators provide ecosystem balance, and the loss of large populations of these animals could result in irrevocable environmental changes. As human populations continue to grow and animal populations diminish, the millions people who depend upon wild meat for their survival will no longer have any secure food source. In addition, hunting wild animals presents risk of disease. The emergence of ebola and HIV were both linked to hunting wild meat.
International action is needed to simultaneously address the lack of sustainable food sources and the threats to endangered wildlife posed by hunting for wild meat.
I am requesting that you develop comprehensive strategies to increase the number of alternative food options for people currently relying on meat of wild animals. At the same time, legal action is needed to increase protections of endangered animals in regions where they are overhunted, and provide education regarding species’ decline.
Please develop a multifaceted approach to provide sustainable food sources for people in poverty and protect endangered animals from extinction.
[Your comments here]
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
