IFAW: Leonardo DiCaprio kicks off IFAW’s Animal Action Week

Leonardo DiCaprio and IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare – www.ifaw.org) today announced the start of Animal Action Week, one of the world’s largest environmental education programmes. This year’s Animal Action Week theme, “Beneath the Waves,” highlights the challenges the world faces to protect the ocean and marine wildlife from the impact of human activities.

“The world’s ocean and marine wildlife are one of our Earth’s most valuable treasures, yet today they face more threats than ever before,” said Mr. DiCaprio, an Honorary IFAW Board Member. “It’s our responsibility to protect this vital ecosystem and the animals that live there if we want to leave a better world for future generations.”

“We are proud to join forces with Leonardo in our global mission to safeguard animals and the environment,” said Robbie Marsland, Director of IFAW UK. “His steadfast commitment is vital in our efforts to educate the environmental leaders of tomorrow and empower them to act now to turn the tide on ocean threats.”

For more than 15 years, Animal Action Week has taught children in the UK and worldwide about the value of animal welfare and conservation. Organised by IFAW, the programme will reach some six million young people in 18 countries this year alone.

IFAW encourages teachers and children across the globe to engage with nature during Animal Action Week, which takes place annually during early October. The week marks the launch of an international educational programme with a different animal welfare and conservation theme each year.

To get started, IFAW offers a FREE education pack and 15-minute film all about protecting wildlife in the oceans. The curriculum-based materials are available in two versions, one for primary school students (key stage 2) and one for secondary schools (key stage 3). Go to IFAW.org for more details.

The programme also aims to raise awareness among young people and their families that their everyday activities-even hundreds of miles from the coast-can impact ocean life.

“Together we can set an example for the rest of the world in protecting the ocean and marine wildlife,” said Mr. DiCaprio. “Our individual actions and the life style choices we make really matter. The hope is you.”

Notes to editors

In the UK more than 2,000 schools will be participating in Animal Action Week, and children across the country will be encouraged to organise a Plastic Pick Up event. Recently more than 50 local school kids helped clean-up a littered stretch of the river Thames.

IFAW also runs an annual Animal Action Award scheme, which rewards the incredible achievements of people who have done something special to help animals. This year, the Awards will be presented in the House of Lords on October 14. Regional winners from Cumbria, Birmingham, Devon, London, Yorkshire, East Sussex, Gloucestershire and one winner from Cameroon will be honoured.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Founded in 1969, IFAW works around the globe to protect animals and habitats promoting practical solutions for animals and people. To learn how you can help, please visit www.ifaw.org