More than 600.000 people live around Lake Alaotra, Madagascar’s largest sweet water lake. The surrounding reed and papyrus beds with their unique ecosystem provide a safe breeding area for fish and act as a natural filter to keep the waters clean. Unfortunately the marshy habitat is being threatened by destruction. The organisation "Madagascar Wildlife Conservation" has set itself the task of preventing further depletion.
The rare mountain gorillas actually live in only three conservation areas around the world and face the threat of extinction. The total global population count is fewer than 700 animals. Ironically, one of these three world's refuges is located in turbulent Congo. The existence of this species, known for its humanlike way of living in family groups, has been threatened by mountain farmers, poachers, and rebels. The Gorilla's Fund (www.gorilla-hilfsfonds.de) adopted the cause of these endangered animals. Park rangers take care of these great apes at Congo’s National Park “Virunga”.
The waters of La Gomera´s southwest coast are the natural habitat for over 20 whale and dolphin species and offer a special opportunity to closely observe these marine mammals. Nevertheless, the mass "whale watching” tourism that has been practiced during the last years has become a serious threat to their natural environment. The M.E.E.R. e.V. organization from Berlin has given itself the task to protect the habitat of these animals.
The felling of mangroves and the tsunami in December 2004 has threatened the unique ecosystem and the fishery at Pulicat Lake in Southern India. The Global Nature Fund, and the Indian partner organization Center for Research on New International Economic Order (CReNIEO) along with women, children and fishermen families want to plant and breed mangrove. This will help sustain the ecosystem, which is one of the most important income sources for Pulicat Lake residents.
