We all must battle wildlife traffickers

By Bo Derek
Special to CNN

    
Editor's note: Bo Derek is an actress who starred in the movie "10." Most recently, she starred in the series "Fashion House." She is also an activist working extensively to raise awareness of the costs of wildlife trafficking. She submitted this commentary to CNN's Larry King Live

 
Actress Bo Derek is working with conservation groups and the U.S government to help fight wildlife traffickers.

 1 of 2  SANTA YNEZ, California (CNN) -- When I first visited the Galapagos Islands Marine Reserve, I expected to see an untouched paradise. While it is still beautiful to the naked eye, behind the scenes, all is not well. While there, I learned that the famous sharks of the Galapagos were under siege for their fins.

According to the Galapagos National Park Service, up to 10,000 fins have been seized, and they are mercilessly hacked off the shark and shipped to Asia to make shark fin soup.

I was charmed by the playfulness of the fearless and friendly sea lions I swam with. I learned that they, too, are sometimes slaughtered so they can be used as bait for the shark "finners."

It made me realize that even the most remote wilderness is now touched by the global economy -- in this case, the demand for products derived from protected wildlife.

That is why I have been working with the State Department and the San Francisco-based conservation organization, WildAid, to help in their effort to stop wildlife traffickers.

The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth $10 billion to $20 billion a year, according to the U.S. State Department, and it traffics in all wild things from shark fins to elephant ivory, from rare orchids to valuable timber. It leaves behind a catalog of species on the brink of extinction and millions of animals suffering either a brutal death or inhumane transportation, and it poses a serious risk of transmission of diseases like avian flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

Since becoming involved, I have been appalled to learn there may be only 3,000 tigers surviving in the wild, according to a survey from India's government. A 2006 report from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources says that's down from about 100,000 tigers just 100 years ago.

If they and other precious wildlife are to survive, there has to be a change. Not only do the governments of the world need to redouble their protection efforts, but we must end the demand that drives this trade.

The war on drugs has graphically demonstrated that focusing on enforcement and interdiction is not the only key to victory in this fight. We must also educate people and reduce demand for these products.

In the key markets, like China, awareness is so low that, according to a Chinese wildlife conservation association survey, 75 percent of people didn't know that the popular "fish wing soup" eaten by 35 percent of urban Chinese last year was made from shark fin, and many thought the fins grew back.

Reaching China's 1.2 billion people is no easy task, but by recruiting the likes of Yao Ming, Jackie Chan and Chinese Olympic medalists as eloquent and passionate advocates, and with the support of Chinese state media, we are reaching nearly half the Chinese population with TV, messaging, "when the buying stops, the killing can, too."

What do Bo Derek, Cynthia Smoot and four big tigers have in common?

The Fur Ball for the Big Cats

Funds raised from this year's gala FUN-raising night of activities will go toward the $100,000.00 expected lifetime cost to care for recently rescued tigers.  Four abused tigers, Bella, Trucha, TJ and Modnic were rescued from certain death at a controversial and now defunt "backyard breeding" facility in Cenrtal Florida. 

Among year's honored guests will be Bo Derek, actress author and animal rights advocate who was recently appointed Special Envoy for the Secretary of State for Wildlife Trafficking, working to create awareness of the danger of wildlife trafficking.  Ms. Derek will receive the first Big Cat Rescue "Wildlife Guardian Angel" award.

Held on Friday, October 12th at the A La Carte Pavilion, the evening includes live and silent auctions, a gourmet dinner, complimentary wine, a big cat "wheel of fortune", a Rolex raffle, live music from the Wholly Cats band and much more, all hosted by Fox 13's Cynthia Smoot.  Local bakers and chocolatiers will compete to see who is King of Feasts with the most tantalizing cat themed confections.  Guests are encouraged to dress up in safari style formal attire and enter the costume contest.

Visit http://www.bigcatrescue.org/2007furball.htm for tickets and full details on this year's Fur Ball, including pictures and video of the now healthy rescued tigers.

http://www.tampabayceo.com/1010cat.html

Editorial Board gets star struck over exotics

Posted by Doug Lyons at 4:55 PM

Ok, we confess.

During a meeting this week with the South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Claudia McMurray pointedly asked if we would have paid attention to widlife concerns if she hadn't brought along Bo Derek, the actress-turned-environmentalist who forever gave new meaning to the number "10."

Her question came as we wondered if using Hollywood stars to draw attention to public policy issues might trivilaize the issues. Derek and McMurray were in our offices, and McMurray had just told us that the State Department had enlisted Harrison Ford to create a public service announcement to promote a campaign against the illegal import of wildlife into the U.S.

Still, the question was a fair one.

Derek (pictured near left) is a star. McMurray (pictured far left) is an assistant secretary with the U.S. Department of State. Both are in South Florida this week to raise awareness of wildlife smuggling and its devastating impact on endangered species and the potential threat to eco-systems like the Florida Everglades.

True enough, we videotaped the meeting for airing on our website, www.Sun-Sentinel.com., primarily because Derek was there, and we figured she'd draw an audience. But in response to McMurray, we can also say that our newspaper has consistently called for better environmental protection and widlife management, from increased regulation of exotic pets to broader protection for native species.

Still, it's time that South Florida pays more attention to the exotic species, whether its the illegal trade in animal skins and other parts of the anatomy or simply buying snakes and reptiles as pets only to discard them in the wild.

Motives and stardom aside, Derek and McMurray make an excellent case that the public should think twice when it comes to buying an exotic species of any type and bringing it into Florida. We welcome a return visit by McMurray and that invitation goes double for Ford.

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/theslant/blog/2007/10/
editorial_board_gets_star_stru.html

1980s Sex Icon Defends Wildlife In Miami

POSTED: 9:36 pm EDT October 10, 2007
UPDATED: 9:06 am EDT October 11, 2007

MIAMI -- Bo Derek, a 1980s sex icon, was in Miami on Wednesday to lobby against the illegal trafficking of wildlife.

Related Content: Video 

She was called the "Perfect 10," and now at 51 Derek dedicates herself to protecting wildlife. 

Derek represented the U.S. State Department pushing an international coalition to fight the plundering of wildlife. She said Miami figures prominently in that fight.

She toured the animal inspection facility at Miami International Airport, a major hub for the illegal importation of live animals and dead animal parts. A significant percentage of the incoming shipments in the inspection facility are illegal.

"Because Miami is such a hub where so much endangered wildlife comes through, it's really important," Derek said. "I was encouraged. I was with officers from three government agencies working together."

Wildlife trafficking is one of the major threats to animals on the brink of a population collapse around the world. China and the U.S. are the top consumers -- the fuel for the $20 billion illegal trafficking black market.

"Just don't buy it," Derek said. "When the buying stops, the killing stops. So does the crime. So does the poaching and trafficking, all of those things. So if I can encourage people just to stop buying products made of wildlife, we're going to make a huge difference. Maybe some of these animals can sustain their numbers if we just stop buying it."

Derek spoke on Wednesday night at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School on Virginia Key past Miami Seaquarium. She discussed protection of sharks, coral reefs and other ocean life.

Bo Derek brings animal activism to Miami

Posted on Tue, Oct. 09, 2007

Bo Derek, an '80s sex symbol turned animal activist, comes to Miami Wednesday to discuss illegal trafficking of wildlife.

The 51-year-old actress, who campaigned for both President Bushes, was named a special envoy on the issue by the U.S. State Department last year.

She'll tour a Customs and Border Protection checkpoint at Miami International Airport, a major exotic plant and animal importation site, and join a panel discussion at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science on Virginia Key.

The talk, open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. It also will include Rob Stewart, maker of the new documentary Sharkwater. Other participants include federal officials and faculty members, as well as other experts.

 
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/265637.html

Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking Event With Bo Derek

 

Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Environment and Science Claudia McMurray and Special Envoy of the Secretary of State for Wildlife Trafficking Issues Bo Derek will conduct a series of outreach events to raise public awareness about the illegal global trade in wildlife during a two day visit to Miami and southern Florida, October 10-11, 2007. South Florida is one of the major points of entry for the legal and illegal introduction into the United States of exotic wildlife, both animals and plants.

 

Activities on Wednesday, October 10, will include a tour of the wildlife inspection facilities at Miami International Airport at 9:30 a.m. followed by a press conference at 10:15 a.m. The tour is open to the press.

 

Also on Wednesday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m., Assistant Secretary McMurray and Special Envoy Derek will deliver a presentation and participate in a panel discussion on wildlife trafficking at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This event is open to the press.

 

The trip will include a visit to Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The park is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance.

 

The Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT), initiated by the Department of State in September 2005, was launched internationally in February 2007 to fight the black market trade in wildlife and wildlife parts, which is estimated at about $10 billion a year. The illegal trade in wildlife is bringing some species to the brink of extinction and contributes to the spread to humans of wildlife diseases. An important part of CAWT's mission is increasing public awareness of the impacts of the illegal trade in wildlife and improving wildlife law enforcement and compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

 

For further information, please contact Russell Newell at the Department of State (cell: 617-319-1769) or Zach Mann with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (305-219-0628).

 

2007/861

 

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

October 9, 2007

 

Bo Derek will be receiving the Big Cat Rescue Guardian Angel Award on Oct. 12th at the Fur Ball in Tampa, FL

 

Humane Society International is part of this coalition.

 

Beth Preiss

The Humane Society of the United States

 

 

Federal Court Ruling Ends Horse Slaughter in the United States

September 21, 2007

Today, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) hailed a decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upholding the State of Illinois' decision to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Illinois is home to the last remaining horse slaughter plant in the country, and the ruling effectively ends all slaughter of horses for food in the United States.

"Today's court decision marks the end of the line for the foreign-owned horse slaughter industry in the United States," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Now it's up to Congress to finish the job and protect American horses from being exported to foreign abattoirs in Canada and Mexico for human consumption overseas."

In a unanimous ruling, the Court rejected each and every one of Cavel's legal claims and reiterated that "States have a legitimate interest in prolonging the lives of animals" and promoting the "humane treatment of our fellow animals."

"This ruling should make the people of Illinois proud to stop the last remaining horse slaughterhouse in the country," said Illinois State Representative Bob Molaro, one of the key sponsors of the bill. "This was a hard won fight for the legislature, but the fight is not over. I applaud U.S. Rep. Janice Schakowsky for her federal leadership on this issue, and hope that this decision will spur the passage of federal legislation to prevent American horses from being shipped to Mexico or Canada for butchering."

Governor Rod Blagojevich signed the law, which took effect immediately, on May 24. Shortly thereafter, Cavel International, the nation's only remaining horse slaughter facility, filed suit seeking to block enforcement of the law. Earlier this year, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a similar effort by the horse slaughter industry to overturn Texas' law banning the possession of horse meat for human consumption. In July, the federal district court in Rockford, Illinois upheld the Illinois state law, for substantially the same reasons provided by the Fifth Circuit in the Texas case, and Cavel appealed that decision to the Seventh Circuit.

"This was the final chapter in our successful efforts to close down the last remaining horse slaughterhouse in the United States," said Illinois State Senator John Cullerton, another key sponsor of the law. "We have finally stopped the slaughter of these majestic creatures."

The HSUS filed briefing as a friend of the court in the case, and was represented by Schiff Hardin LLP, Belgrade & O'Donnell, P.C. and lawyers with The HSUS' animal protection litigation section. The state law was defended before the court of appeals by Illinois Solicitor Gary Feinerman, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Assistant Attorney General Mary Welsh.

Facts

* According to the USDA, 100,800 American horses were slaughtered in three foreign-owned slaughter houses in 2006. Another 30,000 were sent to Mexico or Canada for slaughter.
* A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), is working to ban horse slaughter nationwide. The legislation would prohibit the export of horses for slaughter

http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/federal_court_ruling_ends_horse_slaughter_in_united_states_092107.html

By AMY SCHERZER Social Scene

Published September 7, 2007

TAMPA

I hear it every day, and twice on Saturday nights:

"You have the best job!"

My colleagues report on government, schools, sports and the arts. I go to parties.

Then back in the newsroom, when we barter information on city newsmakers, my social chit-chat interests them all.

And that's just one reason why we cover Tampa's social scene.

Now that Labor Day is over and the social season gets into full swing, City Times invites you along for a closer look at the charity circuit. Who goes to all these galas, fashion shows and wine tastings, and why? Do they care deeply about a cause or just go to schmooze?

Serious money is raised over dinner and drinks. Have you ever wondered why nonprofits spend hard-won dollars to keep donors and sponsors entertained? They continually try to expand Tampa's social universe and attract new supporters.

We hope you'll find our A-List social calendar a keeper (Pages 10-11). It's packed with nearly 100 benefits, with special guests ranging from the legendary Liza Minnelli, to animal-lover actress Bo Derek at Big Cat Rescue's Fur Ball, to classic rock band Chicago at Moffitt Cancer Center's annual Magnolia Ball.

And those are just the charity events confirmed as City Times went to press. I expect many more are in the planning stages. For my 2 cents, I think Tampa needs more new ideas, like the recent From Our Wall to Your Wall. Tampa Museum of Art patrons paid $500, chose a number, than scrambled to select a donated artwork when their number was called. It was noisy and chaotic, and everybody seemed pleased with their choices.

You might be surprised to learn three mainstays are being mothballed for a bit.

The Art for Life auction is on hiatus, say Project Return organizers.

No mingling with an eclectic mix of celebrities at the DeBartolo Family Foundation's All Star Charity Gala.

Not while newlywed Lisa DeBartolo will be rocking with hubby Don Miggs and his band on a worldwide tour.

And the Florida Orchestra canceled its New Year's Eve bash while it sorts out finances. Perhaps it will consider a Phantom Ball, where donors stay home and send a check.

We'll keep you current on the whirl around town in my weekly diary and on the Party blog: blogs.tampabay.com/partytime.

But I'll need your help knowing the scoop. Do let me know what's going on. I always appreciate hearing your tips and suggestions.

See you at the party.