Target: Chen Jining, Minister of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China
Goal: Applaud removal of the giant panda’s “endangered” status.
The giant panda has recovered from the verge of extinction and is on its way to a more sustainable population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, the organization responsible for monitoring threatened species, has announced that these precious creatures will be reclassified as “vulnerable.”
Saving the panda has been a pressing matter for conservationists for a long time, as evidenced by the ForceChange petitions found here and here. In their report, the IUCN concluded that panda populations are growing thanks to protection from the Chinese government’s efforts to re-grow forests and preserve their habitat.
The report added that wild panda numbers have increased by almost 17 percent and there are now approximately 2,000 animals living in the wild. In addition to their overall population, pandas have also increased their geographic range by 12 percent in the past decade.
This encouraging report proves that conservation efforts are working. Sign the petition below to applaud the Chinese government for its dedication to saving these animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Chen,
I am writing to commend your entire nation for its efforts to save the giant panda. Once considered endangered, these animals are recovering at an encouraging rate thanks to conservationist efforts such as re-growing forests and preserving their habitat. The pandas have also increased their range, another sign that the health of their species is improving.
These victories could not have been possible without a concentrated effort from your department. I offer you my sincerest thanks, and I urge you to continue your impressive protection of these valuable animals. The giant panda still has a long road to recovery, but I trust your department to ensure its survival.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Fortherock
To article author, Bill Sands:
I for one do not trust state or government “decisisons” to remove animals from the Endangered species list.
I live in Florida, and lived through the removal of the Black Bears FROM the Endangered species list, specifically so that a black bear hunt, the first in 20 years, could be held. NO scientists or environmentalists, or bear specialists were consulted…..thousands and thousands of average Floridians wrote, called, emailed, texted to try to stop this……but of course it went through and was held for the benefit of those who owned hunting rights, hunting preserves, sold firearms & ammunition, etc.
So……especially since this is CHINA stating that the habitat is now safe…..I have to question it and won’t sign the petition based on just China’s “word”.
I will not sign this. I do not agree with this.
Well said, Lajeanne. I will not sign this for the reasons that Lajeanne stated either.
I think too many that sign these petitions do not do their research, and blindly sign just anything. Please investigate what you are agreeing to. Thank you.
I feel EXACTLY the same way. Great that their numbers are up, but you know some hunter is going to start killing them in the wild, or they’ll be sold to a circus, or something else just as HEINOUS.
I can’t sign this, in memory of all the dogs and cats eaten in that country. They were never on the “endangered” list, yet they certainly live in fear for their lives.
Signed & Shared.
This may be a step in the right direction for China, but this country does NOT have a great reputation. There are many issues that China needs to look at and act upon to warrant a “pat on the back”!