Sep 21, 2014

A happy report back on whales


From: "Phil Kline, Greenpeace" <webmaster@greenpeaceusa.org>
Date: Sep 20, 2014 6:46 AM
Subject: A happy report back on whales


Greenpeace
Liz -
Happy news for whales!
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) meetings in Slovenia have just wrapped up and I wanted to let you know how things went before I headed home.

This was the seventh time I've attended the IWC meetings as an international observer. But it's the first time I have left the meetings truly happy that whale and dolphin conservation have taken a step forward.

Highlights of the week included 1) the passage of a resolution that requires the IWC to consider all cetaceans (big or small), 2) another resolution passed that officially recognizes the right of groups like Greenpeace to be involved in the process — including sharing our concerns during the meetings. 3) Lastly, and perhaps most importantly of all, was the passage of a resolution that enshrines the recent International Court of Justice judgement that held that Japan's so-called research whaling in the whale sanctuary around Antarctica was not scientific research and directed them to stop.

None of these victories would have been possible without the support of you and thousands of others from around the US. So thank you.

If you want more info, you can read more about what happened at this year's IWC meeting by checking out my recent blog post.

It wasn't all good news. The South Atlantic Whales Sanctuary (SAWS) proposal failed — though it gained more support than it has in previous years. And Tanzania in particular, thanks to your action, turned away from Japan and didn't oppose the sanctuary.

We still have a lot of work to do. But this year was a huge step forward. Thanks again for your support.

For the whales,

Phil Kline
Greenpeace USA Senior Oceans Campaigner

P.S. Participating in the IWC meetings, pressuring governments to do the right thing and all of our work to save whales and protect the environment relies on support from people like you. Please consider chipping in today to help make our work possible.
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