International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Europe’s First Wild River National Park Is Here

May 3, 2023March 27, 2023 Stuart Mitchell

The Vjosa River in Albania, one of the last wild rivers of Europe is declared a National Park by the Albanian Government, becoming the first Wild River National Park in Europe. In future, the Vjosa will be conserved as a living, free-flowing river, to the benefit of people and nature. This is the result of a unique collaboration between the Albanian Government, local and international experts, environmental NGOs from the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and outdoor clothing company Patagonia. The…

The Down Syndrome Community Applies To Be The First Humans On The Endangered Species List

November 18, 2018November 13, 2018 Stuart Mitchell

Each time a new species becomes endangered, alarm bells are raised by conservationists and scientists who immediately take action to secure protection and resources that will ensure their survival. But what happens when an at-risk population is a group of humans with particular characteristics, such as people with Down syndrome? In some countries like the U.S., there have been 30% fewer people born with Down syndrome than projected, and in a few countries, that number is approaching zero. Because of this, the Down syndrome community has less of a voice…