Year of the Dolphin

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The year 2007 (now extended to 2008)^[1] has been declared as (International) Year of the Dolphin by the United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).^[2]

The UN Convention on Migratory Species, together with its specialized agreements on dolphin conservation ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS and the WDCS (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) have proposed 2007 as the "Year of the Dolphin" ('YOD'))

Contents 1 Background 2 Campaign 3 Patron 4 Partners of Year of the Dolphin 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Background

Dolphins are threatened marine mammals with close ties to human history and culture. Living in oceans and rivers, their survival is becoming increasingly difficult. Dolphins need clean and quiet oceans and protected areas.

The Year of the Dolphin will be part of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. The campaign is also a tangible contribution towards meeting targets to reduce the loss of wildlife by 2010 which all Governments have agreed through the United Nations.

[edit] Campaign

The United Nations, member Governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and the private sector (e.g. TUI) are building a strong alliance to achieve a common objective: to protect dolphins.
A crucial factor in achieving the protection of dolphins is to create awareness of dolphin species, educate, inform decision makers and involve local communities.

[edit] Patron

The designated Patron of the Year of the Dolphin is H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who formally launched the year on 17 September 2006. The Prince released a statement reading, "The Year of the Dolphin gives me the opportunity to renew my firm commitment towards protecting marine biodiversity. With this strong initiative we can make a difference to save these fascinating marine mammals from the brink of extinction."

In May 2007, Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter was named Special Ambassador to The Year of the Dolphin in a press conference. He announced he would be involved in fundraising and public awareness of the Cause.^[3]

[edit] Partners of Year of the Dolphin

• United Nations Environment Programme
• Convention on Migratory Species
• TUI AG
• ACCOBAMS
• ASCOBANS
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

[edit] See also

• 2006: International Year of Deserts and Desertification
• (2007)-2008-(2009): International Year of Planet Earth - (N.B. as Triennium (?))
• United Nations International Years

[edit] References

1. ^ Year of the Dolphin homepage
2. ^ Year of the Dolphin — Home
3. ^ Newswise Science News | Pop Superstar Nick Carter to Help Wild Dolphins and Oceans

[edit] External links

• official website Year of the Dolphin - (http://www.yod2007.org)
• official website YoD Partner TUI - (http://www.tui-environment.com)
• official website Year of Planet Earth - (http://www.yearofplanetearth.org)
• United Nations Observances - (http://www.un.org/...)
• UK website of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society - (http://www.wdcs.org)
• website Earth Science for Society (ESFS) - (www.esfs.org) & (ESFS Planet Earth-file (in pdf)