Manas – a biodiversity hotspot that serves as a National Park, a Tiger Reserve and an Elephant Reserve, was listed as a World Heritage site in 1985. In 1992, amidst the civil unrest of the 1980s and 90s, Manas was declared ‘in danger’ of losing the World Heritage status.

The decision to remove the ‘in danger’ tag was announced during the on-going 35th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Paris.

Manas was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to severe damages to the ecosystem during the civil unrest.

“Takes note of the recent legal developments regarding the EU's ban on seal products, in particular Canada’s request to the WTO for the establishment of a formal dispute resolution panel; and expresses its strong hope that Canada will withdraw the WTO challenge, which is counter to positive trade relations, prior to the need for ratification of the CETA agreement by the European Parliament.”
 

The killing of the monkey made headlines on newspapers and news websites throughout South Africa yesterday, attracting a barrage of angry comments from readers as well as the attention of the international media.

Cora Bailey, of Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) and companion animal advisor for International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW – www.ifaw.org), was called to rescue the monkey by a concerned local resident after local police officials did not respond to his call for help.

Robbie Marsland, IFAW’s UK Director and global Iceland whales campaign manager, said: “Faced with the enormous difficulty in trading with Japan, the only legally possible buyer; the fact that there is no market for fin whale meat in Iceland; the threat of sanctions from the US and an implacably anti-whaling EU; it looks like Mr Loftsson has finally recognised that there is no real point in continuing to kill fin whales. We hope he continues to leave them in peace.”

“We have ample evidence that the three-step process to ensure humane killing is not being followed.  Neither the test for unconsciousness, nor bleeding out to ensure death, is being conducted” said Sheryl Fink, Director of IFAW’s Seal Program, “As a consequence, we filmed the horror of a live seal pup being sliced down the belly while likely still conscious, and tossed ruthlessly in the bottom of a boat.