WILD Logo - webSeptember 2010
News from The WILD Foundation
Volume 15, Issue 3 ISSN 1939-2656

News from The WILD Foundation September E-leaf
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In This Issue
Flathead Feature
Youth Leadership
World Heritage Site Under Threat
Upcoming Event, Boulder Colorado
News Briefs
Learn More

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Flathead River Valley Feature
US and Canada collaborate on transboundary wilderness

Ryland Nelson at Bennett Pass, Flathead, BC. Photo by Harvey Locke

Following on news posted in our March E-leaf, conservation work and international attention spark further progress in protecting the Flathead River Valley.  In late June, US President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper discussed how the relevant agencies in each country could not only support agreement between British Columbia (Canada) and Montana (USA) to protect the valley from oil and gas development but also take further steps at a federal level to ensure the Flathead's long term protection.

Transboundary cooperation and long-term commitment from many collaborating groups is creating results.  For example, the Flathead Wild film which follows the Rapid Assessment Visual Expedition conducted by the International League of Conservation Photographers is now showing a film festivals.  Watch the film online >

Harvey Locke, WILD's VP for Conservation Strategy, recognizes that to reach the ultimate goal of adding the Flathead to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park has been a long, continuous effort.  Now, however, he remarks: "We have the momentum.  We hope it is just a matter of time."  Read more in Backpacker Magazine >

WILD donors can expect to hear more about the Flathead and Nature Needs Half in our September mailing.  If you would like to receive this letter, and aren't sure if you're on the list, just complete this short form and keep an eye on your mailbox!

 
Youth Leadership
WILD's Inter-generational Commitment


Young Professional's at the WILD9 Closing Ceremony

More than 100 youth and young professionals from around the world actively participated in WILD9, the 9th World Wilderness Congress last November.  This is just one example of WILD's commitment to leadership development and inter-generational partnerships. 

Since WILD9, we've created new and innovative ways to integrate this core value into WILD's programs and planning.  For example, we are applying Nature Needs Half (our global vision) in our local area (Boulder, CO), using our distinctive collaborative style and adding to it a clear inter-generational approach. 

Simon Jackson, one of the world's leading youth organizers, is coming to Boulder in September to facilitate training workshops with local youth and college students on community engagement, leadership and the environment.  The trainings will include opportunities for the young leaders to learn from Simon's experiences and for leaders from WILD and our local partners to exchange with the young leaders - creating an inter-generational conversation that will lead to more effective action to protect wild-nature.



Mining Threatens World Heritage Site
Irreversible damage to Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa


Mapunqubwe, miningMapunqubwe, landscape 
 
Mapungbwe National Park, a World Heritage Site and critically important transfrontier conservation area straddling South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, is under threat from an open-cast, coal, strip-mine operating recklessly on its boundary.  Our sister organization, The Wilderness Foundation, has joined forces with several others to file a formal legal challenge.



In our Backyard
Keeping Nature in Boulder's Open Space

Cancun Airport

Please join us for a celebration of Nature in Boulder's Open Space, co-hosted by WILD and Friends of Boulder Open Space.  We'll provide hamburgers and hotdogs (veggie and meat).  Please feel free to BYOB and a dish to share.

Date: 19 September 2010

Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Martin Park, Boulder CO (36 & Eastman, near Broadway and Table Mesa)

RSVP: By 15 September to Jenna (a) wild.org or by calling our office at (303) 442 8811.

Hope to see you there!


News Briefs

Umzi Wethu, Class 7Umzi Wethu
In July, the most recent group of students graduated from the Umzi Wethu AIDS orphan and disadvantaged youth training program in South Africa.  These students, with new skills in conservation and hospitality, are now actively engaged in finding employment in these sectors.

International Journal of Wilderness
The most recent issue of the International Journal is now available, with select articles posted online.  In the coming months, we'll be announcing some exciting new changes for the IJW....stay tuned from more information!

iLCP Chesapeake Bay RAVE
Our partners at the International League of Conservation Photographers had a busy summer with the Chesapeake Bay RAVE.  Working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 9 photographers documented the issues facing the Bay for advocacy and outreach campaigns this fall. 



Emily, Triathlon

Tri for Wilderness


This week, I'll be racing to support wilderness, worldwide.  On Saturday, 11 September, I suit up for the Boulder Sunset Triathlon, an Olympic distance race.  This is a race with a purpose - to raise money and awareness for Nature Needs Half - WILD's global vision to protect at least half of the planet, land and water, in an interconnect way.  It's a big, bold goal.  It's backed by the best science.  It's what we need to do as stewards of the planet earth.  Join me in my "Tri for Wilderness!"


Emily Loose, Director of Communications