Washington,
17 May 2007: In recognition of his commitment
to the conservation of oceans and marine life, and as
a future messenger for dolphin conservation, Nick Carter
was appointed today as Special Ambassador of the Year
of the Dolphin by the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
Through his Ocean Campaign, Nick Carter has already been
encouraging young people to learn about environmental
issues affecting oceans and become active in environmental
work. In his new role, Nick will further his commitment
and partner with the UNEP Convention to raise public awareness
and action to protect dolphins and their habitats.
“Everyone loves dolphins. Yet, we are still driving
them to extinction. They face numerous threats such as
being caught in fishing nets, disoriented by noise of
boats and sonars and poisoned by more and more waste in
the oceans. Global warming is threatening for most dolphins
as well.” said Carter. “I want to work with
the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species and the partners
of the Year of the Dolphin to inform and fundraise for
dolphin conservation, to save these animals and their
habitats.”
Nick will actively assist with the educational campaign
and fundraising. For instance, he will work on a special
song and video for dolphins, and funds raised through
the sale of the song will be used for CMS projects on
dolphin conservation He will also develop a public service
announcement, to engage his fans and the public at large
in conservation of dolphins and ocean environments. Specifics
of his campaign will be revealed next month including
a website, contest to have Nick Carter appear at local
schools, as well as information on ways to contribute
to UNEP/CMS and educational information to save dolphins.
“I trust that many young people will be inspired
by Nick to take positive action on behalf of dolphins
and oceans, and contribute to safeguarding their heritage
and environment. I thank and commend Nick for his support,
and I hope this will be the start of a long lasting friendship
with the Convention on Migratory Species” said Mr.
Hepworth, Executive Secretary of CMS.
CMS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)
and other Year of the Dolphin partners are working hard
to raise awareness and prepare the conservationists of
the future. Mr. Hepworth presented a booklet, entitled
“All About Dolphins”, and which is being distributed
through UNESCO schools and TUI - the largest European
tourism agency – destinations.
“I am honored to offer my resources and my music
to help the United Nations save dolphins and their habitats”
explained the singer.
Notes to Editors:
UNEP/CMS
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
of Wild Animals aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and
avian migratory species and their habitats throughout
their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded
under the aegis of UNEP, concerned with the conservation
of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. UNEP/CMS is
addressing all threats to the survival of migratory animals
and to the migration process itself such as light pollution,
climate change, by-catch, wind turbines, ship strikes,
power lines, as well as habitat degradation and loss.
The Convention was adopted in Bonn, Germany, on 23 June
1979 and entered into force on 1 November 1983. Today,
103 countries are Parties to the Convention. See: www.cms.int.
On the Year of the Dolphin please see:
www. Yod2007.org
Nick Carter
International pop star Nick Carter, best known as a member
of the wildly successful group, Backstreet Boys, has been
an International celebrity for over 14 years. Backstreet
has sold more than 60 million records worldwide and released
six albums and are preparing to release a seventh in 2007.
Backstreet has sold over $350 million is ticket sales
and set industry records with selling the most albums
in one week with five million. Nick has also toured the
globe on his solo album- Now or Never, starred in his
own reality show (House of Carters on E!) and is currently
filming a movie, Fast Glass. With his many projects in
the works, Nick’s new affinity for activism has
brought him to work with UNEP and CMS to support the Year
of the Dolphin. For further information please see: www.nickcarteroceanfund.com
All about dolphins
This Dolphin Manual is a tool kit for primary school children
(age 6 to 14) and their teachers. It explains more about
these marine mammals and indicates different ways to protect
them. The study booklet with exercises and action ideas
to learn all about dolphins is a major component of the
educational activities during the Year of the Dolphin.
It has been produced in several languages and is available
in two editions (English, German, Italian, French, Spanish)
and (English, German, Turkish, Greek , Arabic). The publication
will be distributed through the UNESCO network of schools,
UNEP channels, and in major tourist destinations thus
reaching a wide audience worldwide. The booklet is available
on the dedicated website www.yod2007.org, published by
UNEP/CMS 2007, 64 pages. Please refer to CMS /UNESCO press
release of 2 May 2007.
WDCS
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is an international
charity dedicated to the conservation and welfare of whales,
dolphins and porpoises worldwide. Established in 1987,
and with offices in the United States, Great Britain,
Argentina, Germany, and Australia, WDCS works to reduce
and ultimately eliminate the continuing threats to cetaceans
and their habitats, while striving to raise awareness
of these remarkable animals and the need to protect them
in their natural environment. WDCS achieves these objectives
through a mix of research, education and awareness raising
initiatives. www.wdcs.org and www.whales.org
Contacts:
For more information, please contact Paola Deda, CMS Inter-Agency
Liaison Officer on Tel: (49-228) 815-2462, E-mail: pdeda@cms.int;
or Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox, UNEP Regional Office for North
America on Tel: (202) 974-1307, E-mail: egc@rona.unep.org.
For Nick Carter questions/photos and interviews: Juliette
Harris of ItGirl PR, 818-321-2317, juliette@itgirlpublicrelations.com.
