Through his Ocean Campaign, Nick Carter has already been encouraging young people to learn about environmental issues affecting oceans and become active in environmental work. In his new role, Nick will further his commitment and partner with the UNEP Convention to raise public awareness and action to protect dolphins and their habitats.
"Everyone loves dolphins. Yet, we are still driving them to extinction. They face numerous threats such as being caught in fishing nets, disoriented by noise of boats and sonars and poisoned by more and more waste in the oceans. Global warming is threatening for most dolphins as well." said Carter. "I want to work with the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species and the partners of the Year of the Dolphin to inform and fundraise for dolphin conservation, to save these animals and their habitats."
Nick will actively assist with the educational campaign and fundraising. For instance, he will work on a special song and video for dolphins, and funds raised through the sale of the song will be used for CMS projects on dolphin conservation He will also develop a public service announcement, to engage his fans and the public at large in conservation of dolphins and ocean environments. Specifics of his campaign will be revealed next month including a website, contest to have Nick Carter appear at local schools, as well as information on ways to contribute to UNEP/CMS and educational information to save dolphins. "I trust that many young people will be inspired by Nick to take positive action on behalf of dolphins and oceans, and contribute to safeguarding their heritage and environment. I thank and commend Nick for his support, and I hope this will be the start of a long lasting friendship with the Convention on Migratory Species" said Mr. Hepworth, Executive Secretary of CMS.
CMS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and other Year of the Dolphin partners are working hard to raise awareness and prepare the conservationists of the future. Mr. Hepworth presented a booklet, entitled "All About Dolphins" , and which is being distributed through UNESCO schools and TUI - the largest European tourism agency " destinations.
"I am honored to offer my resources and my music to help the United Nations save dolphins and their habitats" explained the singer.
Notes to Editors:
UNEP/CMSThe Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species and their habitats throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of UNEP, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. UNEP/CMS is addressing all threats to the survival of migratory animals and to the migration process itself such as light pollution, climate change, by-catch, wind turbines, ship strikes, power lines, as well as habitat degradation and loss. The Convention was adopted in Bonn, Germany, on 23 June 1979 and entered into force on 1 November 1983. Today, 103 countries are Parties to the Convention. See: http://www.cms.int.
On the Year of the Dolphin please see: http://www.Yod2007.org
Nick CarterInternational pop star Nick Carter, best known as a member of the wildly successful group, Backstreet Boys, has been an International celebrity for over 14 years. Backstreet has sold more than 60 million records worldwide and released six albums and are preparing to release a seventh in 2007. Backstreet has sold over $350 million is ticket sales and set industry records with selling the most albums in one week with five million. Nick has also toured the globe on his solo album- Now or Never, starred in his own reality show (House of Carters on E!) and is currently filming a movie, Fast Glass. With his many projects in the works, Nick's new affinity for activism has brought him to work with UNEP and CMS to support the Year of the Dolphin.
All about dolphinsThis Dolphin Manual is a tool kit for primary school children (age 6 to 14) and their teachers. It explains more about these marine mammals and indicates different ways to protect them. The study booklet with exercises and action ideas to learn all about dolphins is a major component of the educational activities during the Year of the Dolphin. It has been produced in several languages and is available in two editions (English, German, Italian, French, Spanish) and (English, German, Turkish, Greek , Arabic). The publication will be distributed through the UNESCO network of schools, UNEP channels, and in major tourist destinations thus reaching a wide audience worldwide. The booklet is available on the dedicated website http://www.yod2007.org, published by UNEP/CMS 2007, 64 pages. Please refer to CMS /UNESCO press release of 2 May 2007.
WDCSThe Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is an international charity dedicated to the conservation and welfare of whales, dolphins and porpoises worldwide. Established in 1987, and with offices in the United States, Great Britain, Argentina, Germany, and Australia, WDCS works to reduce and ultimately eliminate the continuing threats to cetaceans and their habitats, while striving to raise awareness of these remarkable animals and the need to protect them in their natural environment. WDCS achieves these objectives through a mix of research, education and awareness raising initiatives. http://www.wdcs.org and http://www.whales.org
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