It’s no exaggeration to say that the WCN network of conservationists, donors, and staff approach their commitment to protecting wildlife with equal parts passion and compassion. We are also driven to diversify and broaden our impact. This year we are proud to share that our network is growing; we are supporting new species through three highly effective conservation entrepreneurs: spectacled bears, championed by Robyn Appleton of Spectacled Bear Conservation in Peru, all penguins, whose conservation is hard fought by Dr. Pablo Borboroglu of Global Penguin Society, based in Argentina, and sharks and rays, defended by Dr. Rachel Graham of MarAlliance, based in Belize. While each of these conservationists brings something new and different to WCN, they also strengthen the core values of partnership and entrepreneurial innovation that are hallmarks of WCN.
As we welcome these partners we find ourselves stepping into exciting new territory — literally expanding our reach into new geographies and doubling our presence in South America. The addition of Spectacled Bear Conservation marks the first time bears join the ranks of the iconic animals our partners protect. Penguins also represent a landmark addition to our network as the first birds to accompany the fifteen plus mammals we support. Additionally, both MarAlliance and Global Penguin Society represent WCN’s most significant venture off land and into the oceans as partners focused on marine conservation. These partnerships afford us the opportunity to carry out multi-species conservation, bolstering the protection of several species of sharks and rays as well as all eighteen species of penguins. With the effects of climate change, overfishing, and pollution rapidly altering conditions in our oceans, there is no better time to apply our model of conservation to protecting marine life.
We are thrilled to be bringing these conservationists into our network and are eager to support them as they protect extraordinary endangered animals on land and at sea. We are honored to introduce Robyn, Pablo, and Rachel to you.