Draw a safer world, help stop the illegal wildlife trade

MANILA, Philippines - The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) will stage the WWF Doodle Day on April 21, Sunday, at the Shangri-La Grand Atrium in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City.

Together with the Doodle Art Enthusiasts, enjoy a fun day of drawing elephants, rhinos, tigers, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, sea horses, tamaraw, and the Philippine eagle!

Registration begins on April 3 at Level 3 (in front of Cole Haan) at Shangri-La Plaza, and at the WWF-Philippines Satellite Office located at the 17th Floor, 88 Corporate Center, Valero corner Sedeño Streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

For a registration fee of Php 300, participants will get their own Doodle Kit plus access to fun and exciting activity booths! The amount is also a donation to WWF-Philippines' programs on endangered species conservation.

Honey Carmona, WWF-Philippines’ Individual Donor Program Officer, adds that WWF Doodle Day also aims to highlight the importance of curbing the illegal wildlife trade on a broader scale.

“The illegal wildlife trade now comprises the fourth largest illegal global trade after narcotics, counterfeiting of products and currency, and human trafficking. By joining the WWF Doodle Day, children and the young-at-heart can be part of the solution,” says Carmona.

Below are 8 ways to help stop the illegal wildlife trade:

1. Do not purchase and patronize products sourced from endangered species. These include rhino horns, elephant tusks, tiger pelts, turtle meat and shells, among many others.

2. Avoid eating dishes you suspect are sourced from endangered species.

3. Be careful of what you choose to bring home as a holiday souvenir. Many species from coral and conch shells, to sea turtles and crocodiles are endangered because they are killed for souvenirs.

4. When snorkeling or diving, don’t damage or collect marine life. A careless kick can easily break coral that has taken 50 years to grow.

5. Report anything unusual such as pollution or animal strandings to local authorities, coastguard units or environment agencies.

6. Lend your voice and join WWF in asking the government to protect threatened animal populations by enhancing law enforcement, imposing strict deterrents, and reducing demand for endangered species products.

7. Rangers and communities living near protected areas are also being threatened by armed poachers. Join us in speaking up on behalf of these heroes who are putting their lives on the line.

8. Criminal kingpins involved in the illegal wildlife trade distribute guns, intimidate local communities, exploit the poor, and bribe officials for their business to flourish. Ask your government representatives to take action against these illegal activities.

The WWF Doodle Day is co-presented by Sulit.com.ph, Big Chill, Shangri-La Plaza, the Doodle Art Enthusiasts, and is supported by Faber Castell, McDonald’s, Farmer John, Animal Scene, Manila Bulletin, Philstar.com, BC Magazine, and 105.1 Crossover FM.