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ISSUE No. 63 AUTUMN 2019 Saving habitats Saving species since 1989 worldlandtrust.org

Inside this issue: • Big Match Fortnight 2019: Scorched Earth to Forest Haven • Discover our latest Buy an Acre projects • Understanding forest fires • Meet our new CEO 2

Scorched Earth to Forest Haven Restoring Vietnam’s tropical forests

“From the edge of the Ho Chi Ming Highway you can look out at the towering cathedral rainforest – beautiful undulating land with different layers of trees; we could see the gorgeous red-shanked douc, which is a monkey wearing bright red trousers. It looks like Michael Portillo sitting up in the branches. I remember walking into the forest and getting the feeling of being surrounded by teeming life. Vietnam and the rest of the world needs more of that – as much as possible.”

Simon Barnes, WLT Council Member

Our major appeal for Regreening the forest endangered Sunda Pangolin and several 2019 aims to raise species of threatened and regionally “The target areas for restoration are £575,000 to endemic birds, including the elusive but currently dominated by invasive grasses,” rejuvenate a spectacular Crested Argus peafowl. says WLT Chief Executive Dr Jonathan landscape still struggling to shed the Barnard. “Restoring them to healthy, “This is your chance to support a project legacy of the Vietnam War. It will be biodiverse forest is no easy task. But with that not only restores a lost ecosystem and launched on 3 October 2019 at the start the generous help of our supporters, WLT safeguards biodiversity,” says Dr Barnard, of our annual Big Match Fortnight when can fund an ambitious project to “but also recreates a healthy environment all donations will be doubled by rejuvenate the depleted soils, clear invasive that local people depend on for fresh matched funding. grasses, nurture native tree seedlings and water, clean air and livelihoods. By The money raised will go to our local care for them until they’re established.” planting the seeds that can transform partner Viet Nature, which will begin the Vietnam’s scorched earth to a forest haven, As forest re-cloaks the hills, it will process of bringing back tropical forest, you will also play a crucial role in tackling reconnect with nearby reserves like Khe teeming with rare species and echoing climate change, helping to establish Nuoc Trong, creating one of the largest with the haunting cries of gibbons. forests that will stabilise soils and lock remaining areas of Annamite montane away carbon.” This land is now overrun with invasive forest. Wildlife will be able to colonise the grass known in Vietnam as “American spreading jungle. such as the grass”, because it replaced the forests flamboyant Red-shanked Douc will find destroyed by Agent Orange. much-needed new territory, as will the

Please help us restore the tropical forest by donating online or by calling 01986 874422. 3

Big Match Fortnight 2019 Three species this appeal will protect

Natural wonders of the Vietnamese rainforest

Red Shanked Douc (Pygathrix nemaeus) One of the most colourful of all primates, Red- shanked Douc are sociable, striking old-world monkeys. Distinctive red-brown legs, a charming vibrant orange-yellow face, and a long white tail that leads from a distinguishing white triangle at its base compliment a mottled coat of silver-grey and black. Found in evergreen broadleaf forests in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Red-Shanked Douc are classified Endangered. Invasive grasses cover the hills of Huong Linh where rolling forests should flourish (above and below). Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) Sunda Pangolin is an incredible nocturnal . Covered in thick keratin scales and fibrous hair, the pangolin is well-protected. Nonetheless, its scales are the reason it is the world’s most trafficked animal. It has powerful front claws for digging and an extraordinarily long tongue for collecting ants, which makes up for its lack of teeth. They are excellent tree climbers, thanks to their .

Crested Argus (Rheinardia ocellata) The woo’o-wao call of the Crested Argus, a pheasant endemic to South-East Asia, is just one of many distinctive features of this . The black-brown plumage of males is peppered with white, while females are a warmer-brown with delicate black and buff banding and vermiculations. Their spectacular tails are the longest of all wild birds, About our partner: reaching up to 173cm in males. Viet Nature

Viet Nature is a Vietnamese NGO, Location of reforestation areas which evolved from the BirdLife Khe Nuoc Trong Forest Reserve International Vietnam Programme. Inheriting a prestigious 20-year portfolio Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve of conservation successes, Viet Nature Community land are committed to the protection and conservation of Vietnam’s rich biodiversity, and enhancing human quality of life and building sustainable development. The mission of Viet Nature is to research and apply sustainable solutions to nature and biodiversity conservation; to maintain and restore ecosystems; to manage natural resources sustainably; and to make appropriate responses to climate change. Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS,USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community worldlandtrust.org 4

WLT say ‘goodbye’ to John and Viv Burton, founders, as they retire Meet our new CEO

John and Viv presented Meet our new CEO with lifetime At the beginning achievement of September, award for WLT welcomed Dr. elephant Jonathan Barnard conservation by as our new Chief WTI ambassador Executive Officer. Dia Mirza and Vivek Menon, August 2018. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him – so we asked him a few questions to give you some insights.

Can you tell us a little about the A fond farewell to our been cleared for agriculture. As WLT has path that has led you to WLT? grown, it has successfully secured founders I have always been passionate about protection of more than three-quarters of a John and Viv Burton, who founded wildlife and the natural environment, million acres across the world and the and have been fortunate to spend a lot World Land Trust in 1989, step down reserves and wildlife corridors that have from their roles. of time working in the tropics which been created ensure that wildlife can move fostered my love of tropical forests. Jonathan Barnard, who joined us in safely across a wider landscape. The My career has always been about September as WLT’s new CEO, says, ‘John leverage effect of these land acquisitions having a positive impact for nature and Viv Burton demonstrated remarkable also means that several million more acres that also supports and benefits local vision in founding WLT. Their incredible have degrees of protection. people, and I have been responsible for determination and commitment to Today, WLT still focusses on the original large projects that conserve land and nurturing WLT into the internationally support local people’s livelihoods, as vision: save land to save species. And, as important charity it is today is well as managing teams in large NGOs. climate change has evolved into a climate extraordinary. Not only are they I am delighted to have joined WLT to crisis, the work of WLT has evolved along responsible for ground-breaking be able to use my passion and skills with it, ensuring that the Trust continues to conservation action that has saved land with such a fantastic team, partners, do all it can to protect the natural world. It and species, they continue to inspire others and supporters to help save our natural is no small thing that John and Viv built, to act in the face of threats to habitat, world. and the heritage they leave in our hands wildlife and climate. They leave behind includes several innovative programmes What do you think are the best strong foundations for our team to build backing up the land acquired by our on and continue to grow WLT, and we will ways to tackle climate change? partners, including Plant a Tree, Keepers of do all we can to continue their work to The climate crisis is real, and something the Wild, and Carbon Balanced. Together, positively impact nature and reduce the that we can all do is support these programmes work in parallel with threat of the climate crisis.” conservation of forests around the Buy an Acre, the Action Fund and our world. Conservation and restoration Throughout the last thirty years, they have special appeals to ensure that threatened of these forests locks up significant remained grounded, concentrating on habitats and endangered species will be carbon and importantly saves species their belief that buying land for local protected forever. and helps support local people’s lives conservation NGOs, the people best placed Of course, it isn’t really goodbye. John and at the same time so the benefits stretch to care for habitats in urgent need of Viv’s passion and purpose weave through far beyond carbon alone. protection, is the most effective ways of every element of WLT and they will preserving wildlife. Do you have a favourite species? continue to be on hand to help for the That’s a simple answer: meerkats. The first Buy an Acre mission, Programme foreseeable future. On behalf of all at WLT, This was the species that I studied for for Belize, launched in the UK in May 1989, our partners, and the wild, wonderful my PhD, and I was fortunate to spend today safeguards 262,000 acres of forest world you inspire us all to protect every several years with them in the Kalahari. and lagoon; the surrounding forests that day: thank you, John and Viv. were there thirty years ago have today 5

New Buy an Acre projects that need your support Join us to save land and save species, one acre at a time

Sonora, Mexico Conservation of the Territory for the Northern

Funds raised through Buy an Acre will enable Naturalia to purchase and protect 3,953 acres to extend the Jaguar del Norte Reserve. Habitat: Sonoran desert thorny scrub. Biodiversity: Crucial to the protection of the northernmost population of the Jaguar, this remote reserve in the foothills of the Sierra Madre is also home to Ocelot, Neotropical Otter and Military Macaw, as well as 70 species of migratory birds. Threats: Human-wildlife conflict is a particular threat to Jaguar, while habitat loss and The Jaguar del Norte Reserve, in the foothills of Sierra Madre, degradation is caused by livestock farming is the first Jaguar reserve in Mexico. and mining.

Mulaushi Reserve Central Province, Zambia Buy an Acre will help Kasanka Trust secure a 99-year lease of 941 acres of land in Mulaushi, expanding the buffer zone for Kasanka National Park. Habitat: Seasonally inundated grassland (dambo) and miombo woodland. Biodiversity: Part of the vast Bangweulu Wetlands, Mulaushi Reserve borders Kasanka National Park and provides a vital buffer zone for the Vulnerable Black Lechwe (found only in Zambia), as well as African Elephant, Lion and some 500 bird species. Kasanka also hosts the world’s greatest The forest in the middle-Magdalena Valley of El Silencio, migration of 10 million Straw-coloured Fruit Bats. , which is one of just 18 megadiverse countries, home to a large percentage of Earth’s species, with high Threats: Human encroachment and levels of endemism. chitemene (slash-and-burn) farming.

Barbacoas Wetlands, Colombia Expansion of El Silencio Reserve Buy an Acre will fund the purchase of 380 acres of wildlife- rich habitat by Fundacion Biodiversa Colombia (FBC) as part of a larger project to extend El Silencio by 2,471 acres. Habitat: Tropical forest and wetlands. Biodiversity: Once extinct in the area, Colombian Mahogany is being reintroduced to Barbacoas by FBC, enriching valuable habitat for several species, including the Critically Endangered Brown and Endangered White-footed Tamarin and White- fronted Capuchin. The forest is also home to Jaguar, Ocelot and Blue-Billed Curassow. Threats: Clearance for cattle ranching and Forest at El Silencio Reserve. agriculture.

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The Earth on Fire Learn more about forest fires, and how WLT reserves tackle them

This year, Jose Acaro, a Keeper of the Wild at Laipuna Reserve, Ecuador, underwent forest fire specific firefighter training alongside community members and fellow rangers from nearby reserves, learning to combat and control forest fires in the region. The training programme, run by the Environmental Ministry of Ecuador, provides education and development that enables communities to act quickly, limiting the damage that the flames can cause. This is the kind of action that is vital for the protection of habitats worldwide.

What do forest fires really What You Can Do to Help Bolivia mean for life on Earth? Over the past few weeks, WLT has often Forest fires are not a new phenomenon. been asked, ‘why aren’t you buying land in What is new is their frequency and the Amazon?’ Quite simply, much of the intensity. The overall scale of the fire is not Amazon is not for sale, and so there determined by its cause, which can be is no land to purchase. Of course, we share natural, such as lightning, or a result of your concerns about the Amazon and are human action, which can be intentional or doing everything we can to ensure the accidental. safety of the reserves we have funded elsewhere in South America and the rest of The Amazon and Beyond the world because all are at increased threat of fire. Our priority is, and has Although the Amazon fires are fresh in all always been, to save these critically our minds, 2019 has also been a year of threatened forests. However, for ongoing unprecedented wildfires in places as far solutions, the biggest impact that afield as Siberia and Indonesia. This year, individuals can make is to use their voice, Fires at Nembi Guasu, Bolivia in WLT partners in Bolivia, Paraguay, and their consumer power, and direct their August 2019. Mexico have reported fires. Climate charitable giving to charities that are change is undoubtedly responsible for this, protecting habitats. as higher temperatures leave land drier, Armenia and deforestation leaves them bare. Steve Backshall, WLT Patron, said of the fires, “All of the world’s major tropical The Impact of Forest Fire rainforests, Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea, Madagascar, Congo - exactly the same While there are some ecosystems that thing is happening every single year. To my require fire to maintain their health, the mind the most practical thing we can do is current acceleration of uncontrolled fires to join up with local partners and purchase has devastating consequences that leaves rainforest, to extend the range of existing land and dead or displaced, with national parks and put it back into local no access to the food and cover that they stewardship. That’s why I support the need for survival. Not only is climate World Land Trust”. Rangers attempt to control the fires change contributing to the acceleration of at Caucasus Reserve, Armenia. forest fires, but they advance it too. As the forests burn they turn from carbon sinks into rapid sources of carbon emissions, Watch Steve Backshall’s video on our YouTube channel where you’ll also find Sir David Attenborough’s ‘What can I do?’ and other project information. releasing CO2 from the trees and soil. 7

An Epilogue By John Burton, founder and former CEO

Armenia

Why this is nature, nor are we out of it: Think’st thou that I, who saw the wilderness And tasted the eternal joys of Nature, Am not tormented with ten thousand hells In being deprived of everlasting bliss? Thus spake Mephistopheles in Marlow’s Faust (with some minor adjustment by myself), as Faust is damned, and it is an important point. John Burton opening Gnishik Visitor Centre, Armenia in memory of Hugh We humans are part of nature. I was Synge, with staff from FPWC including Ruben Khatchatryan, Director of fortunate to grow up in a time when FPWC, renowed botanist, Nora Gabrielyan. wildlife was still relatively abundant and have seen sights that are now forever Madagascar, Brazil and Indonesia, closely we should use leases to acquire land were gone. I have also been fortunate to work followed by the Congo and China. This particularly important. The overwhelming with teams of very committed agrees with our internal thinking. The issue majority were in favour of permanent conservationists, patrons and board now is identifying suitable local partners, leases (often the only option in post- members, all supported by very which is critical to our approach. communist countries) but opinion was committed donors. At times it can be Consequently, if anyone reading this divided over shorter-term leases. However, depressing but we have to see light at the knows of good NGOs in countries where the overall opinion was that WLT was end of the tunnel (and hope it is not we are not funding, do let us know. They fulfilling the wishes of its donors by giving simply a train careering towards us). But must be able to own or manage land and multiple choices as to how they donated. enough of idioms. have a good track record of conservation. I would like to conclude by thanking all As I step aside, leaving the Trust in the In addition to the countries identified the donors to WLT, particularly our rapidly very capable hands of the new CEO, above, at least one of our supporters, growing band of Friends of WLT. Your Dr Jonathan Barnard, I have taken the nominated almost every other country in commitment and enthusiasm for our work opportunity to summarise the findings of the tropics, together with Eastern Europe, is truly inspiring in times of multiple August’s questionnaire. These findings will demonstrating the truly international environmental disasters. Many times I help mould the future of WLT as we do our interests of our supporters. Of those have felt like giving up, but the best to conserve nature for the future. receiving the printed newsletter, just over tremendous support we have received First, I would like to thank everyone who half visited our website, with a very slightly over the past 30 years (and raising over responded to the questionnaire. It is really higher number reading our eBulletin. This £50 million) means that not doing important for us to know what you, our is part of a continuing trend for more something has never been an option. If we supporters, think about what we are people preferring electronic all do something then there is perhaps doing. Clearly, we are doing things right as communications to paper, but it is also an hope for the future of wildlife and so many of you wrote that you were indication that a large proportion of our humans, which are, after all, part of happy for WLT to decide priorities but all supporters still like to have a printed copy. nature, which is where I started. the feedback will help us in deciding those This is important because printed priorities, and make decisions in newsletters are often read by more than conjunction with scientific advice. one person and have a longer ‘shelf life’. To summarise, most respondents thought The questions relating to whether or not that more action was needed in worldlandtrust.org the hypheninNaturalia; Page6:NCE,JoshuaStevens/NASAEarthObservatory, Nativa,FPWC;Page7:DavidBebber, FPWC;Page8:FUNDAECO,William Gray. 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