Why don’t you make an eco-difference in the Beijing 2008 Olympics?
As the protests over Tibet have slowed, the usual Olympic fever has gripped the world. Athletes and fans from all over are flying to Beijing. But people need to know that there are some cultural and environmental minefields that could be avoided. If indeed you plan to travel to China for the Olympics, there are several things that Nature Seychelles would urge you to keep in mind and avoid so as to support environmental protection and help make the world a better place.
1: In restaurants you may encounter turtle soup, a dish that is contributing to the decimation of wild turtles around the world. The soup could be made from a turtle captured from the Indian Ocean region where various treaties, conventions and laws have imposed restrictions on turtle trade. To save our turtles avoid this soup.
2: Shark fin soup will also be found at restaurants in Beijing. Every year millions of sharks are wiped out. Many species of sharks are threatened and their disappearance as top predators is causing major problems in the food chain of the world’s oceans. Shark fining is also a cruel practice where the fins are sliced off and the sharks thrown into the seas to die a slow and painful death.
3: In some places, cats, dogs and exotic animals may be served. It may be difficult to know if cats and dogs are served because the item may not be labeled as such. Eat in reputable places and avoid any exotic animals which may be rare and disappearing from the wild.
4: Although people do not wear fur in Seychelles, it is worth noting that one should avoid all products made with fur, including fur trim, and products labeled as faux fur. China’s fur farms are notorious for their cruelty to animals; animals live in small, cramped cages, only to be pulled out and smashed to the ground. This cruel alternative to humane stunning may not be successful, in which case the animals are skinned alive!
5: One may also find carved ivory made from tusks of elephants killed illegally to satisfy an increasing demand for ivory trinkets and other products. China’s demand for wildlife products, including ivory, contributes to the slaughter of thousands of elephants each year.
6: Along the streets, birds are offered for sale and ready to be pan-fried and served as a common delicacy. If you sense inhumane treatment avoid this cuisine.
7: Finally, if you see rare and threatened animals being offered and you witness animal abuse on your trip, try to document it, and contact the local authorities in Beijing as soon as possible. Please also report the incidences to us at nature@seychelles.net, as we are part of global networks of organizations working to make the planet a better place for people and wildlife. [ENDS]