G-Strings or Gorillas?

provided by WildlifeWins.com

ccording to the conservation fundraising company WildlifeWins.com, the world spends more on fancy under wear than it does on protecting species such as tigers, pandas and mountain gorillas from extinction. It also spends more eating at McDonalds and going to the movies.

    Steve Quantrill, CEO of WildlifeWins, stated, “I think most people would be surprised to know that global conservation spend totals $4 to $6 billion annually. By contrast, in 2000, Intimate Brands, the umbrella company of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, reported gross earnings of $5.1 billion, McDonalds earned $14.2 billion and $18 billion was spent going to the movies.

    “While I don't think everyday people really care more about underwear and fast food than they do about the health of the planet, the numbers seem to suggest a need to change the way funds are being raised for conservation. Most of us are legitimately frightened by the reports coming out about the damage being done to the planet – the challenge is to find a way to translate that fear into action. With an estimated 25 percent of mammal species expected to disappear in the next 20 years, we can only hope that individuals and governments find a way to start making a concerted difference sooner rather than later.”

    On a governmental level, Quantrill hopes that such changes will start becoming a reality as a result of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development that took place in South Africa last month. To encourage individuals to get involved, his company is offering a forum to voice opinions, and a lottery with the world's highest insurance-guaranteed jackpot – $20 million. A significant portion of all monies spent is directed to conservation projects selected by the players.

    Quantrill comcludes, “By making it fun to contribute, we have been able to raise almost $25,000 for priority conservation projects over the last eight months. This money would obviously buy a lot of underwear but we think it is perhaps better used saving some of our planet's favourite animal species from extinction.”

    Contact: Michelle Ross of WildlifeWins, michellewildlifewins.com.