As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to take stock. And if on the one hand the environmental challenges that await us are still enormous, on the other we can look with satisfaction at some important victories achieved this year. From the protection of the oceans to the defense of animal rights, up to the safeguarding of precious ecosystems, 2024 has (also) given us reasons for hope and confirmed that the mobilization of citizens and organizations makes the difference.
Here are 6 milestones this year worth celebrating.
Mexico: animals enter the Constitution
Mexico has taken a giant step in recognizing animal rights, including their protection in the Constitution, establishing the duty to protect and safeguard them. A historic achievement, the result of years of civil society campaigns and mobilisations, which places the American state at the forefront of legislation to protect animals. This victory demonstrates that change is possible and that citizens’ voices can influence political decisions.
The largest marine reserve in the Adriatic is born
The largest marine reserve in the Adriatic has been established in the Otranto Channel, between Italy and Albania. An area of over 1,900 km2 will be protected from trawling, ensuring the survival of endangered species such as white corals and gorgonians. An additional buffer area of approximately 700 km2 will be restricted to reduce the impact of fishing. This victory is the result of years of efforts by MedReAct and the Adriatic Recovery Project, and represents an important step for the protection of Mediterranean biodiversity.
Indonesia: save the forest of uncontacted indigenous people
The chemical giant BASF he gave up on a project, worth 2.6 billionrds of dollars, of nickel refinery on the Indonesian island of Halmahera, which would have threatened the survival of the uncontacted Hongana Manyawa indigenous people. A victory for the protection of indigenous peoples and forests, obtained thanks to the Survival International campaign. This case demonstrates, once again, that international pressure can induce large companies to review their projects and respect the rights of local communities.
Lago Bianco: no to artificial snow
After 14 years of political and legal battles with the involvement of CAI, Legambiente, Lipu and WWF, the municipality of Valfurva he scrapped the plan to use the water from White Lakein the Stelvio National Park, for the production of artificial snow. A victory for the protection of a unique Alpine ecosystem, obtained thanks to the mobilization of citizens, environmental groups and associations. The fragility of mountain ecosystems has resisted the pressure of economic interests.
Australia: more than half of the ocean territory becomes a protected area
Australia has announced the expansion of the Heard and McDonald Islands sub-Antarctic marine park, bringing the percentage of protected territorial waters to 52%. The expansion adds more than 300,000 square kilometers of protected ocean, quadrupling the size of the marine park. An important step for the conservation of marine biodiversityeven as scientists call for more protection for some crucial areas for penguins, albatrosses and seals
South Korea: dog meat business banned
South Korea has banned the cruel dog meat business, banning the breeding, killing and sale of our four-legged friends for food. A historic victory for animal rights activists, who have been fighting for years put an end to this cruel practice. The decision of the National Assembly of the Asian country will concern the breeding of dogs, their killing and the sale of meat for human consumption.
These 6 victories remind us that the fight to protect the planet is a marathon, not a sprint. A constant movement that informs us and is willing to mobilize for the protection of our Planet.
