Independent – Fearless – Professional

JOURNAL FRANZ WEBER 2019 Edition HANDS OFF IVORY!

NOZEANIUM! FRANZ WEBER A victory for A tribute to the great the oceans defender of nature 6 and animals 37

ffw.ch CONTENTS

Editorial 3 In Brief 4 – 5 No to the Ozeanium – A victory for marine animals 6 – 13

– ZOOXXI – The first foundation stone has been laid in Barcelona! 14 – 16 The city of Barcelona will adopt the ZOOXXI The massacre of African elephants – Aided and abetted by Europe 18 – 25 concept. A citizen’s initiative submitted by Fondation Franz Weber and the animal protection African Elephants – CITES must be held accountable 26 – 28 association Libera led to an amendment of the CITES – The aquarium industry in the crosshairs 29 – 30 law by the city council of Barcelona on 3 May What is a fighting bull? 31 – 32 2019, marking the end of the current zoo model in Barcelona. Page 14 Swiss volunteers at Equidad! 33 – 34 Fleur de Morat – The story of an impending environmental disaster 35 – 36 * We pay tribute to Franz Weber 37 – 47 VERA WEBER President Fondation Franz Weber _

– The old town of Murten/Morat, in the Canton of Fribourg in Switzerland, is one of the jewels of our Swiss cultural heritage. However, a construc- IMPRINT tion project to build nine apartment buildings PUBLISHED BY FONDATION FRANZ WEBER within close proximity to the famous old town EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Vera Weber and Matthias Mast has been submitted. These dreadful residential EDITORS: Adam Cruise, Julia Fischer, Rebekka Gammenthaler rental buildings would inevitably degrade the CONCEPT: KARGO Kommunikation GMBH town’s character. Page 35 PAGE LAYOUT: Gianpaolo Burlon PRINTED BY: Bruhin Spühler AG SUBSCRIPTIONS: Journal Franz Weber, Abo, BP 257, 3000 Berne 13, Switzerland Tel.: +41 (0)21 964 24 24 | E-Mail: [email protected] | www.ffw.ch | | All rights reserved. The Reproduction of photos, texts, or illustrations is not permitted without the express permission of the editorial staff. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited manuscripts or photos.

– Franz Weber, the brilliant rebel – the great lion – , who fought to preserve nature and animals, passed away on 2 April 2019. Three close com- BANK DETAILS FOR YOUR DONATIONS: Postal account: 18-6117-3, Fondation Franz Weber, 3000 Bern 13, Switzerland panions and fellow campaigners pay tribute to IBAN: CH31 0900 0000 1800 6117 3 this extraordinary man. Page 37

2 2019 EDITION

EDITORIAL

Dear readers,

2019 has been a strange year. To quote Goethe, we have rejoiced in high heaven and plumbed the depths of despair. My father, Franz Weber, left us on 2 April 2019. His passing leaves behind a deep sadness over the loss of a beloved, wonderful person, but also a tremendous legacy for the protection of animals, nature, landscapes and cultural assets. You can read our tribute to the brilliant lion in this magazine from page 37.

Life and our work, however – our battle for a world worth living in – go marching on regardless, in the spirit of Franz Weber himself. The fact that we won our first victory VERA *WEBER of the year so soon afterwards, on 3 May, is a clear reflection of this. The city council of President Fondation Franz Weber _ Barcelona decided to approve, by a vast majority, our concept for a zoo of the future, called ZOOXXI. As a result, Barcelona Zoo will slowly be converted and adapted to correspond to the current shift in values regarding animal protection. Read more about it from page 14.

And on 19 May this year, our long-term campaign «NOzeanium» – against Basel Zoo's senseless and backward-looking plan to build a large aquarium containing thousands of marine animals – reached a turning point and reason prevailed. Basel’s electorate voted against the Ozeanium project by 54.56%, demonstrating their progressive character and sense of responsibility. Find out more about this from page 6.

Franz Weber said it 30 years ago: «Ivory is only beautiful on elephants». And 30 years ago, in October 1989 in Lausanne, CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endan- gered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – finally granted elephants the highest level of protection available, thus curbing the trade in ivory – thanks in part to the efforts of Fondation Franz Weber as well. However, over the years, the ban has increasingly been chipped away at, and elephants are once again highly endangered, having died in their thousands for the sake of people’s insatiable greed for ivory. The next CITES meeting will take place in August this year in Geneva. Fondation Franz Weber will be there on the front- line, fighting for the protection of elephants. Find out more in our report from page 18.

I have been at the helm of Fondation Franz Weber, guiding its destiny, since 2014, and in that time I have managed to build upon the unique foundations that my father Franz Weber laid. But above all I have been able count on an excellent team of professionals and fellow campaigners, to whom I would hereby like to give my warmest and most sincere thanks. We are all proud to bear Franz Weber’s torch, to carry it forward and fight, deter- mined, for a just world that is worth living in for animals, nature and people. That is my – that is our – promise to you!

Yours, Vera Weber

3 IN BRIEF

NATURE CONSERVATION* ANIMAL PROTECTION* ANIMAL PROTECTION* Wind turbines Initiative against The mayor of blight the intensive livestock Quito wants to landscape and farming on the see an end to destroy bird life home straight bullfighting

Helvetia Nostra and the Swiss Founda- The initiative «No intensive livestock Jorge Yunda, the new mayor of Ecua- tion for Landscape Conservation have farming in Switzerland», launched dor’s capital Quito, has decided not to lodged a complaint with the canton a year ago by Sentience Politics and extend the lease agreement between court against the Montagne-de-Buttes Fondation Franz Weber, together with the city and the company that organises (Neuenburg canton) wind farm project. other animal protection organisations, bullfighting at Belmonte Bullring. After With 19 wind turbines each 180 metres will be submitted in autumn. «We are the 2011 referendum, in which citizens high, dispersed across the meadows typ- on target», Meret Schneider is happy voted to ban bullfighting in the Ecua- ical of the Neuenburg Jura Mountains, to announce. The initiative’s campaign dorian capital, a political group tried to the project in beautiful Val-de-Travers manager is confident that they will prevent the complete disappearance of would be the largest wind farm ever gather more than the required 100,000 bullfighting activities by organising no- planned in Switzerland. The wind farm signatures. «Significantly more signa- kill bullfights. Together with several an- facilities would have fatal consequences tures would give momentum to the vot- imal protection groups Fondation Franz for birds and bats, as the project poses ing campaign», highlights Vera Weber. Weber denounced these new guises of a great threat to animals’ habitats and The President of Fondation Franz We- the activity, as the bulls are still tortured presents the danger of collisions with ber, who sits on the committee of the and the horses continue to be maltreat- the wind turbines. And, if the project intensive livestock farming initiative, ed. The new mayor of Quito’s decision were to go ahead, it would severely en- therefore has high hopes for a brilliant has finally put an end to all bullfighting danger the recent, successful return and final stretch: «Anyone who has not activities in the capital! repopulation of golden eagles in this re- signed yet should do so now!» You can gion – after being absent for 200 years! obtain the petition forms from: www.massentierhaltung.ch

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«The belief that love is only* reserved for our fellow human beings is not only a fundamental mistake, but also runs counter to the very spirit of divine law – eternal equity based on harmony and love. The unfair and cruel treatment of completely innocent creatures – animals – is undoubtedly the heaviest burden of guilt that mankind has to bear, as it inevitably leads to injustice towards human beings, leading to hatred and wars.» FRANZ WEBER

Lee White has Been* Appointed Gabon’s New Forestry Minister Good news for the environment and the protection of elephants!

This is, without exaggeration, wonderful news: Lee White, a British-born Environment, and the Climate Plan in Gabon. His appointment is scientist and Professor of Ecology who acquired Gabonese nationality indeed a very uplifting decision, and excellent news for all environ- over ten years ago, has been appointed Minister for Forests, the Sea, the mentalists, and those who fight against corruption. Lee White will be able to benefit from an extensive network of contacts, including Prince Charles, and is uncompromising when it comes to environ- mental matters. For more than twenty years, he has been commit- ted to the protection of species and habitats in Gabon. In 2002, the year in which the Gabonese National Parks were created, he was ad- visor to the Gabonese administration on matters relating to climate change, national parks, and ecotourism. For the past ten years, he has also been Director of the National Parks Agency in Ga- bon, which serves as a model throughout the world.

Vera Weber, President of Fondation Franz Weber, says «Lee White is the ideal Min- ister for the Environment for Gabon. He is fully committed to the conservation of spe- cies and habitats, not only in his country, but around the globe.»

5 This does not just concern Basel, it concerns the world! The rejection of a public marine aquarium has defeated small-mindedness and allowed tolerance and reason to triumph! By voting against the planned «Ozeanium», Basel’s citizens sent a clear message to the world: we must take real action for the oceans and protect seas everywhere.

On 19 May 2019, voters in the canton over», said Vera Weber. «Basel Zoo struction of the «Ozeanium» to deposit of Basel-Stadt voiced their opposition must rethink its animal ethics and, in the promised money into a fund for ma- to the «Ozeanium» with 54.56% of the the future, invest in real animal and rine protection. To be able to report on vote. An historic date and a momen- species protection. In so doing, it can such marine protection projects would tous result for the future of animal and set an example as a zoo of the future», truly be a noble task for Basel Zoo! species protection! explained the President of Fondation Fondation Franz Weber Franz Weber, who fought vehemently In voting against the «Ozeanium» against the «Ozeanium» project for the project, Basel’s citizens made their feel- past eight years. On 2 May 2019, the city ings about this antiquated model of an council of Barcelona approved, by a aquarium clearly known, thus causing significant majority, the «zoo of the fu- a worldwide sensation. As a result, nu- ture» project developed by Fondation merous international environmental Franz Weber, called «ZOOXXI». «We and animal protection organisations would be happy to present the project congratulated Fondation Franz Weber to Basel Zoo to talk about our vision Meere schützen wo sie sind. on its success. «I have great respect for for a zoo of the future in Basel», said your country’s citizens», wrote Har- Vera Weber. (Find out more about the NEIN ZUM uyoshi Kawai from the Japanese ani- ZOOXXI project on page 14). OZEANIUM Mai 2019 mal protection organisation LightAn- am 19.

imal. His statement went to the heart The historic decision in Basel speaks A3_Plakat_Pinzetfisch_RZ.indd 1 29.03.19 10:40 of the voting result, as the significant volumes – marine animals should no – outcome of 54.56% votes against the longer be plucked from their natural «The image of a little fish imprisoned in a plastic planned construction of the enormous habitats and transported thousands of bag perfectly encapsulates the opponents' message marine aquarium demonstrates the miles away to be put on show, merely to and is a powerful expression of current public mood. voters’ high ethical and moral values. make people aware of the need to protect No longer is a public aquarium recognised as an ed- The result will go down in history as them. People want to take real action ucational institution that works to raise awareness one of the global symbols for effective when it comes to marine protection. – ideals the director of Basel Zoo was keen to convey marine protection. in his attempt to make his prestigious, monumental The «No to the Ozeanium» Commit- project more palatable as a new crowd-puller.» «The rejection of the ‹Ozeanium› tee invites the benefactors and institu- Peter Knechtli, Chief Editor is also a chance for Basel Zoo to start tions who wished to donate to the con- onlinereports.ch, Basel.

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«The shift in values is unstoppable»

«No to the Ozeanium»: interview with Vera Weber on the historic referendum.

MATTHIAS* MAST riously about whether it makes sense to of the canton of Basel-Stadt. How did you Reporter and Journalist lock animals up. react to that idea? _ VW: I thought it was a shameful act of Is the decision against the «Ozeanium» defiance by sore losers. If the canton therefore more than a political decision of Basel-Landschaft were to take the What significance does winning the concerning Basel alone? construction of an «Ozeanium» seri- «Ozeanium» referendum hold for animal VW: Yes, unbelievably so! If you look ously – which I doubt – of course we protection in general and for Fondation just over the border at Germany, for wouldn't hesitate to fight the plan! I Franz Weber in particular? example, where four more large aquar- am convinced that the people of Ba- Vera Weber (VW): It is a victory for rea- iums are planned, the decision in Ba- sel-Landschaft are as progressive as son, and for animal protection it rep- sel has given local movements against those of the canton of Basel-Stadt and resents a shift in societal values, and these ludicrous projects courage and indeed the whole of Switzerland. this is unstoppable. A few years ago, impetus. The decision made in Basel we probably wouldn't have won this has also sent a message across Europe. Fondation Franz Weber initiated the move- referendum, since, at that time, fishes It is now scientifically proven that fishes ment against the «Ozeanium». When and were not given the same importance are also sentient beings, and people are how did FFW come to the decision to fight as terrestrial animals. It was not until gradually becoming aware of that. The against the planned large aquarium using 2008 that fish were included in Swiss «No to the Ozeanium» marks the start of any and all legal means? animal protection law. For Fondation a global movement against large aquari- VW: It all started with my friend of twenty Franz Weber, this victory is another ums and the like! years, Monica Biondo. She’s a marine biol- step towards the salvation of animals ogist who has worked for FFW for the last and their habitats. And it shows that After the «Ozeanium» referendum there seven years, and she has been an advocate more and more people are thinking se- were calls to build a large aquarium outside for marine animals for decades. In 2010,

– Shortly after the announcement of the Ozeanium referendum, Swiss television inter- views Vera Weber at Basel Town Council.

7 she told me that plans were underway to successfully fighting plans of the zoo in project on the cards, by due legal pro- build an enormous aquarium in Basel. She the city of Basel – a zoo affectionately cess, specifically by raising objections. opened my eyes to the impact of this pro- known locally as «Zolli» and practical- In addition to this, we held numerous ject. The idea of building a marine aquar- ly bordering on sacred for many people talks and organised press conferences ium in a landlocked country like Switzer- – were null. Many of our advisors and and different informative events in Ba- land was beyond my comprehension then. friends warned me against it, because sel. We kept our benefactors and read- At that time, FFW had its hands full with they feared that Fondation Franz Weber ers in and outside of Basel constantly campaigns regarding the second home could do itself some harm by making updated about the problems surround- initiative, the conservation of elephants a stand. In May 2014, FFW launched a ing such an aquarium. The arguments and the prohibition of bullfighting. The constructive counter-proposal in Basel we submitted against the construction welfare of fishes was not one of Fondation called Vision Nemo that used multime- of the «Ozeanium» had therefore been Franz Weber’s core issues. However, with dia means to display the ocean without on the table since 2014. Unfortunately, Monica Biondo’s input, fishes gradually caging animals up and transporting until the voting campaign began, the came to form part of our agenda. them thousands of miles. However, «Ozeanium» supporters refused to have those in charge of the zoo simply didn’t an open debate and discussion. They And was that when the seasoned campaign want to know. (Editor's note: Meanwhile, just never took our criticisms and argu- leader Vera Weber launched her battle in New York, a display of the ocean and ments seriously. against the «Ozeanium»? And won again… the animals living within them, similar VW: (laughs) It wasn't that straightfor- to Vision Nemo, has successfully opened). That sounds like an arduous path to achiev- ward. A few years prior, the chances of Afterwards, FFW tried to prevent the ing your goal. Was it?

If not for the support, and the magnificent work, of the people and organisations that supported the referendum and the voting campaign, this victory for nature conservation and animal protection would never have been possible. We offer you all our heartfelt thanks!

Among others: Great Councillor Thomas Grossenbacher, Great Councillor Sascha Mazotti, former Great Council President Markus Ritter, Great Councillor Dr. Heinrich Ueberwasser, Prof. Markus Wild and all other Basel politicians and individuals, volunteers and activists, who have fought tirelessly for the «No to the Ozeanium».

As well as the following organisations: Basel-Stadt Green Party, Greenpeace Basel regional group, Animal Rights Switzer- land, BastA!, Junges grünes Bündnis NordWest, VCS beider Basel, Ökostadt Basel, OceanCare, Stiftung für das Tier im Recht, Network for Animal Protection NetAP, fair- fish International & fair-fish Schweiz, LSCV – Ligue Suisse contre l’expérimentation animale et pour les droits des animaux, Verein Hilfe für Tiere in Not.

THANK YOU! Fondation Franz Weber 8 2019 EDITION

VW: It really was, and, for a long time, a world and open the door to a zoo of the lonely one too for FFW. However, more 21st Century. (Find out more about Fon- and more fellow campaigners grad- dation Franz Weber’s ZOOXXI project ually joined us. I offer all of them my on page 14). heartfelt thanks! When the Green Party called the referendum, after the Great «Ozeanium» supporters argued that they Council of the canton of Basel-Stadt would raise awareness among the public decided, on 17 October 2018 to offer the about marine conservation. Fondation Franz Heuwaage area for the construction Weber and the «No to the Ozeanium» Com- of the «Ozeanium», we were over the mittee responded to that with the slogan moon... «protect the seas, in situ». What does that mean exactly? ...and was that when you first thought you VW: The mere fact that we turned the could vote the «Ozeanium» bill down? zoo into a topic of debate with the ref- VW: I always believed in the strength erendum, has generated more aware- of our arguments, which were backed ness in the last eight months than the by scientific facts. And I was always zoo would have managed in ten years. convinced that a change in our soci- Thanks to the public debate, the entire etal values, in terms of our relationship population has begun to rethink marine with animals, was underway. Fishes and marine animal protection and start- and marine animals are also benefiting ed up an in-depth conversation about it. from this change in values. The next item on our list is now the trade in marine ornamental fishes for private Outside of Switzerland, what was the reac- and large aquariums: the upcoming tion to the decision against the «Ozeani- CITES – the Convention on Internation- um» in Basel? al Trade in Endangered Species – meet- – VW: We received congratulations from ing (taking place in Geneva in August What are sharks, penguins and rays doing all over – Japan, Spain, the USA, Ger- 2019) will call for an investigation into, in the middle of Basel? We asked oursel- many, for example – and from animal and stricter controls on, the worldwide ves this question and distributed these welfare campaigners, who were all de- trade in marine ornamental fishes. This figures across Basel.. lighted about this progressive decision is a petition from Switzerland, the EU in Basel. I am convinced that Basel’s and the USA, to which FFW has made a decision will send a message across the significant contribution.

– #wasmacheichhier [what am I doing here] was a street art initiative that formed part of the NOzeanium campaign.

9 No to the Ozeanium: A victory for marine animals

Sandbar sharks, sea otters and giant octopuses: countless animals will now be able to live a life of freedom thanks to the resounding vote against the «Ozeanium».

MONICA* BIONDO A thorough look at the list of species that Ph.D. Marine Biologist Head of Research & Conservation emerged during the referendum campaign, – showing the animals that were to occupy the tanks. This once again illustrates how impor- tant Fondation Franz Weber’s fight has been – for the protection of marine animals and against this senseless saltwater aquarium.

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«An outdated 50-year-old concept» That These facts are not our own assertions finement is the end of the line – a sto- was the first thing that sprang to mind in – they are scientifically proven (1). ry of suffering from start to finish. The mid-April 2019 when I first saw the list monkfish rarely adapts to the food and of animals that Basel Zoo intended to DEEP SEA INHABITANTS, DOOMED TO DIE must be kept separately. As a relentless display in its planned marine aquarium Basel Zoo even wanted to display ghost predator, it would eat all other animals the «Ozeanium». The Zolli, as it is affec- sharks or chimaeras, most of whom present in its tank. tionately called by locals, had always ad- come from the deep sea. They obvi- vertised its project as «unique» and more ously do not do well in captivity either. The fishes in the planned coral reef innovative than all the other 150 large They do not even manage to reproduce tank would have been caught almost aquariums already operating in Europe. and are thus doomed to die. exclusively in the wild as well. Even the That was obviously not the case. World Association of Zoos and Aquari- Despite a trade ban across the whole ums (WAZA), in its strategy document, A BIT OF BACKGROUND of Europe, European eels were also to admits that only 25 species of coral reef The zoo’s plan was to keep together be put on display. In the wild, they are fishes can be bred in commercial num- predatory fishes in a tank that would in danger of extinction. They also can- bers (2). never have come across each other not breed; rather, in their natural habitats. Barracudas the larvae, known – from warm, tropical seas would have as elvers, are caught The highly intelligent had to hunt coldwater species such as and then fattened. sardines and herrings. It would be con- A similar approach octopus. stant stress for the prey fishes that, to was to be used for entertain visitors, would have formed schools of delicate schools and moved together, as seen in young salmon – picture books, to protect themselves. It perhaps to demon- would have been akin to putting a leop- strate that salmon ard in a rabbit enclosure. The zoo's ar- no longer manage gument that fish in an aquarium were to make it to Basel better off because they would receive due to the many en- permanent care and not be exposed to gineered river dams? enemies was therefore utter nonsense. MONKFISH IN SOLI- A fearsome-looking sand tiger TARY CONFINEMENT shark, up to 2.5 metres long, was also A monkfish was to to serve as a visitor magnet, together be showcased as a with its cousins the hammer and sand- further highlight. It bar sharks. These species would rarely seems that its grim encounter each other in the wild ei- appearance and the ther. Threatened sand tiger sharks are sheer impossibili- usually kept separately in aquariums. ty of keeping it in However, they are very social animals captivity make this and in the sea they occasionally live in special fish particu- large schools. Much like dolphins and larly irresistible. It whales, they cultivate friendships. In cannot be touched addition, research found that a third of with bare hands dur- sand tiger sharks in public aquariums ing the capture, as have deformed spines. Due to their it will die. Yet, even swimming behaviour, narrow tanks or so, only one out of malnutrition, the animals can suffer every ten captured compressed spines, a loss of interver- animals make it into tebral space or vertebra degeneration. the aquarium. Con-

11 HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, HIGHLY ENDANGERED The giant octopus even in its natural habitat will only live to the age of five. In captivity, however, it rarely lives beyond the age of two. Nevertheless, there were also plans to put it on display in the failed «Ozeanium», as a pale imitation of itself. The highly intelligent invertebrate beguiles many scientists. Octopuses have inhabited our planet for almost 300 million years. Due to convergent evolution, similar to human beings as vertebrates, the giant octopus has acquired intelligence and awareness. As a cephalopod, its oesophagus is connect- ed to its brain. It has around 1,600 suckers and uses these like fingers to feel, grasp and, just as we do with our tongues, taste. In the wild, climate change afflicts this coldwater an- imal in particular. Still too little is known in order to even assign the species any IUCN RedList conservation status.

Basel Zoo would not have shied away from obtaining highly endangered species either, the trade of which has been regulated since 2017. This includes nautiluses. As their appearance has hardly changed over many periods of the Earth’s history, they are regarded as «living fossils». Like their cousin, the giant octopus, nautiluses – which prefer to live at depths of 150 metres – do not reproduce when in cap- tivity. They must therefore be caught from the sea – again and again.

A FISHY TALE CHANGE IN LEGISLATION Time and time again Basel Zoo cited a study by the Federal Vet- In 2012, Switzerland made the progressive step to ban the im- erinary Office (now called the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary port of whales and dolphins, which until then could be kept Office), both during public appearances and on the «Ozeanium» in dolphinariums. In the «Ozeanium», Basel Zoo wanted to website: «A study performed by the Federal Veterinary Office display another marine mammal: the sea otter. Only very found that around 1.5% of animals do not survive transportation.» few aquariums worldwide keep them. They seldom produce (3) Fondation Franz Weber, however, repeatedly referred to a mor- offspring when in captivity. As legislation is increasingly tality rate of up to 80%. Such a discrepancy in the figures calls for a closer look. You can- Sources: not compare apples to oranges. The mortality rate of up to 80% (1) Walters, 2009 / Huber, 2013 relates to scientific studies that examined international trade – (2) See www.waza.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Aquarium- specifically from capture through the whole supply chain to the strategie-German.pdf, S.4 aquarium. Fishes can die at every single stage of the journey; for (3) Studie Veterinäramt: Zur Einfuhr von Zierfischen in die Schweiz. example, from the small-scale fisherman in North Bali to several Huber Christine, 2001. Bundesamt für Veterinärwesen. https://studylib- intermediaries to the exporter. The Federal Veterinary Office study de.com/doc/2449591/zur-einfuhr-von-zierfischen-in-die-schweiz only looked at the mortality rate from the exporter, for example, in Further reading (selection): Jakarta, to the importer in Zurich. It examined just 12 deliveries of - Journal of Fish Biology: Stevens et al., 2017 ornamental fishes. Eight of these were freshwater fish shipments. - Welternährungsorganisation FAO: Monticino, 2010 Only four of the shipments actually contained marine fishes and - Universität Florida; Livengood and Chapman, 2007 would have been relevant for the «Ozeanium». Of almost 30,000 - SPC Live Reef Fish Infos: Rubec et al., 2005 fishes examined, a mere 364 animals, in other words only a little Book about ornamental saltwater fishes: over 1%, were marine ornamental fishes. And you simply cannot pro- - Cato et al., 2003 duce any statistics from a sample of just four shipments. (MoBi) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): - Wabnitz et al., 2003

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shifting in favour of our fel- low creatures, it would have been a mockery to display A LOOK BACK AT OUR CAMPAIGN sea otters. NOZEANIUM The same applies to the Japanese spider crab. They On 19 May, Basel’s voters rejected the construction of the often die while in transit, as «Ozeanium» in the Heuwaage area of the city by a clear our investigations in South majority. Building on our fact-based campaign, we were Africa showed. (Editor’s able to leave the people of Basel in no doubt as to the dis- note: Journal Franz Weber advantages of this major, 28-metre-high project that is 2019 special edition on the completely out of step with the times: in light of climate planned «Ozeanium»; the change, species extinction and the littering of the seas, magazine can be ordered by building this «Ozeanium» would have been the wrong path telephone and is available on to take, the wrong message to send out. That’s what the our website). These extraor- majority of voters recognised! The tremendous cross-party dinary creatures are only commitment proved decisive for this successful voting re- found off the coast of Japan. sult. Thanks to a broad network of people, our NOzeanium Measuring up to around four campaign became a movement, underpinned by our shared metres length, with legs ful- conviction that a change in how we think is urgently need- ly extended, they are true ed – in Basel and worldwide. The resulting actions were giants. remarkably creative and varied: an early morning initiative at Heuwaage with 60 people, where we showcased the di- In light of all these facts mensions of the construction project, street art, street campaigning events, spontaneous lunch get-togethers and having fought so hard in the city – to name just a few examples. It was only with the personal commitment of all those involved that against the construction of we were able to take on the financial superiority of the «Ozeanium» supporters’ campaign. My personal thanks the «Ozeanium» over the therefore go to every single person who supported us in one way or another over the last few months, and who last ten years, it is a great enabled our NOzeanium campaign to grow into a movement. joy, and deeply satisfying, for Fondation Franz Weber This vote left Basel's Zolli acutely aware of its failure to fulfil its role as an early-warning system for the global that these plans have been destruction of the marine flora and fauna, and its missed opportunity to raise awareness among visitors. We so emphatically rejected. Ba- are hopeful that those in charge of the zoo, who initially reacted against us with subjective allegations and sel’s inhabitants showed vi- accusations, will as a next step conduct a fact-based analysis of the failed project. An analysis that will lead sion and common sense on to the realization that the current visual and emotional attractions need to evolve in order to raise awareness 19 May 2019. They listened and keep educating: Basel Zoo’ «innocent» animal world of today urgently needs an emotive, educational and to facts and data. Outdated thought-provoking extension. The Zolli must lead by example with its clear, comprehensible commitment to opinions, a completely obso- saving and conserving our ecosystems and thus encourage visitors to take more responsibility for their envi- lete concept and the talking ronment. We must work with all our might to protect animal habitats such that not only the lives of the few up of «environmental edu- animals in the zoos are secured, but the lives of as many living creatures on our planet as possible. cation» and «marine protec- tion» all failed to deceive Ba- Basel now has the opportunity – with the Zolli – to revamp the area up to Heuwaage, to give the Basel Zoo’s sel’s electorate. animals more space and provide locals with more green space.

I look forward to Basel’s Zolli becoming a sustainable and forward-looking alerter and educator. A Zolli that finds its own voice to call out against the advancing destruction of animal and aquatic life. Our Zolli, becoming a true conservation pioneer!

Thomas Grossenbacher, Great Councillor Greens BS

13 ZOOXXI – The first found­ation stone has been laid in Barcelona!

Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) has developed a modern zoo project that promotes zoos adapted to LEONARDO* ANSELMI Director of FFW for the South of Europe and Latin America current moral values: ZOOXXI. FFW’s efforts have – recently borne fruit – ZOOXXI has been adopted for its zoological park by the City of Barcelona. This was a citizen’s initiative, driven by Fondation Franz Weber in collaboration with the animal protec- tion association Libera, which led to a legislative amendment on 3 May 2019. Consequently, this has put an end to the current zoo model in Barcelona.

14 2019 EDITION

ZOOXXI IN BARCELONA – THE FIRST that really focus on research, conser- ods applied and the underlying STEP TOWARDS THE FUTURE vation and education. The project is decision-making mechanisms is This historic victory is the first step in based on five pillars: essential. This principle can only the ZOOXXI campaign. It is an impor- be delivered by setting up a scien- tant decision which moves away from Conservation, to give priority to tific and ethical committee that is the view that nature was created for hu- * the protection of animals in their composed of experts for all species man domination, bringing us closer to natural habitat. This means that kept in the zoo. the concept of peaceful cohabitation. zoos must carry out concrete con- The first foundation stone has been servation projects in natural envi-  E ducation: Real education pro- laid to build our future. ronments (in situ), and not restrict * grams that inform visitors of the their activities to the display of liv- natural behaviour of animals and BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS ZOOXXI? ing beings behind bars. In this re- that enhance greater empathy to- In an interview I did on Barcelona’s spect, priority must be given to local wards other species. Education will public TV channel, I was asked to de- and regional species. And, lastly, a be provided through new immer- fine the project in a few words. My re- conservation-based zoo means that sive technologies, particularly vir- sponse was quite simple: «ZOOXXI is any animal reproduction should tual reality that are closely linked everything that zoos claim to be». only take place in order to reintro- with the concrete in situ conserva- duce animals to the wild for the me- tion projects implemented by the Zoos tell us that they are helping dium or long term. zoo. Zoological parks need to move «conserve» species and they «inform» away from just displaying animals and «make people aware» of the prob- Science: Each zoo must create a towards the observation of them in lems faced by animals around the * scientific research centre to study their natural habitats. world. However, it is quite evident the natural behaviour of animals that this is not the case, they have and animal «sentience». Individual PROTECTION OF SPECIES AND THEIR succeeded only in achieving their animals have cognitive, emotional NATURAL HABITATS own self-preservation. They say that capacities and consciousness. The According to the latest scientific re- they carry out «research», and yet aim is to improve human knowl- search, and in accordance with cur- what they learn about animals in edge of animals and their habitats, rent moral values, animals are sen- captivity can only be used within the while, at the same time, increasing tient beings that have physical and framework of captivity. This so-called human empathy towards other an- psychological needs, cognitive and research does not provide meaning- imal species. emotional capacities and differing ful information on animals’ natural forms of consciousness. There is no behaviour and requirements in their  Ethics: Zoos should not restrict doubt that captivity causes suffering natural habitats. Zoos talk about «ed- * themselves to simply «display- for animals, particularly since they are ucation», but they never question ing» animals from other parts of inhibited from expressing their natu- their captivity model. The ZOOXXI the world. They need to be trans- ral behaviour. It is therefore impera- campaign aims to reconcile these formed into veritable animal res- tive that zoos focus on the protection claims with reality and bring zoos cue and treatment centres: for the of species and habitats before thinking into the twenty-first century. reintroduction of injured and en- about displaying animals to the pub- dangered animals, as well as for lic. Zoos need to provide each animal WHAT DOES ZOOXXI PROPOSE? the care of illegally traded animals with conditions as close as possible to ZOOXXI is calling for an environmen- seized by the police. An ethical zoo their natural environment. tal, scientific, and ethical revolution also means that it must give up the – the redevelopment of zoos through- practice of culling (the slaughter ZOOXXI completely calls into ques- out the world, in order to adapt them of «surplus» baby animals) as well tion zoos’ current model, which is to modern science and the moral val- as the capture of animals from the based on business and profit, animal ues of the twenty-first century. The wild. reproduction, and the exchange of an- idea is to transform zoos, which are imals. The project calls on zoos to ori- currently and almost exclusively de-  G ood Governance, absolute trans- ent their activities towards the protec- voted to entertainment, into places * parency with regard to the meth- tion of species and individual animals

15 through conservation programmes in NO CLOSURE OF ZOOS tion of the animals are able to be trans- natural environments. The best way to With this new model, zoos in the twen- ferred to sanctuaries and reserves, protect biodiversity is to take profound ty-first century will operate in a net- and even a smaller number would be measures to protect habitats. work, and, instead of interchanging released into the wild. Therefore, the animals, will exchange images and sci- project does not call for the closure of Not only are such measures becom- entific information from various con- zoos since it would be tantamount to ing increasingly urgent in view of the servation programmes. They will work missing a great opportunity to trans- accelerated disappearance of species closely together – one zoo will protect form them to rescue and research cen- and their habitats, but they would also a certain natural area, the next zoo will tres that make use of the existing spe- enable zoo visitors to observe natural take care of another, and so on. Each cialists and facilities. animal behaviour directly. ZOOXXI zoo will have its own area of responsi- proposes that zoos set up scientific and bility. ZOOXXI is the future: it is the best technological centres that will permit way to address our past mistakes and visitors, through immersive and inter- The ZOOXXI campaign is deter- develop a fruitful relationship between active experiences, to discover in situ mined to avoid the closure of zoos. A humans and the environment. It is also conservation projects implemented report drawn up by the FFW team, in the best way to build a future based by the zoo, and to gain a better under- collaboration with other animal asso- on empathy and sound reason rather standing of animals’ behaviour in their ciations in Barcelona, shows that the than on exploitation and contempt. natural habitats. This way, zoos will closure of zoos would have a devastat- Now that Barcelona has adopted this play an indisputably important edu- ing effect on the animals currently in ground-breaking initiative, the rest cational role that will enable visitors them. In the best-case scenario, such of the world can follow suit. There are to adopt new environmentally friendly animals would end up in other zoos. thousands of animals that need saving, practices, which ultimately will help Worse, they would be sold to tanneries vast habitats to preserve, and hundreds protect biodiversity. or exotic restaurants. Only a tiny frac- of zoos to transform.

16 www.simonhofer.net END TRADING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES! TAKE ACTION! ffw.ch IBAN: CH31 0900 0000 1800 6117 3 17 Massacre of elephants for ivory.

With a blind eye being turned to the ivory trade, poaching in Africa continues unabated. This has dramatic consequences. Within seven years, a third of African elephants have been be wiped out! Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) is fighting by all legal means against the slaughter of the gentle giants.

18 2019 EDITION Massacre of elephants

ADAM* CRUISE for ivory. Journalist & Author –

According to a census on the entire continent in 2016, one third of Af- rican elephants were eradicated in just seven years. The main reasons for this tragedy are:

Rampant poaching, further fuelled* by an insatiable global greed for ivory that shows no signs of diminishing.

Loss of habitat as people con- tinue* to invade areas of untouched nature.

Trade in live elephants for zoos and* circuses all over the world.

The ongoing practice of uncon- trolled* trophy hunting.

CONCLUSION: If nothing is done to fight hunting and to combat the displacement of these gentle giants, there is a risk that African elephants will become extinct in the wild in less than 10 years!

– Killed for ivory: an elephant shot by poachers in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

19 – Stacked tusks from hundreds of animals in South Africa. Most elephants are killed because of the global demand for ivory.

20 2019 EDITION

The elephant census was a wake-up call for the international community. APPROVED SALE OF IVORY STOCKS Governments took immediate action to stop the massacre. The USA, and short- ENDANGERS ELEPHANTS ly afterwards China, the two biggest Elephants from most African countries are now listed by CITES in Appendix I. They there- ivory consumers, introduced an almost fore have the highest level of protection in the Convention. This means that elephants and complete ban on domestic sales of ivo- elephant parts cannot be commercially traded, as the species is considered endangered. ry, while Kenya continued to destroy its However, in 1997 and 2008, four southern African countries – Botswana, Namibia, South national ivory stocks. Dozens of other Africa and Zimbabwe – convinced CITES that their elephant populations were growing, countries followed suit. The USA addi- which consequently led to their downgrading to Appendix II. These four countries were tionally applied a ban on elephant tro- allowed to sell their ivory stocks in a one-off major sales campaign: in 1999, when 60 phy hunting in countries such as Zim- tonnes went to Japan, and in 2008, when 102 tonnes of ivory were sold to China and Ja- babwe and Tanzania. Botswana placed pan. These one-off sales swiftly generated huge demand for ivory, which in turn triggered a ban on elephant hunting and other a massacre of elephants across the whole continent. In spite of the devastating conse- endangered wildlife within its country quences, elephants in these countries remain listed in Appendix II to date. borders.

THE EU PREVENTS URGENTLY REQUIRED guarantee the protection of African el- the Convention – this equates to a full PROTECTION ephants. trade ban. On an international scale, the Conven- Since then, however, the protection tion on International Trade in Endan- In 1989 the entire African elephant status of African elephants has been re- gered Species (CITES) is supposed to population was placed on Appendix I of peatedly torpedoed (see box above).

– Local markets with ivory products all over the globe, from New Zealand to Japan, fuel the killing of elephants in Africa.

21 When the 183 member states of the In- mainly head to East Asia. With the ivo- According to the latest report by ternational Convention met at the end ry trade, both legal and illegal, showing MIKE (the «Monitoring the Illegal Kill- of 2016 for the Seventeenth Conference no signs of stopping, elephant poach- ing of Elephants» programme), a sus- of the Parties (CoP17) in Johannesburg, ing meanwhile continues unabated. tained increase in poaching could lead South Africa, they missed yet another The illegal killing of elephants remains to South Africa becoming a major gate- opportunity to place all African ele- lucrative. And there are clear signs that way for illegal ivory exports to the East. phants under the full protection they this scourge, devastating the continent, However, this already seems to be the so urgently need. This happened de- is also escalating in southern Africa, case now: several recent confiscations spite Botswana’s sensational change of which used to be considered an ele- of ivory at Johannesburg international heart. It was one of the four countries phant stronghold. airport show that South Africa is be- previously responsible for the cata- Poaching elephants for their tusks coming a significant hub for illegal ivo- strophic sale of ivory stocks, yet Bot- has significantly increased in South Af- ry exports to Asia. swana’s Minister for the Environment rica. After 14 years of no poaching, in at the time, Tshekedi Khama, made a 2014 it was reported that two elephants ELEPHANTS AS ANIMAL FEED passionate appeal to the delegates who had been killed unlawfully. Since then The situation in Botswana is even had gathered from all over the world, to this number has increased at an alarm- worse. The change of President in 2018 increase the protection of all elephants ing rate. By 2015, ten times as many ele- represented a radical change of course in southern Africa by including them in phants had already been poached, and politically: the new President, Mokg- Appendix I. His plea, however, fell on by 2016 this figure had doubled once weetsi Masisi, lifted the ban on trophy deaf ears. It was the 28 member-strong again. In the past year, a total of 72 el- hunting imposed by his predecessor bloc of the European Union, of all the ephants were killed illegally for their Ian Khama. Masisi even plans to kill groups, that prevented this upgrading tusks – a trend that could continue in hundreds of elephants to process the with its shocking «no» in the final vote. 2019 and beyond if nothing is done to meat for animal feed. And Switzerland voted «no» on that day stop this right now! too! This fatal decision continued to leave the door open for southern Afri- can countries to profit from elephants. BOTSWANA’S SHOCKING RENUNCIATION

THE WORST HAS HAPPENED OF ELEPHANT PROTECTION Even though the USA and China have The President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, recently held a conference in the city of already banned domestic sales of ivo- Kasane in northern Botswana, attended by heads of state and Ministers for the Environ- ry, the trading of such is still permitted ment from Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. At the conference, the President of within the European Union. Equally, Botswana gave the other heads of state stools made from elephant feet. This macabre the EU remains the largest exporter of «gift» is symbolic of the dreadful notion of economically motivated environmental protec- ‹antique› ivory. After China replaced tion, which endorses the use of elephants for trophy hunting or for the trade in ivory, skin Japan as the biggest consumer country and elephant meat. in the region, exports from the EU now

– Although it is illegal to sell whole tusks, this baby elephant tusk was openly on sale in a market in South Africa.

22 2019 EDITION

– Three- to five- year-old baby elephants brutally separated from their mothers in the wild wait in small enclosures to be exported abroad, mostly to China.

According to Masisi there are currently ting a joint proposal for another large- According to the of Namibia this was a too many elephants living in Botswa- scale sale of their national ivory stocks. «trial run, to ensure that future exports na. However, a recently taken scientific Zambia too is still trying to downgrade run smoothly». Namibia has already aerial photograph of north Botswana – its elephant population to Appendix II, exported elephants to zoos in Cuba and where the country’s elephants are con- so that it can ease the regulations on Mexico. Last year, the country tried to centrated – shows that poaching has the exportation of its ivory stocks and export elephants to a zoo in Dubai but shot up and the total population of ele- other elephant parts. was prevented from doing so due to a phants living in Botswana has actually public outcry over it. In the end, Dubai shrunken by 15%. The introduction of TRADE IN LIVE ELEPHANTS purchased the animals from Zimbabwe hunting and culling would further ag- As if the greed for ivory weren’t – a country that has no scruples in sell- gravate the situation. enough, the demand for live elephants ing dozens of elephants caught in the also poses a threat to the future of these wild despite a spate of worldwide pro- After its promising turnaround in animals. In recent years, Namibia and tests. In the last five years, Zimbabwe 2016, Botswana – like Namibia, South Zimbabwe have intensified their efforts has sold over 100 baby elephants for a Africa and Zimbabwe before it – now to sell wild elephants. total of around 3 million Swiss Francs. shamelessly wants to go back to mak- Aside from the four elephants for Du- ing a profit from elephants (find out As a result, in May 2019 six elephants bai, all of the other animals were sent to more in our article on page 26). For the were shipped from Namibia to the Dem- China: ironically, although the country next CITES-Conference of the Parties ocratic Republic of Congo – a country has banned the sale of ivory, it has not (CoP18), the four countries are submit- where elephant poaching is widespread. banned the sale of live elephants.

HUNTING BY HELICOPTER: BABY ELEPHANTS SNATCHED FROM THEIR MOTHERS FOR ZOOS IN CHINA In Zimbabwe, baby elephants are shot with arrows from a helicopter, while their mothers are driven away by a nose-diving helicopter. Poachers on the ground rapidly approach in tractors and trucks to bundle the unconscious calves into trailers before the enraged mothers return. The young elephants are then crammed into a tiny enclosure, where they are prepared for the flight, to then be shipped to different zoos and safari parks all over China. Many of the young elephants are still dependent on their mothers’ milk. Most of them suffer from hunger and become ill; some even die.

23 – An elephant poacher’s tools and weapons.

permitted. Dealers in South Africa, who allegedly want to sell antique ivo- ry items, must be registered in order to do so. Buyers also need permission to purchase and own ivory.

This legal ivory market in South Af- rica is flourishing. But is everything above board? To answer this question, FFW took a look at the South African market in February and March 2019. Our investigation found that none of the dealers that FFW researched had any of the documents necessary for selling. Most dealers did not even know about this requirement. All transac- Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) has DOMESTIC IVORY MARKET ON THE EDGE tions thus took place without any docu- it on good authority that another con- OF THE LAW mentation regarding the age and origin signment of 35 baby elephants has been The trade in raw ivory is banned in of the items. The buyers and the sellers penned up in Zimbabwe’s Hwange Na- South Africa. In the European Union, had none of the relevant permits. This tional Park, ready to be flown to China. however, trading «antique» ivory is means that ivory that has actually come

– Carved ivory is available in shops and markets all over Zimbabwe and South Africa.

24 2019 EDITION

from recently killed elephants can be Both countries can sell carved or back to August. As a result, southern Af- readily offered and sold as «antique». processed ivory within their respective rican countries have gained more time country borders. Only raw tusks can- to strengthen their position. Our investigation shows that most not be sold. Unlike South Africa, these ivory is bought from antiques whole- carvings do not have to be «antique» Nevertheless, the delay has also giv- salers that, in general, are from Nigeria and can, entirely legally, come from en FFW and its partner organisations or Zimbabwe. Some ivory can even be recently killed elephants. Given that time to counter the demands of these bought online, without any documents the Chinese invest massively in both countries. Fondation Franz Weber pro- or authorisation. In short, anyone could countries, there is concern that ivory vides technical assistance and advice buy ivory in small amounts and take it is being illegally laundered in the guise to the African Elephant Coalition (AEC) abroad. There is virtually no risk of be- of official trading, and that ivory from – a strong group of 30 African countries ing caught. Judging by the extensive poaching will reach the Far East via representing two thirds of African el- displays in many shops in South Africa, South Africa. ephant populations. This group is the business is booming, with tourists from true voice of elephants in Africa: it calls Asia and Europe making up most of the ELEPHANTS URGENTLY NEED OUR HELP for the full protection of all African ele- buyers. Despite these unsettling developments phants by including them in Appendix over the last three years, Fondation I, as well as the reduction and destruc- A Dutch buyer openly admitted to Franz Weber continues working tireless- tion of national ivory stocks, the clos- FFW that: «The South African customs ly to protect African elephants from ex- ing down of the domestic markets and authority has no idea of the regulations tinction. In view of the shameless lob- an end to the trade in live elephants. and would never be able to spot the dif- bying by southern African countries to ference between bones and ivory.» He encourage CITES to once again weaken However, the AEC desperately needs told us that for 30 years he had been trade restrictions on elephants, protect- help. FFW is therefore making an ur- taking items to Europe to resell and had ing these animals is a matter of absolute gent appeal: only a global public protest never encountered any problems. urgency. The relevant decisions about against the organised mass slaughtering the future of African elephants should of elephants will convince the contracting While there is still no market in Bot- have been made during the Conference parties of CITES that Africa’s gentle giants swana at the moment, Namibia and of the Parties (CoP18) in Sri Lanka in May are only in with a chance of survival if Zimbabwe have flourishing domestic 2019. However, after terrorist attacks in they receive full protection, no ifs or buts. ivory markets. April in Colombo, CoP18 was pushed

– Fondation Franz Weber battles tirelessly for elephants in Africa and demands a complete ban on the ivory trade.

25 The African Elephant: CoP18 – CITES must be held accountable

The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) regulates international trade in species of fauna and flora threatened with extinction. Every three years, the Conference of the Parties (CoP), which brings together all

ANNA ZANGGER* the member States of CITES, meets to Lawyer – make decisions about trade. The repre- sentatives of the member States deter- mine which species qualify for better protection, and which species can be traded freely.

26 2019 EDITION The African Elephant: CoP18 – CITES must be held accountable

The eighteenth Conference of the Par- on an international and national level; to Appendix II, and the situation has ties (CoP18) was scheduled to take place and conservationists, who believe that gone from bad to worse. in Sri Lanka, in May–June of this year. the only way to protect them is to com- Unfortunately, the tragic Easter bomb- pletely prohibit – unreservedly and However, opposition is growing. An ings in Colombo in April prompted the without compromise – any trade in el- alliance of more than thirty African organisers to postpone the Conference. ephants and elephant products. states called the African Elephant Coa- It will now be held in Geneva from 16 to lition (AEC), has been fighting for more 28 August 2019. Currently, the African elephant does than ten years to improve the interna- not have a clear status under CITES reg- tional protection of elephants. This One of the most controversial spe- ulations. Most elephant populations in year, the AEC will put forward four pro- cies, which is the subject of much de- Africa are listed in Appendix I of CITES, posals at the CoP18. bate in CITES, is the emblematic African which prohibits any commercial trade elephant. The threats to the survival in ivory. However, the populations of of the African elephant are as serious four countries are listed in Appendix II as they are variable: loss of habitat – of CITES, namely those in South Afri- which inevitably leads to conflict with ca, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. human beings –, droughts, poaching, The differential listing of elephants cre- and the capture of elephants for over- ates an ambiguity and loopholes that seas zoos – there is no respite for Afri- are exploited by ivory traffickers. can elephants. The demand for ivory, particularly in the Asian markets, is so The only period in recent histo- high that the price per kilogram has ris- ry when the elephant populations in en to astronomical levels. Africa were able to recover and were safe from poaching, followed after the CITES again and again deliberates seventh CoP in 1989. This took place in how best to regulate the trade in el- in Lausanne during which all the ele- ephants – above all, the ivory trade. phant populations in Africa were listed There are two opposing sides: those on Appendix I of CITES. Since then, the who are in favour of trade, and who above-mentioned populations of the want to allow the free trade of ivory four countries have been downgraded

27 THE AEC’S PROPOSALS TO CITES-COP18 FOR THE PROTECTION OF ALL ELEPHANTS:

1. List all African elephants on Appendix I of CITES. The AEC be- CITES does not consider the trade in animals for zoos as ‹commercial›. lieves that the species has to be reviewed as a whole and protected in The regulations are therefore weak and relatively vague. Many of these a non-differential way. Indeed, elephants are highly migratory, and it is zoos and other places of captivity do not have the facilities to take care thus not possible, according to specialist biologists, to define national of the wild-caught animals in an adequate manner. Furthermore, ele- elephant populations. As a result, differential listing makes absolutely no phants are highly intelligent and sociable animals whose needs are not sense. restricted to a certain number of square metres and adequate forage. Thus, only in situ conservation centres, that is to say, centres in the nat- 2. Closure of all domestic ivory markets. In principle, CITES only reg- ural habitat can realistically be considered suitable. ulates international trade. However, even though certain key domestic markets have recently been closed, such as in the US and China, other 4. Better management of ivory stocks. Illegally obtained ivory from markets, including the EU and Japan, continue to authorise certain forms poaching is seized by the authorities in each country. The ivory is then of ivory trade. These domestic markets make it all too often possible to placed in storage. The resulting ivory stocks have been growing from year launder poached ivory. For example, through the falsification of docu- to year and are beginning to pose security problems for these countries ments and staining ivory to make it look older. These markets therefore as the ivory stocks are often pillaged. The stolen ivory is then laundered urgently need to be closed. in domestic ivory markets or is smuggled internationally. It is imperative then that CITES issues clear guidelines on the management of these 3. Adoption of clear and legally binding guidelines on the trade national ivory stocks. The countries concerned must produce regular of live elephants. Many baby elephants are taken from their families, reports on their stocks so that any possible shortcomings and losses of particularly in Zimbabwe, and are sent to zoos around the world. In fact, ivory can be identified.

Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) has CITES is far from being an ideal con- catastrophes, countries urgently need actively supported the AEC since its vention. However, it has set up a con- to assume their responsibilities and creation. The organisation backs the trol and licensing system that effec- act in the best interests of the species, Coalition’s proposals put forward at the tively regulates the international trade rather than trade. Almost exactly thir- CoP18. As an official observer, FFW will in species. This is why FFW operates ty years ago, the seventh CoP in Laus- be present in Geneva to monitor the within the framework of this system anne decided to give African elephants proceedings and provide the AEC with to influence the outcome of the de- complete protection. Fondation Franz the support it may require in putting bate. This year, more than ever before Weber will be doing everything in our their proposals forward. and especially in view of the mass ex- power to ensure that history will repeat tinction of species and environmental itself.

28 2019 EDITION CITES – The aquarium industry under the microscope

The oceans are becoming increasingly pollut- ed and natural marine habitats are disappear- ing fast. Climate change and excessive fishing are additional threats to the survival of fishes, as is the capture of fishes for private and ANNA ZANGGER* Lawyer public aquariums. –

There are around 1,000 public aquariums Coral reef fishes, which are much sought and at least 2 million private aquarium after by the aquarium industry, are often owners in the world. This demand by the captured in the wild using poison such as cy- aquarium industry can only be met by tak- anide. Not only is the survival rate after cap- ing increasing numbers of fishes out of the ture and transportation very low, but their sea. The vast majority are taken wild from natural habitats are also adversely affected coral reefs since most of the coral reef fishes by this fishing method. This is not to men- cannot be bred in captivity – this fact alone tion the devastating impact on the whole means they are not suited to captivity. ecosystem when eradicating a species from

29 a habitat in which it belongs, and in FFW wants to change this cata- FFW will also monitor developments which it is perfectly integrated. strophic situation. Therefore, the on the Banggai cardinal fish, an Indo- foundation presented the research nesian coral reef fish species that is FFW’s recent victory against the conducted by Dr. Monica V. Biondo, severely threatened by the aquarium large aquarium project «Ozeanium» in a marine biologist specialising on the industry. This small fish, which is only Basel, which was rejected by the people trade of marine ornamental fishes, to found in a small area in Indonesia and of Basel on 19 May 2019, is a first impor- various member countries of CITES. whose populations have decreased by tant step towards stronger protection of The aim was to highlight the need for more than 90% due to their high de- the oceans. However, the aquarium in- an urgent study of this trade’s impact mand from the aquarium industry, dustry continues to decimate coral fish on species and natural habitats. Swit- was placed by FFW on the agenda of populations and destroy their habitats. zerland, the European Union and the the last CoP (September 2016, in Jo- United States were convinced of the hannesburg). Although the species was As of today, the international trade significance of the data presented to not granted an official protection by in coral reef fishes is virtually unregu- them. Subsequently, these Parties the CoP, Indonesia was obliged to take lated. Only a group of species, seahors- have submitted a document for the firmer measures to protect the spe- es, and two species of fishes – the napo- next CITES Conference of the Parties cies. At the upcoming CoP (CoP18), the leon fish and the clarion angelfish – are (CoP18), which will be held in August CITES Animal Committee will report protected by the Convention on Inter- in Geneva, to request a thorough in- on Indonesia’s progress in this regard. national Trade of Endangered Spe- vestigation into the international cies (CITES). Consequently, there are trade of coral reef fishes. The Parties The question is: Will the Parties at hardly any requirements with regard to the Convention will then consider CoP18, who will also decide on the fu- to capture, handling, transportation whether to commission a study, which ture of the African elephant, finally find and keeping facilities. There is also an may in the future lead to recommen- the courage to take decisions to restrict abysmal lack of data on the biology and dations for better international pro- the international and damaging trade ecology of coral reef fishes, and on the tection of coral reef fishes. in species already heavily threatened trade’s impact on marine ecosystems. by climate change and habitat loss? In short, it is currently impossible to As an official observer at the CITES The loss of habitat and global warm- monitor and control the trade in coral CoPs for the past thirty years, Fonda- ing already pose very serious threats to reef fishes for the aquarium industry or tion Franz Weber will closely monitor marine life without adding the unnec- to assess its impact. the debate on this issue. essary pressure of trade!

– Taking animals out of the sea for the aquarium industry is putting undue strain on their habitats.

30 2019 EDITION What is a fighting

AMBRE *SANCHEZ bull? Journalist –

Criminals always find a way to justify their crimes. «If I were an animal, I wouldn’t want to be a kitten or a little dog, but a fighting Bullfighters are no exception to the rule. Although their bull. I would surely die, but (…) my des- tiny would be a glorious one!» No bull- «passion» is a sordid one that consists of slowly torturing fighter would contest this statement by and killing an animal that is hunted down in a space he can- Simon Casas, a former torero and cur- rent director of the Nîmes Amphithea- not escape from, the self-declared «aficionados» – tre. For him and for most of the fanatic bullfighters, animal abuse consists of bullfighting connoisseurs – are never short of arguments. «keeping a dog in a flat and carrying it in one’s arms». For these individuals, the so-called fighting bull, the «toro», is a gladiator. Based on this reasoning, some even claim that bullfighting is good for the bulls and that the corrida guarantees their well-being! This sort of anthro- pomorphism is an aberration on many levels and demonstrates shameless bad faith.

THE MYTH OF THE AUROCHS Bulls are animals that do not give a fig about glory. Unlike a human! A bull is a – sociable animal that tends to run away The corrida is from or ignore humans when he is in certainly not on a his herd and feels safe amongst his own bull’s to-do list. kind. He will only charge when he feels

31 isolated and threatened. For the bull, the bulls into daily contact with the around 95% of the bulls come from the whose senses are heightened and whose livestock farmers, and you would be same stock – it is not surprising that life has always been peaceful, the are- surprised to see the docility of them as these criteria have, after several centu- na is a traumatic shock. He is all alone they run towards the trailers as soon ries of selection and inbreeding, result- facing a whole multitude of colourfully as they hear the tractor bringing them ed in bulls that have a short fuse and are dressed enemies who harass him from their food several times a day. Further- particularly aggressive. every side, he is confronted by the awful more, even though bullfighters try at all din of thousands of spectators and the costs to conceal any attachment to the This character trait has become a protagonists of the corrida. Condemned bulls, as this would destroy the myth major headache for breeders. It is not to charge at an empty cape – the decoy of an untameable beast, some breeders unusual for bulls, which are in a com- that his enemies use against him – he and toreros do in fact develop a bond pletely savage state, to fight to the death gradually uses up his energy and loses of complicity and close friendship with in the pasture. The livestock farmers do his confidence. Aside from the bodily their bulls. not hide the fact that the occurrence injuries, the worst damage caused by the of daily violence obliges them to place bullfighting ritual is the psychic oblit- A DEGENERATE BEAST protective devices on their bulls’ horns, eration that it induces in the first few Whatever his breed, a bull is a powerful called fundas, which alleviate the im- minutes. Far from making him proud, animal armed with formidable horns. pact of the blows from the horns. With- this barbaric ritual condemns the bull to His role is to protect a herd and fight any out these fundas, some farmers have an agonising death. potential adversaries. This is also true observed a loss rate of up to 40% of for the «brave toro» breed. The breed has their livestock. Indeed, in his «language» and life by no means been selected to be made as an animal, the notion of triumph or into Spanish fighting bulls out of a natu- PROPAGANDA success only exists in terms of his sur- ral temperament. There are no limits to the perversity of vival, that is eating grass, ruminating, bullfighters. They are eager to rejuve- and producing offspring. As a male, his Far from being a heaven-sent gift or nate the ageing ranks of the «aficiona- only purpose in life is to defeat other an innate characteristic, this temper- dos», they brainwash future generations males in order to mate with cows. And ament is the product of a deliberate by telling children that bullfighting is regardless of what Simon Casas thinks, selection process. Bullfighters neglect the ultimate destiny of any bull worthy the Corrida is certainly not on a bull’s to mention the fact that in Spanish of the name. Bullfighters even publish «to-do list». Far from being an aurochs bullfighting, only the most aggressive stories for children, in which the bulls – the large prehistoric ox that bullfight- bulls are used for breeding. During the themselves are seemingly passionate ers imagine to be the epitome of feroci- tientas (tests of bravery), calves that about bullfighting …Aimed at little chil- ty – the fighting bull is a ruminant that are around a year old are confronted dren in nursery school, the storybook is accustomed to the comfortable con- by men and sometimes a picador – a Domino tells the eponymous story of a ditions provided by his breeder. person on horseback armed with a long young bull whose only goal in life is to pointed lance, which is used to injure die in an arena … what an outrageous lie! Like all reared animals from dairy the animals in order to see how they cows to dwarf goats, the bull is subject react to pain. If, despite the injury, the Fondation Franz Weber has been to various health standards. A bull’s calf attacks and does not attempt to actively fighting for many years development is by no means depend- avoid a confrontation but shows that it against bullfighting and everything ent on Mother Nature. In order to en- has a pugnacious nature and a real de- it involves, including the exposure of sure a bull’s optimal growth that will sire to defend itself, it will be sent away children to these cruel practices. One make him into the majestic animal for breeding in order to produce future of the foundation’s missions is to pro- with a glossy coat and powerful mus- fighting bulls. If the calf refuses to fight vide information and reports to the cles that thrills corrida lovers, he has or attempts to flee, it is sent to the ab- authorities, international organisa- to be vaccinated, dewormed, fed hay, attoir. tions, and individuals about the lies granules, and water several times a day, that the bullfighting «aficionados» and sometimes even trained to run in INBREEDING pedal. Cruelty against animals can front of horses to develop his breathing Due to inbred mixes, in accordance with never be justified – it must be abol- capacity. This training scheme brings the popularity of the breeding farms – ished once and for all!

32 2019 EDITION

Swiss volunteers at

the Equidad animal ALEJANDRA* GARCÍA Director of the Equidad animal sanctuary and coordinator of ZOOXXI sanctuary! in Latin America –

With Christmas still a long way off, the Argentine winter spoilt us this year by giving our hard-working team the biggest surprise: the arrival of three young and dedicated volunteers from Switzerland. Invaluable help and proof – if ever it were needed – that our activities generate interest from people across the world.

– Nadine feeding the animals at Equidad.

33 You have followed our stories and feeding and looking after horses, they cause. Although our daily objective is struggles, and you know that the last were soon able to take over from us like to save endangered animals, our mis- two years has been particularly rich in real experts, which gave us some much sion in the long term, is to have a last- victories as well as challenges for the appreciated breathing space. Of course, ing impact on society. Thus, Julian, Na- team of the Equidad animal sanctuary. we are not the only ones who appreci- dine and Vivianne’s help is a way for us With the arrival of several hundred new ate their help. Our equine inhabitants to appreciate the international reach of animals on the site, and particularly the received additional petting and at- Equidad’s work. abused horses from Salta (all of which tention! Furthermore, the volunteers required extensive and urgent care) made it possible to combine business WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US? any help is most welcome and valuable with pleasure. Thanks to them, each If, like Julian, Vivianne, and Nadine, for us. We received unsolicited support meal took us on a journey to another you would like to enjoy a unique expe- from Bern - Switzerland, with the ar- land! rience in Argentina and help animals, rival of three fine souls who wanted to it takes just a few clicks – send us an make themselves useful. Armed with PRIDE email, and we will be happy to provide good humour and plenty of goodwill, Apart from its agreeable and practi- you with all the necessary information. Vivianne, Nadine, and Julian rolled up cal dimension, this help from Europe We will do everything we can to inte- their sleeves to help our charges. Their also confirmed that our activities and grate you into the team as smoothly as enthusiasm compensated for their lack campaigns resonate with people from possible. In order to do that, we may of experience and their limited knowl- across the world. This inspires young even consider the possibility of extend- edge of Spanish. Anxious to do a good people to cross oceans to support our ing the sanctuary! job at all times, they quickly memo- rised all the main requirements. Their instincts and compassion did the rest EQUIDAD’S EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES as they looked after our herds. Tender- At Fondation Franz Weber, we are convinced that it is es- ness is a universal language and there sential to educate the younger generations in order to cre- is nothing better in communication ate a more responsible and animal-friendly society. With with animals. that in mind, the team at the Equidad Animal Sanctuary has decided to launch a far-reaching campaign in rural ar- CULTURAL EXCHANGE eas of the region’s schools. The primary objective is to raise This support has been invaluable for us awareness amongst children about animal welfare. in several respects: On a daily basis, it In rural Argentina, children are used to living with many has made a big difference for our team animals (dogs, cats, chickens, horses, pigs, etc.), but they often consider animals only in and our charges. Up and ready for work terms of their use to humans. For most of them, animals’ only purpose is to serve, feed, and at 8:30 a.m., like the rest of the staff, protect humans, guarding the house, providing meat, milk, and eggs, carrying a rider, pulling our trainees took on any a cart, and so on. This mentality explains the sad reality when our teams come across the task. They cleaned the countless numbers of severely abused animals. These animals are treated like ‹machines› enclosures, fed the don- – machines that are rarely given a name and for whom calling a vet is considered unnec- keys and horses, treat- essary. Why invest in a «machine» when it can be replaced at little cost? ed the sick, embarked In order to challenge this mentality, our team employs a powerful weapon: Vachi. A small DIY projects, and so on. dog full of life that we helped save after a road traffic accident. Vachi is paralysed but that Thanks to their ability to does not prevent her from leading a proper dog’s life! With her inexhaustible joie de vivre, she adapt, Vivianne, Nadine, has moved children who have begun to see dogs in a different light. The «Vachi method» is and Julian, very soon be- very effective: some children tell us proudly that when they see an animal on the road they came an integral part of ask their parents to slow down. Apart from our mascot’s activities, which attract a lot of the team. Even though attention, our presentations highlight the fundamental needs of various animals, the basic they knew nothing – or care they need to be provided with (like vaccinations etc.), and treating the physical and almost nothing – about mental impact of abuse. As a result, children are gradually beginning to understand that – animals are not only living beings that deserve respect, they are – above all – wonderful Julian preparing vegetables friends for life! for the animals.

34 2019 EDITION

Fleur de Morat– The story of an impending environmental disaster

There are places of timeless beauty that have been built by humankind in the distant past. There are towns and places that are a pleasure to behold. There are heritage sites that bear testimony to our history and have the power to move our hearts. Such an example is the old town of Morat/Mur- ten, in the Canton of Fribourg in Switzerland. The roofs of the old town stand out against a hill in close proximity to the ANNA ZANGGER* lake. It is a veritable jewel – a captivating place created by Lawyer – humankind that deserves to be preserved.

There are some who see things differ- the Federal Office of Culture has gone tion on building in this zone. However, ently. In September 2017, real estate on record to state the Swiss built her- the Morat town council and the Canton developers submitted a project to the itage deserves to be preserved in the of Fribourg have chosen not to adhere Commune of Morat/Murten for the framework of the Federal Inventory to the rules of the ISOS in their build- construction of nine residential rental of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS). The in- ing regulations – parcel no. 5402 is not buildings on parcel no. 5402, located ventory lists sites that the cantons and protected and is simply located in a just below the famous old town. These communes, under federal law, must constructible zone. The Commune has dreadful buildings would be a per- specifically preserve sites within the therefore failed in its duty to protect manent blight on the townscape. As a framework of their local laws. In the Swiss heritage. result, Helvetia Nostra, supported by case of parcel no. 5402, ISOS states that Fondation Franz Weber, are faced with it is essential to preserve the old town, The parcel in question, which is no choice but to oppose this scandal- and that to achieve this, a high level of currently unconstructed land, is im- ous project. protection to the unbuilt «buffer zone» mediately adjacent to the protected be given. The buffer zone is located in old town centre. This area of green- THE PROJECT VIOLATES FEDERAL LAW the foreground and to the south of the ery, which provides a setting for the The construction project would not only old town, which happens to be the pre- magnificent old town of Morat, should deface this small town, but is, above all, cise area of the planned building site. have been protected and even made in contravention of federal law. Indeed, The ISOS even recommends a prohibi- non-constructible if the Commune

35 had correctly applied the ISOS rules The «Fleur de Morat» project is a for too long, and die of cold. To avoid and the principles of the Swiss Spatial misnomer. It is quite simply an affront these long periods of absence, the Planning Law (Loi sur l’Aménagement to this beautiful town, the heritage, birds are increasingly looking for food du Territoire, LAT / Raumplanungs- and the work of our ancestors. The in the garbage in the town, which of- gesetz, RPG). The whole project there- reputation of Morat – «promoted» by ten lacks protein. It is therefore essen- fore makes no sense to begin with. Switzerland Tourism for its «authen- tial, for the survival of this species, tic character», its «magnificent views», that certain open spaces are preserved Worse, this project is excessive, ex- and «superb panorama view over the in the centre of the town, particularly pansive, completely out of scale. It town»s roofs and the nearby lake» – is near the nesting sites (the roofs of the foresees the construction of nine mod- at stake. Switzerland Tourism’s effu- château in Morat). ern apartment buildings – around 100 sive descriptions would be rendered new apartments – in a town with just completely inappropriate by such a Following the many objections filed over 8,000 inhabitants and without project. against the request for a building per- any evidence of any real demand for mit, including that of the Helvetia Nos- additional primary residences. Birds are also threatened by the tra Association, the property developer planned construction of the large res- has slightly modified the project, by CULTURAL HERITAGE RIDICULED idential buildings: the old town is a reducing the size of one of the build- The planned buildings are inharmoni- nesting site for jackdaws, a bird spe- ings. This is proof positive that this ous and massive. Their modern style, cies that is protected and listed on the project conflicts with the protection of flat oofs,r and the proposed construction national list of priority bird species, the site. Helvetia Nostra has of course materials are incompatible with the old compiled by the Swiss Federal Office confirmed its opposition to the project. facades and roofs of the town above. The for the Environment (FOEN). Urban The municipality, which has not yet communal building regulations specify growth has forced jackdaws to travel reached a decision, will therefore have that parcel no. 5402 must be complete- ever greater distances to find high-pro- to take a decision, which may then be ly integrated into the surrounding area, tein food for their young. Consequent- subject to appeals—it will be interest- particularly with the old town. ly, the chicks are left alone in the nest ing to see how this plays out.

– Nine apartment buildings with flat roofs (see the arrow) are scheduled to be built just in front of the old town of Morat/Murten, a Swiss cultural heritage site – this is an absolute scandal! ➝

36 2019 EDITION In memory of Franz Weber

The «great lion» has gone to heaven. A precursor and visionary, he fought for more than fifty years to give a voice to the voiceless. But although the death of the founder and honorary president of Fon- dation Franz Weber – at the age of 91, on 2 April 2019 – has left an enormous void, his work is eternal. His countless pro- jects, campaigns, and initiatives earned him worldwide recognition, and turned the flamboyant dispenser of justice from the Vaud region, who originated from Basel, into a veritable legend. From fighting against seal hunting in Canada to rescuing the Lavaux vineyard and the conservation of the ancient Greek site of Delphi, the protection of the alluvial for- est on the Danube in Austria, and saving the Grandhotel Giessbach… wherev- er he intervened, he left his mark and made the world a better place. Franz Weber – supported by his chief assistant and wife, Judith – was a pio- neer and a leading nature conservation and animal welfare activist. Vera We- ber, director of the initiative campaign launched by Franz Weber against sec- Franz Weber (27 July 1927 – 2 April 2019) grew up in Basel as the third of seven sib- ondary homes, which was adopted by lings. At the age of 10, his beloved mother died, a blow that affected him throughout his the Swiss people and the cantons in whole life. In 1949, he traveled to Paris and lived there working as a writer and journalist. 2012, has been devotedly managing Fon- He interviewed contemporaries from the world of art, music and literature, such as Salva- dation Franz Weber since 2014. «The sa- dor Dalí, Eugène Ionesco, Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel, Johnny Hallyday and Françoise cred fire of Franz Weber – his complete Hardy. With Brigitte Bardot, he later campaigned against the slaughter of baby seals, and commitment to nature conservation, with the French President Georges Pompidou he fought to save Les Baux-de-Provence, animal welfare, and the conservation FR. After studying linguistics and philosophy at Sorbonne, he traveled the world and wrote of heritage – burns inside us, and burns for different German and Swiss weekly newspapers and magazines. It was on one of these inside me. Driven by his life’s work, his trips that he had his awakening: the idyllic hamlet of Surlej by Silvaplana in the Engadine many campaigns, and his extensive ex- valley was to be transformed into a town with 25,000 inhabitants. His outrage over this perience, Fondation Franz Weber is and gigantic project turned Franz Weber into a committed environmentalist. remains an effective tool in the fight for a better world.»

37 Franz Weber – the death of a righteous man

A being of light has gone to eternity, leaving us with an invaluable role model.

Alika Lindbergh* Writer, painter, and naturalist –

For all those who followed the activi- all his tremendous lucidity – his death We still have the wonderful legacy of ties of this courageous leading light of has left a terrible void. Even for us, who his struggles, his determination, and a nature conservation and animal wel- know that death as he saw it was quite watchword that sums up his character: fare and those, in particular, who had simply just a transition to everlasting «never give up!» Following his example the privilege of knowing him – not just peace, harmony, and rebirth – a life af- meant refusing to submit to the pseu- Franz Weber the legend, but Franz, with ter life, as it were. do-wisdom of those who are resigned,

38 NR. 128 APRIL | MAI | JUNI 2019

– Alika Lindbergh painted this portrait of Franz Weber for his 75th birthday, on 27 July 2002. who tend to think that defending the I remember the epic beginning of his It was in fact quite by chance and GOOD, the TRUE, and the BEAUTIFUL career as an environmentalist and ani- in a joking way that Franz mentioned is a utopia, a lost cause in this world. On mal welfare activist. Although the good the mortgage. He told me that his rep- the contrary, it means being convinced news that a «Swiss billionaire» was wag- utation as a «billionaire», which had that the power of goodwill, courage, ing a war against the atrocious hunting been cultivated, was a source of much and stubbornness can produce real of baby seals in Canada and was using amusement for him. This confidence miracles. Did Franz Weber not demon- his immense fortune to help animal did not fall on deaf ears and I was very strate this on countless occasions? martyrs the reality was quite different. impressed. These stories would often Without boasting, Franz Weber mort- be the case! So, it was in this moment of It is our duty to take up the torch he gaged his house in order to effectively sharing and amid much laughter that left behind, carry the flag of the Earth fund the first of his major campaigns my unfailing friendship with Franz be- Crusaders and universal empathy, and to save baby seals – a campaign whose gan, a reciprocal friendship that death «go on crusades» as often as is neces- impact made him famous around the has only temporarily interrupted. sary, in tribute to his memory. world… During the thirty-six years of our Following in his footsteps and living Only much later did I learn this detail friendship and collaboration, we kept according to his values of absolute gen- – which was so characteristic of Franz in touch – by letter, fax, and above all erosity would be the best way – and the Weber’s personality. It was long after long telephone conversations. In fact, way most worthy of this righteous man he had supported the reintroduction of we very rarely saw each other. Indeed, – to mourn his death, and see stars shin- our howler monkeys into the Brazilian as we lived at some distance from one ing once again in the immense void left cerrado, and helped Scott Lindbergh, another – he lived in Switzerland and I by the fall of this great and honourable my husband, to implement the project in France – we did not have much of an tree, the top of which defiantly reached successfully. opportunity to do so! beyond the canopy.

39 But that did not prevent us from get- and a refuge for an incredible variety of I share this story with you – which is ting to know each other very well and birds, wild mammals, amphibians, and very moving for me – precisely because gradually viewed each other, not only rare butterflies – a real green paradise there is nothing spectacular about it, as comrades in arms, but also as soul- for naturalists. and because it is all the more significant mates, which was an honour for me. in terms of who this unique man really Due to a set of circumstances that I was. My story pales into insignificance The last time we saw each other was will not go into here, I was afraid that I when compared with the countless im- seven years ago, in June 2012. When his would have to abandon my house – and pressive campaigns that have made the daughter Vera told me about his death, therefore my Garden of Eden – to the Franz Weber Foundation famous. But a vivid memory of him, dripping with appalling irresponsibility of humans. I whether he was in a modest hamlet rain, surged back into my mind. Im- was not sure what was going to happen alone in the middle of nowhere, or fac- agine Franz and I, on a rainy afternoon, and feared the worse. Would there be a ing a large crowd under the photogra- walking on the wet grass in my garden casual destruction of the greenery with phers’ flashes, he was always the same. during a heavy rainfall. Thousands of strimmers, chainsaws, and other ma- He was always seized with the same drops of water hit thousands of leaves, chines, after which the grass would be emotion when defending any moving making the trees rustle and sing in a unable to grow back? What was going cause. He was like a knight from a dis- wonderful way … . Anyone in such a sit- to happen to the mysterious nightjars? tant time, ready to come to the rescue uation in heavy rainfall would have ex- And the nightingales, bullfinches, tits, of the oppressed, a legendary knight pressed regret that a reunion of two old and sparrows, and all the other little whose motto could have been ‹Heav- friends was taking place in such ‹bad› passerines? And the adorable diurnal en helps those who help themselves›. weather. Anyone, but not him, not and nocturnal woodpeckers? Where Such was the conviction he had in his Franz! He was radiant (as the poet Van in the future would the hares and wild determination. This was combined Lerberghe wrote: «Blackbirds, sing with cats, which have become so rare, and the with immanent divine justice. all your might (…), dance every nest. All pair of martens find refuge? And where that comes from the skies is blest.»). would the foxes, squirrels, hedgehogs, Nature – that wonder of the world – and all the slow-worms and amphibians was his cathedral. Helping people and In my memory, I saw Franz, haloed go when all the trees had been felled, the animals, and saving natural environ- in the pattering rain that was hitting his bushes removed, the brambles burnt, ments was his raison d’être and his call- umbrella, which was dripping with wa- and … the burrows discovered? ing. He practised his religion of rescu- ter. He was smiling, absolutely radiant, ing animals and natural sites with an and then said to me cheerfully, with his I wanted to share my distress in writ- ardent fervour, both with indignation characteristic enthusiasm and positivi- ing with the one person amongst my and the passionate elan of an eternally ty: «But … it’s great here! It’s wonderful! friends who would really understand youthful enthusiasm. WONDERFUL!!! Yes, we’re going to save me, and, above all, the only person all that! Yes, we’re going to do that!» who, preferring concrete action to fac- The suffering of any being – wheth- ile statements of self-pity, would find a er human or non-human – treated like We were at the time in the lushest good solution to my problem. Indeed, an object by man and at his mercy was part of my garden, which with hard Franz never gave any advice that was unbearable for him, as was the icono- work I had restored (as one says about just hot air. That alone made him a tru- clastic destruction of BEAUTY. As well a work of art) and turned into a wild ly exceptional man! as natural sites and works of art, and and natural place, where the flora and even values that underpin harmony… fauna in this region in the North of The day after he received my letter he all that affected him. This knight firmly France, which have almost disappeared came to see me in the Oise, saying with believed that GOOD must triumph over in much of the countryside due to the a big smile «We’re going to do that!», EVIL, and that the inverse was unac- effects of human progress, were able to which was worth more than any con- ceptable. regain their freedom to flourish in blos- tract, because Franz was a man of his soming biodiversity. word and never made any empty prom- The great detractors in our modern ises. So he kept his promise, and I re- destructive age tried to disparage him In just a few years, my ‹garden› had mained the guardian of a nature reserve by calling him innocent and naive – become a veritable small nature reserve in which everything owes its life to him. even paranoid! But for me, the fact that

40 2019 EDITION

he won so many improbable victories In everything that has been written ally fight against despair, suffering, and seems to justify the «candour» of this about him, whether it was malicious indifference. Believe me, you have to be Galahad. or complimentary, his great sensitivi- truly spirited to do that. ty was hardly mentioned, perhaps be- Franz did not accept that certain cause he was unaware of his capacity to Throwing one’s hands up in the air things were impossible… he simply did empathise (which could be considered is not enough. One has to have tremen- them! What is amazing is that he often a weakness, an Achilles heal…). Hence, dous courage and be completely com- won! He was a «Green», who was differ- he concealed it, or rather protected it mitted. And, as matter of fact, many an- ent from the others, because there was behind the impassive face of a poker imal lovers, since they constantly have something that was akin to a sacred player. He was also too modest to let to deal with the martyrdom of animals mission in his campaigns, and in his the world see his pain. and who are often ridiculed, have lost decision to live a difficult and self-sac- their joie de vivre and sometimes even rificial life. As his friend, I sometimes witnessed their nervous or mental equilibrium. his heartbreak, when, after discovering It must be remembered that he ini- another atrocity, he called me on the I can hardly imagine what Franz tially led a completely different life. One phone in shock to share for a moment must have felt when he saw baby seals that was rather pleasant and successful. his horror, pain, and anger in an emo- being skinned alive in front of their He was a well-known journalist in his tional account, with a devastated voice, mothers on the ice. That was enough youth and – I can attest to this because choked with tears… to make you go insane. And yet, he did I have read his books – a highly talented that. Whenever it was necessary, he writer, who could have had a successful When this moment passed, the cru- faced HELL… . Then he overcame the literary career. However, just as certain sader recovered and, gradually, his shock, modestly concealed his pain people who have been inspired leave plaintive voice became stronger. «The without creating a fuss, and continued the world and its trivialities to become a power of nature» took over, and he soon his crusade… monk or a hermit, Franz suddenly aban- began talking about what he was going doned a comfortable career that was to do to put an end to the abomination. We are not the only ones who will mapped out to become a fighting monk, miss you, dear Franz – the EARTH, and live the life of a crusader, in order to Indeed, you cannot skirt around where everything you have saved is save sacred Earth and its children from the issue when it comes to things that now an «orphan», misses you too. For- a very difficult life that could sometimes break the heart like that. All it takes is tunately, when a star dies its light con- be a Golgotha… a little detachment to arm oneself with tinues to shine for a thousand years. the courage that is required to continu- That is why when I speak about him, I prefer to use the word «calling» rather than «vocation», and «crusade» rather than «campaign».

That is also why, when I try to im- agine the number of animals and plants that were saved by all his crusades, I dare to write that he was a saintly man.

We should not forget the vulnerabil- ity and the extreme sensitivity that lay underneath his exterior, or the tender- ness and astute observational and an- alytical abilities that were a part of his exceptional empathy. He never turned away from anything that upset him, even when it was unbearable.

41 A tribute to Franz Weber

IF I HAD TO CHOOSE THREE OF FRANZ about his successful defence of the site WEBER’S MOST NOBLE CAMPAIGNS… of the Delphi sanctuary. As the region is I first met Franz Weber more than rich in the mineral bauxite, the site was thirty years ago, under the auspices of threatened by the polluting aluminium Apollo, the god of the sun that dispens- industry. This would have involved, KOMNEN *BECIROVIC es light and heat and which has made amongst other devastating outcomes, Born in 1936 in Upper Morača, in Montenegro. it possible to live in this part of the uni- felling several million olive trees – trees A writer living in Paris. verse occupied by planet Earth. Back considered sacred, particularly in Ath- _ in 1987, I had been very impressed by ens, one of the cradles of Western civ- a documentary on French television ilisation.

– Franz Weber and Komnen Becirovic in the magnificent canyon of Morača, which would have been engulfed in water if a hydrau- lic power station project had gone ahead.

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I was particularly struck by this re- Utterly dismayed by these immi- we wasted no time at all. The following port because at that point there was an- nent threats to my country’s heritage, I day, we made our way down the path other equally destructive and pressing joined a large movement that was con- that runs along the Valley of Morača, project – the construction of hydraulic testing the projects. Buoyed by his ac- we soon reached its magnificent can- power stations – in the valley of the Riv- tions, I decided to write to Franz Weber, yon. Standing amidst the towering er Morača, in the eponymous region of soliciting his help to save Morača. And, cliffs, Franz Weber, who was enthralled central Montenegro. As was the case at as a similar project – even though it was with the scenery, exclaimed: «Here we Delphi, the project threatened to wipe slightly less developed – was already are in the cathedral of eternity». And as out a rich natural and cultural heritage. underway, I decided to tell him about the river, with its rolling white-emerald The deluge would also have engulfed this one as well. This project concerned waves swollen by melted snow, invad- the canyons of the Morača River and another major Serbian sanctuary on ed the canyon with its music, he added, its tributaries, which are tens of mil- the site of the monastery at Studenica, visibly moved: «It's like a Beethoven lions of years old, the unique endemic on the eponymous river in southern symphony!» plants and the grottos where prehistor- Serbia. The site was constructed half a ic men lived one hundred and twenty century before that of Morača! In his Shortly after, as we left the canyon, thousand years ago. Furthermore, the prompt reply to my letter, Franz Weber we beheld a white building on an allu- region’s most important site, the great explained to me that he needed to visit vial terrace overhanging the river. Like medieval Church of the Assumption of the sites he was asked to intervene on a ship stranded many centuries ago, the the Mother of God dating from 1252, re- before taking a decision. Church of the Assumption of the Moth- nowned worldwide for its architecture er of God stood before us. The miracle and wall paintings – particularly the «THE CATHEDRAL OF ETERNITY» of nature had been followed by the fresco of St Elijah in the Desert – was So, on one fine day in April 1988 – while miracle of civilisation. And as we stood threatened by a project to create an ar- I was living at the time between Paris beneath its vaults, he declared, with tificial lake that would have come up to and Podgorica – I met Franz Weber. He an almost religious gravity: «Prayer en- its walls. had arrived in Montenegro’s capital and graved in stone.»

– The valley of the River Morača, in central Montenegro, was saved thanks to Franz Weber’s campaign.

43 We spent the rest of the day – one of June 1998,with a group of journalists. atcha contre le déluge («Defense of the the most memorable days of my life – They visited Kosovo that houses many Morača against the Deluge») in 2002, together, and eventually we reached extraordinary medieval monuments, Le spectre du déluge sur la Moratcha Studenica. There, the monks were very such as those at Pec, Dečani, and («The Spectre of the Deluge in Morača») welcoming. The central church houses Gračanica. Unfortunately, his voice – in 2010, and lastly, Le combat pour la the famous fresco of The Crucifixion as well as those of other Western figures sauvegarde de la Moratcha («The Battle at Studenica, which predates Giotto’s with a sense of justice and conscience – for the Rescue of the Morača») in 2017, work. was ignored, It was right in the middle in which Franz Weber played a key role. of the deadly war. Franz Weber sent an An anecdote beautifully illustrates his After this initial meeting, Franz We- open letter to the American president prestige in the Serbian community. ber returned again at the end of June, Bill Clinton, the main protagonist of During the presentation of my most re- this time accompanied by a group of the war, in which he implored him to cent work on 12 November 2017 in the journalists from various European me- put an end to the murderous insanity. dia outlets, amongst whom was Roger At the same time, between 18 and 20 Cans, the editor of Le Monde’s ecology May 1999, he organised an internation- – section. He devoted a whole page to the al conference in Giessbach against the As a result of Franz two affairs. During his stay, Franz We- war. Weber’s campaign, ber had a very friendly encounter with the Church of the the future Metropolitan of Montenegro, So great was the moral support of Studenica Monastery Monseigneur Amphilochie, who, like Franz Weber’s involvement for our peo- was added to the list me, was a native of the region. ple that the Holy Synod of the Serbian of UNESCO World Orthodox Church awarded him the Heritage sites. This succeeding campaign was prov- highest national decoration. As a re- idential. It introduced an international sult, he received the Award of the Order dimension to the issue of Morača and of Saint Sava directly from the Metro- Studenica, resulting in applications for politan Amphilochie inside the Morača the two buildings to join the list of UNE- Monastery, on the day of the Feast of SCO World Heritage sites. However, the the Assumption, on 28 August 2004. Yugoslavian crisis that erupted shortly The award of this prestigious distinc- after delayed the addition of Morača, tion was loudly hailed by an immense while Studenica was added just in time. crowd, which was present because it In fact, it was during the outbreak of was the day of the Sabor, the tradition- the Yugoslavian crisis, which culminat- al meeting held by the inhabitants of ed in NATO’s attack on Serbia in 1999 in Morača and the neighbouring region of order to seize the sacred land of Kosovo Rovca. (Serbia’s «Jerusalem»), that Franz We- ber decided to take up another cause. During this meeting the issue was He fought against the criminal war that naturally raised again about the pres- ravaged populations, destroyed hu- ervation of Morača. The dictatorial re- man and material property, as well as gime of Montenegro had not only done cultural monuments, and those which nothing to support its application to even polluted nature with toxic materi- UNESCO, but instead had resumed the als, such as NATO’s depleted uranium previously abandoned project of the bombs. submersion of the valley of Morača. The situation required urgent action. POLITICAL COURAGE I have written about this campaign in Looking beyond the political and my books, such as L’éternité Menacée media-based anti-Serb delirium in- de la Moratcha («The Endangered Eter- cubated by the war, Franz Weber had nity of Morača»), which was published travelled to Serbia a year earlier in in French in 1998, Défense de la Mor-

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vast room of the Temple of the Resur- and was staying in a home for the el- were many touching reactions. Indeed, rection in Podgorica, the Metropoli- derly. Yet, each time we talked on the during the assembly of the Moračani tan Amphilochie, who was attending phone in which it did not take him long Association, on 11 May, in Morača Mo- the event, spoke of Franz Weber’s role to remember who I was, he asked me if nastery, a glowing tribute was paid to in preserving the heritage of Morača. there was any news about Morača. This him during the session. During the ser- Arousing the admiration and elation of community that he had so steadfastly vice, a large candle was lit, and praises the crowd, the mention of his name was supported had not forgotten him. On were sung to his eternal memory and in greeted with a long round of applause. the 2nd April, he departed from this his honour. The immemorial melody of world, whose integrity he had defen- Morača would accompany him on his ETERNAL RECOGNITION ded with such commitment. I wrote an journey into the next world. At the time, our fellow activist was al- obituary about him that was published Paris, 30 May 2019. ready suffering from health problems in an important Serbian site, and there

45 «The word ‹impossible› VERA WEBER President of Fondation Franz Weber is not French». Franz Weber’s legacy

«You will only take with you what you ways to save animals, natural environ- their children to become friends with a have given.» This was the only advice ments and the cultural heritage. With little girl whose father attracted so much my father, Franz Weber, ever gave me. arousing enthusiasm, he knew how attention, who waged vigorous cam- I have wholly adopted this piece of ad- to convince people and inspire many paigns against real estate developers, vice, as simple as it may sound. to join his cause. All those who called who spoke out unequivocally against upon him for help, worked with him animal experimentation and the massa- But my father, the brilliant rebel – and supported him were struck by his cre of baby seals, amongst other atroc- the great lion – who fought to preserve fighting spirit, which was driven by his ities. Birthdays and New Year’s Eves nature and animals, has passed away, almighty rage against injustice and also were therefore often solitary affairs. taking with him as much as he left be- by his self-confidence. His daughter Often, I was alone, alone in the house hind in this world. With determination, was struck by it too. while my parents worked all day, seven fearlessness, and without compromise, days a week seemingly ad infinitum. my father was committed to creating My father lived in Paris for many a world worthy of living in. He did so years, which may explain why Napole- Although I was a solitary child, I was by attempting to preserve the beauty on’s inspiring proverb, «The word ‹im- not unhappy because I knew that my of nature from concrete and cultural possible› is not French», became his parents took me seriously. My mother monuments from the ravages of time. motto for life. As a child, it gave me ab- always explained to me in great detail From rescuing the village of Surlej on solute certainty that my father would about the various campaigns they were the shore of Lake Silvaplana in Enga- always sort everything out, that noth- conducting and the initiatives they din, where he discovered his vocation ing was impossible and that he could were launching. So, I was truly proud – as an environmentalist, to prevent- literally move mountains. This was the and I never stopped being proud – to be ing the construction of a motorway atmosphere I grew up in. For me, my the daughter of Franz Weber. slip road through the gardens in Lau- father was the greatest of heroes and sanne-Ouchy, and the conservation my existence as his only child was com- My father was afraid of nothing, of the Grandhotel Giessbach on Lake pletely secure. I knew nothing would which enabled him to act with incred- Brienz, his campaigns have left an in- happen to him, my mother, or me. ible determination. He had charm and delible mark on the world. charisma, which made him exception- However, life outside the harmonious ally persuasive. And his tenacity revolutionised family home was not easy. In the school ways of thinking, leading to a change at Montreux, my classmates were often He knew how to find the right words, in values. He always succeeded, even cold, and sometimes quite unpleasant in speeches or in writing, in order to when all seemed lost, in finding new towards me. Many parents did not want formulate simple and passionate mes-

46 2019 EDITION

sages. These went straight to the heart side and to be able to depend on a young in his power to preserve the beauty of because they were perfectly formulat- and dynamic fellow activist. My father, nature and the animals that were part ed and convincing. though, did not know how to react. of it, it would be a form of desertion. His aim was to preserve the world we He was better than anyone else at On the one hand, he was worried about inhabit, or more precisely, the world we getting the media to be interested in me choosing to pursue a passionate but share with other living beings. In my animals and nature. And he had such difficult existence and, on the other, he mother, Judith Weber, he had found ingenious ideas! When the historical seemed to be bothered by the idea that I the perfect partner to conduct these Hotel Giessbach at Lake Brienz was might slightly put him in the shade … campaigns. The success of the couple threatened with demolition and the formed by Franz and Judith Weber lawyer Rudolf von Fischer in Bern The campaigns continued in quick confirms yet again that behind every asked for his help, he conceived vir- succession. Franz Weber fought to save successful man is a successful woman. tually overnight the campaign and the monasteries of Kosovo that were Without Judith Weber’s support, many the slogan that would save Giessbach: threatened with destruction by the war; things would not have succeeded. «Giessbach au peuple suisse!» («Giess- peace would have been the best solu- bach for the Swiss People»). The Swiss tion, but history decided otherwise … And without her, I could not have people should treat themselves to a continued to work with Franz Weber. Grandhotel. What a fascinating and in- In Australia, thousands of wild horses That is because it was not easy to be his spirational idea! Today, the sumptuous were living in the foundation’s reserve. daughter. Although we were always – Grandhotel Giessbach stands in its in- The initiative «Les animaux ne sont pas on a fundamental level – in agreement tact natural setting and has become the des choses» («Animals are not things») about an issue we on occasion disagreed symbol of the protection and conserva- was launched. The required signatures on how to proceed, and that resulted tion of other historical sites. were collected, and after the modifica- in heated debate. This father-daugh- tion of the law for the protection of ani- ter contretemps reached its peak in the For me, Giessbach was a revelation – mals that gave them a better legal situa- Weber household after the adoption of and a form of salvation, too. The only tion – unfortunately without the benefit the initiative on secondary homes on 11 child was suddenly part of a team. I of an animal lawyer – it was withdrawn. March 2012. I was deeply hurt when my could contribute and get involved, father declared that the outcome would helping out in the kitchen and the lin- Franz Weber launched two other have been better if he had conceived en room. It also gave me a way, during popular initiatives on the federal level, and directed the referendum campaign the difficult teenage years, of distanc- one to protect forests, the other against all by himself. That was the last straw ing myself from my all-powerful father, the noise of fighter aircraft in tourist and I decided to leave. And yet I ended with his omnipresent campaigns and areas. A second cantonal initiative spe- up staying, in spite of my father. I did struggles. Giessbach also played a part cifically aimed at protecting the Lavaux not stay for him, but rather for the cause in my choice of profession, because vineyards in Switzerland, which was he was fighting for and for my moth- I graduated from the École Hôtelière accepted by an overwhelming majority er’s sake. Two and a half years later, in (SHL) in Lucerne. of the citizens of the canton of Vaud. He 2014, he handed me complete control of also launched two initiatives to protect the campaigns to which he had devoted But, in May 1999, twenty years ago, the Swiss territory, the initiative on sec- fifty years of his life. It marked the ver- as I was proudly receiving my diploma, ondary homes being one of them. Prac- itable beginning of our father-daughter it suddenly dawned on me that I could tically day and night my father could relationship. not go ahead with my career in the ho- count on my mother, on me, and on a tel trade. The call of – or rather the need small but highly effective team of com- Today, at the «grand age» of for- to protect – nature and animals was too mitted activists. ty-four, when I look back, and after tell- strong to resist. ing my «Papili» that I loved him for the Franz Weber was a driven man who last time on 2 April, I realise that Franz This is why I returned to Montreux and was motivated by his love for his home- Weber’s «school», as tough as it was, immersed myself body and soul in work- land and by the beauty of the Swiss set me up for life. I am ready to take up ing for the foundation. My mother was landscapes and cultural heritage. As he many other causes for animals and na- delighted to have her child back at her often said, if he did not do everything ture. Merci, Papili!

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