GPA Outreach Online Debate: Mon 8 – Wed 17 March 2004
Stakeholder Forum and GPA are pleased to launch an interactive online debate as part of GPA Outreach. This debate provides an opportunity for a variety of stakeholders (you!) to discuss, debate, share views, experiences on the role and contribution of the GPA towards the issues being addressed across upcoming UN meetings such as the 8th Special Session of the Governing Council (GC) / Global Ministerial Environmental Forum (GMEF).
The debate will focus on the following themes Water Management and Governance and Wastewater and Sanitation as a reflection of the issues being debated.
The debate is located on Stakeholder Forum’s website along with relevant background documents. Expert practitioners will also be lending their views, and all stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this exciting event. You have 2 DAYS REMAINING TO CONTRIBUTE, so please visit: http://www.stakeholderforum.org/debate/. We look forward to hearing from you!

Global Anti-Whaling Campaign Launched
A new report, 'Troubled Waters' with foreword by Sir David Attenborough, was released last week to mark the launch of a global campaign against whaling. Key scientific and practical evidence is brought together for the first time to highlight the true extent of the cruelty inherent in the modern day killing of whales. More than 1,400 whales are expected to die this year alone. In his foreword, naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough describes how the report contains "hard scientific evidence that there is no humane way to kill a whale at sea."
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View materials, including report, video, posters click here.

Feds Ban U.S. Commercial Swordfish Fishing in Much of Pacific to Save Turtles
The US federal government banned commercial fishing for swordfish in a large swath of the Pacific Ocean on Thursday in a move to protect endangered sea turtles who were being killed or injured by the hooks. The new rules, released by the National Marine Fisheries Service, prohibit longline fishing for swordfish in the Pacific between the West Coast and Hawaii. The ban, scheduled to take effect April 12, will affect about two dozen fishing boats based in California, Oregon, and Washington. The federal government banned commercial fishing for swordfish in a large swath of the Pacific Ocean on Thursday in a move to protect endangered sea turtles who were being killed or injured by the hooks.
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Researchers say Virgin Islands' Fish Population is Dangerously Low
Fish populations in the underwater national monument around St. John and elsewhere in the U.S. Virgin Islands are so sparse that they may not be sustainable, marine biologists said. U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers concluded two weeks of study last weekend at the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument in St. John and the Buck Island Reef National Monument off St. Croix
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World Water Day Event 22nd March 2004 – London
The United Nations Association (UK) and Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council WSSCC are hosting a conference on World Water Day to launch the new UN publication titled ‘Listening’. Listening is a new publication by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council. The Conference is FREE OF CHARGE and will bring together water and sanitation specialists, politicians, academics, journalists, NGOs and interested individuals to explore the implications of the publication’s findings. In particular, we aim to discuss new approaches in facing the global challenge in the water, sanitation and hygiene sectors and to set an agenda for action to challenge the international community, the UK Government and individuals to demonstrate greater commitment to achieving water, sanitation and hygiene goals.
Register Online or email UNA-UK for more details

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