Environmental Group Calls for Government to Reverse Pro-Whaling Position within the IWC
Environmentalists on the island have written to the Prime Minister expressing concerns about the country’s plan to propose a resolution at the 2024 International Whaling Commission’s meeting in Lima, Peru.
The letter, signed by six individuals representing Antiguan & Barbuda-based environmental groups, highlights their dedication to protecting the fragile environment of the island.
It also references the recent UN 2024 SIDS4 Conference, at which the government of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized its commitment to creating a sustainable future and preserving marine diversity.
The environmentalists argue that the proposed resolution contradicts these statements and goes against Antigua and Barbuda’s own legislation, specifically the Environmental Protection Act 2019, which protects whales, dolphins, and porpoises from hunting.
They express concern that the pro-whaling position could harm the struggling whale populations, as well as negatively impact the country’s tourism sector and international investment.
They also raise the issue of potential damage to the country’s reputation as an “eco-conscious” destination, particularly through social media campaigns by the 25 NGOs with a worldwide membership of over 10 million.
The letter respectfully requests that Antigua and Barbuda withdraw the proposed resolution and reverse its pro-whaling position within the IWC. It was signed by Martha Watkins Gilkes, Julie Esty, Arthur Gosnell, Ashton Williams, Dina Goodenough, and Eli Fuller.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2024/09/25/environmental-group-calls-for-government-to-reverse-pro-whaling-position-within-the-iwc. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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