Year of the Dolphin Partners

The United Nations, Governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and the private sector, namely TUI, are building a strong alliance to achieve a common objective: to protect dolphins. A crucial factor in achieving this is education to create awareness of dolphin species, educate, inform decision makers and involve local communities.

Patron of the Year of the Dolphin is Albert II, Prince of Monaco: "The Year of the Dolphin gives me the opportunity to renew my firm commitment towards protecting marine biodiversity. With this strong initiative we can make a difference to save these fascinating marine mammals from the brink of extinction"

World of TUI

"TUI strives to harness the cross-border freedom of movement of tourists, and their emotional power, to support the conservation of dolphins and their marine environment. TUI also endeavours - in partnership with UNEP/ CMS and ACCOBAMS, ASCOBANS, WDCS and UNESCO - to raise awareness and knowledge of children and young people in holiday destinations to protect the dolphins in their coastal waters, so that their own children can also one day enjoy the unique value of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat." Dr Michael Frenzel, TUI AG, Chairman of the Executive Board

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

"Dolphins are among the planet’s most well-known but also increasingly vulnerable marine mammals. By highlighting their plight, we help to raise awareness about both the status of our oceans and coastal ecosystems, and the threat to species that we pose through our own actions. Among the Multilateral Environmental Agreements with which UNEP works, the Convention on Migratory Species and its Agreements stand out for their significant contribution to addressing the many threats these species face." Achim Steiner, UNEP, Executive Director

UNEP, established in 1972, is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. To accomplish this, UNEP works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.

www.unep.org

CMS (Convention of Migratory Species)

“Oceans and marine life are a precious natural resource of our blue planet. The Convention on Migratory Species is the only global UN Convention that protects dolphins along their migration routes. CMS is a unique advocate in reducing threats to their survival as well as to the ocean and river waters they live in.” Robert Hepworth, CMS, Executive Secretary

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.

www.cms.int

Agreements of CMS:

ACCOMABS ( Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea,Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area ) www.accobams.org
ASCOBANS (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas) www.ascobans.org

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

UNESCO was founded on 16 November 1945. UNESCO is working to create the conditions for genuine dialogue based upon respect for shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.
This role is critical, particularly in the face of terrorism, which constitutes an attack against humanity. The world urgently requires global visions of sustainable development based upon observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which lie at the heart of UNESCO’s mission and activities.

www.unesco.org

WDCS (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society)

WDCS is one of the world's most active charity dedicated to the protection of all whales, dolphins and porpoises. Their conservation, science, policy and education projects make a difference to the daily lives and long-term security of thousands dolphins around the world.