The Global March for Elephants and Rhinos (GMFER) took place in Birmingham for the first time on 13th April 2019. This Marching for the Survival of Wildlife has been organised on behalf of End Trophy Hunting and All Animal Exploitation, in order to highlight the current environmental crisis, where many of the worlds most iconic species are facing extinction. Half of the wild animals on the planet have been lost over the last 40 years due to human consumption, loss of habitat, poaching and exploitation.
Global marches are being held in cities around the world, shortly before the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Conference of Parties (COP18) which will meet in Sri Lanka 23rd May – 3rd June. GMFER are calling on CITES to give all elephant species the strongest level of protection and list them in Appendix 1, also for the rejection of any proposal for trade in ivory and Southern White Rhino.
“Iconic animals such as elephant, rhinos, lions, giraffes, hippos, leopards, tigers and many of our marine species could become extinct in a generation, due to our actions” says march organiser Jenny Nolan, “we need to send a clear message to CITES, International and UK government that we must do whatever is necessary to halt this decline and provide adequate protection and resources for the conservation of these species.”
The march called on the UK government to ban the importation of all animal trophies. The UK government have allowed the importation of some 2,500 animal trophies in the last decade. “Trophy hunting is a cruel barbaric act, which results in the senseless slaughter of some the rarest animals on the planet. Many animals endure prolonged painful deaths when they are injured and not killed. The sole purpose of this activity is to hunt an unwitting animal, which is at a distinct disadvantage and ultimately provide a trophy for the hunter. “says Jenny Nolan, “The UK government pledged to review lion trophy imports in 2015 but has yet to take any action. We urge the government to follow the example set by Australia, France and the Netherlands who have banned the importation of animal trophies.”
Tom Watson Deputy Labour Leader provided a video to show his support for the Global March for Elephants and Rhino in Birmingham which helped raise awareness to the plight of endangered species. Check here for more details https://www.facebook.com/events/782677525429436/
