Panda Passport holders working with WWF-US Conservation Action Network activists sent thousands of messages urging President Clinton to reject the airport plan.

The President approved an alternative "mixed-use" of the property, the former Homestead Air Force Base. WWF will closely monitor any development to ensure that the world class natural resources of South Florida are not harmed. The many state and federal parks and preserves in the area contain some of America's most precious yet threatened natural resources, including fragile coral reefs, vibrant fisheries, and critical habitats for endangered species. They are home to nearly 60 threatened or endangered species, including the Florida panther, West Indian manatee, American crocodile, and wood stork. WWF-US has identified this region as one of the most biologically outstanding ecoregions in the world.

Dozens of environmental and local citizens organizations, several federal and state environmental protection agencies, and a bipartisan group of elected officials opposed the airport. Its development would have generated significant noise pollution, air pollution, and water pollution and would have undermined the $8 billion Everglades restoration recently authorized by US Congress (at the urging of WWF-US Conservation Action Network activists).

WWF thanks everyone who contributed to this important success.

Now, there's good news to report: the government has sued the logging company for environmental damages and a local judge has enjoined the company from any further logging on its properties.

A Chilean forestry company, Bosques S.A., was converting rain forest to eucalyptus plantations and had already destroyed more than 58 square miles, violating some of the terms in the management plans that had been accepted by the Chilean authorities.

The logging was taking place in the Valdivian temperate rain forest, one of only five in the world and second in size only to the temperate rain forest of the Pacific Northwest, with which it shares many similarities. With more than 70% of the woody plant species found in Chile, the Valdivian forest includes some of the world's oldest trees, such as the alerce tree which can reach heights of 375 feet and live for more than 3,000 years. Its unique assemblage of wildlife includes the river otter; the pudu, the world's smallest deer; and the rufous-legged owl.

Unfortunately, this world class ecoregion is rapidly being destroyed by logging, timber plantations, forest fires, urban expansion, and the development of roads and other structures. Of the original 54,000-square-mile forest, only 40 percent remains and is highly fragmented.

Thank you for showing the Chilean officials that the world cares about this irreplaceable landscape! Below is the response that one of the Chilean officials sent to many Panda Passport activists.

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing in reference to your letter regarding the exploitation of forests in the area of Chaihuin-Venecia, X Region.

I wish to inform you that we have begun efforts to obtain the particular information you requested by contacting the proper authorities in forest matters. Once we have received the information and made an analysis, we will inform you of a course of action.

I repeat that conservation of natural resources and especially of native forests is of special interest to me. Whatever decision is adopted on this matter will be made with a view to this concern as well as with strict adherence to the existing legislation.

Sincerely,
Adriana Hoffmann Jacoby
Executive Director
National Commission of the Environment

WWF has identified a total of 60,000 ha in the Gudar as one of the region's most important areas requiring immediate protection. Gudar represents one of the oldest coniferous forests in the whole of the Mediterranean region. Some of the pine trees found here are up to 800 years old, and the junipers may be as old as 1000 years. Gudar has been named as one of the unique sites within the EU for the rare mountain pine (Pinus uncinata), a relict population of an alpine tree species adapted to the Mediterranean climate.

Construction of ski resorts, uncontrolled urban expansion and the growth of tourism has led to increased destruction in Gudar. The landscape has also been shaped by livestock raising, while uncontrolled hunting continues to deplete the Gudar's fauna. Another important threat to the forests is fire, often caused by people, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Recent setbacks ...The declaration of the Gudar Forest Natural Park is going very slow. Regional authorities are not working in the right direction and this natural area is now threatened by a ski resort project. We may be seeking your help again to ensure this ski project does not go ahead.

The Tong River is a 51 km stretch of river that runs through a unique limestone karst region before flowing into the South Han River, source of drinking water for the 20 million people of Greater Seoul.

Endangered species include the River Otter (Lutra lutra) and Long-billed (Plover Charadrius placidus).

"The government is cancelling the Yongwol Dam project in order to protect the ecosystem and the 20 endangered species that are found there. We also want to protect the seven varieties of animals and plants that have been discovered for the first time in the area," President Kim said.

The Yongwol Dam project had been bitterly contested for years by environmentalists and its proponents. President Kim said that the Tong River area would be designated a 'nature-friendly cultural and sightseeing zone,' and would create jobs and other economic benefits for the local community.

Diverse habitats, rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes characterize the area. Forestry operations and uncontrolled plant collection damage these unique old growth forests. Hunting and planned dams are other major threats.

Thanks to the work of WWF-Turkey and Panda Passport Holders, this area will be made a National Park by the Turkish Government.

Indeed, the Kure Mountains were officially given National Park status on 07.07.2000 WWF-Turkey also received a formal letter from the Turkish Ministry which says that they will protect all the environmental Hot Spots in collaboration with WWF.

Thankyou to all those Passport Holders who took part in this action. You have made a real difference.

The size of the forest and the extraordinary age of the beech trees make it unique in Europe – an area of 5,724 hectares is almost completely intact.

The trees are unusually old: 37% are more than 120 years old and several are more than 300 years old!

The Keller Forest is also home to many rare species such as the black stork, stock dove, black woodpecker, eagle owl, raven, Tengmalm's owl, dipper, wildcat, red deer, stag beetle, and fire salamander.

More than 2000 messages were sent jointly by WWF Germany and Panda Passport activists over a period of 2 weeks. As a result, the logging permission was not granted. However, work still continues to make this special forest a national park.