Rainforest Ralph
Ralph Pannell is raising money for Rainforest Concern
Story
After many years of being inspired by the efforts of others running the London Marathon for causes they believe in, I have at last decided to run it myself this year. It will be of little surprise to those who know me that I will be running for Rainforest Concern and their projects in support of two causes very close to my heart: the Rainforests and Endangered Marine Animals.
RAINFORESTS
Since 1994, Rainforest Concern has been buying strategic areas of rainforest which are recognised as 'biodiversity hotspots'. These hotspots contain very high numbers of endangered plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Countries where the charity operates include Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Panama.
Most of the charity's efforts have been focused on building 'biological corridors' between existing protected areas. These corridors are essential to allow migration of animal and plant species from one area to another and to prevent the erosion of genetic diversity.
ENDANGERED MARINE SPECIES
The other cause I am running for is the world's most endangered marine turtle: the Giant Leatherback. These are the world's largest turtles with the largest ever recorded measuring 2.8 meters. Leatherback populations are plummeting worldwide due to human activity. Poaching for eggs and 'wall of death' drift net fishing has caused a catastrophic decline in the eastern Pacific. Beaches along the Pacific coast of Central America that used to receive hundreds of females during the nesting season are now lucky to receive one in a year. The situation on the Caribbean coast is better, but poaching for eggs and turtle meat remains a major threat. By sponsoring me for the London Marathon, you can help Rainforest Concern and its partner, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, to maintain anti-poaching patrols along the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Costa Rica. You will be helping to save hundreds of egg-laying females and thousands of eggs and hatchlings each year. GIFT AID If you are a UK taxpayer and donate online, you can increase the value of your donation by almost a third at no cost to yourself by completing the Gift Aid Declaration. Both myself and Rainforest Concern really appreciate your donation. Any amount will make a difference but please try to give generously! Many thanks, Ralph
RAINFORESTS
Since 1994, Rainforest Concern has been buying strategic areas of rainforest which are recognised as 'biodiversity hotspots'. These hotspots contain very high numbers of endangered plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Countries where the charity operates include Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Panama.
Most of the charity's efforts have been focused on building 'biological corridors' between existing protected areas. These corridors are essential to allow migration of animal and plant species from one area to another and to prevent the erosion of genetic diversity.
ENDANGERED MARINE SPECIES
The other cause I am running for is the world's most endangered marine turtle: the Giant Leatherback. These are the world's largest turtles with the largest ever recorded measuring 2.8 meters. Leatherback populations are plummeting worldwide due to human activity. Poaching for eggs and 'wall of death' drift net fishing has caused a catastrophic decline in the eastern Pacific. Beaches along the Pacific coast of Central America that used to receive hundreds of females during the nesting season are now lucky to receive one in a year. The situation on the Caribbean coast is better, but poaching for eggs and turtle meat remains a major threat. By sponsoring me for the London Marathon, you can help Rainforest Concern and its partner, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, to maintain anti-poaching patrols along the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Costa Rica. You will be helping to save hundreds of egg-laying females and thousands of eggs and hatchlings each year. GIFT AID If you are a UK taxpayer and donate online, you can increase the value of your donation by almost a third at no cost to yourself by completing the Gift Aid Declaration. Both myself and Rainforest Concern really appreciate your donation. Any amount will make a difference but please try to give generously! Many thanks, Ralph