‘When the buying stops, the killing can too’.

Many wildlife species are joining the endangered species list as a result of threats posed by habitat loss and degradation, declining numbers of prey species, poaching and other man-made threats. But for some species the most immediate danger comes from the global trade in wildlife.

In fact, every year, countless species are needlessly taken from the wild to satisfy the global market for wildlife. Some of the world’s most endangered species such as the tiger, rhino, elephant, bear and marine turtle are being poached to make exotic dishes, traditional medicines, luxury goods or tourist souvenirs from their body parts. Other species are traded as exotic pets. Many of these animals now face extinction and if we do not help them today, they may not have a future tomorrow and we will only be able to see them in books or on TV.

With rangers risking their lives trying to protect endangered wildlife in the field and poachers risking death and jail to feed market demand for wildlife products, the human cost is also high.

Many people who buy and sell endangered species products are simply unaware of the devastating impact they are having on wild plants and animals and our natural environment. Every species plays an important role in keeping the balance of life on Earth. If we upset this balance and species disappear one by one, our own survival may be threatened one day.

In response to this, WildAid in partnership with the David Shepherd Conservation Foundation and with the support of local wildlife groups and international advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson created the Asian Conservation Awareness Programme, or ACAP

– a multi media international education campaign to reduce demand for endangered species products.

The Asian Conservation Awareness Programme builds creative partnerships by using innovative education and awareness campaigns to engage popular, political and media support for wildlife conservation.

ACAP brings powerful and thought provoking public service announcements to television and cinema together with print, billboard and public transport advertising campaigns. These advertising campaigns, combined with media and corporate partnerships, public events, telethons, nationwide children’s art competitions and educational materials are reaching millions worldwide.

To date, the programme is active in UK, and in crisis centres like Mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and shortly Japan.

Key to ACAP’s success is a portfolio of international and local celebrities and influential figures that have recorded personal appeals for support of ACAP. ACAP’s international ambassador, martial arts action hero, Jackie Chan was moved to tears by images he saw in ACAP’s documentary and henceforth pledged his support to help and promote the campaign. 

Join Jackie and a host of other celebrities including Gary Lineker, Jack Dee, Julian Clary, Ralph Fiennes, Michaela Strachan, Alan Rickman, Michelle Yeoh and many more in support of the vital campaign. Find out how you can help us to make a difference. Visit www.acapworldwide.com today.

Asian Conservation Awareness Programme  - ACAP
A programme of WildAid in partnership with David Shepherd Conservation Foundation
5 St Peters Street
London, N1 8JD
Email: acapworldwide@cs.com