"WWF recognises the
importance that these Pledges, when implemented, will have for the conservation of the world's forests.
However, it is
ironic that it is WWF who has achieved more in six months by encouraging these sixteen governments to
take responsibility for their forests than the entire inter-governmental process has over the last five
years."
Francis Sullivan, Director of WWF's Forests for Life Campaign
"We do not
need to wait for future generations to see an impact of the interaction between people and forests.
Negative consequences are already felt worldwide, disrupting traditional forms of life. This underlines
the need for a comprehensive approach, A target of placing 10 per cent of the world's forests under some
form of legal protection needs to be seen in a larger context. And that larger context is a future for
forests, thriving as life-supporting ecosystems which can meet the nee ds of all people. The United
Nations system is working hard to make that future a reality."
United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in a special message to WWF
"We
now see no reason why the world's other forest-rich countries should not follow suit. Conservation of the
world's forests is the number one environmental priority. I believe that countries which fail to act now
to protect their forest s are at risk of being ostracised by the international community. In this spirit,
I implore the leaders of the world to pledge to save their country's remaining forests now - at the
eleventh hour for the world's forests."
Dr Claude Martin, Director-General WWF International
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