Jakarta, 12 February 2014 – A host of Hollywood stars including Joaquin Phoenix, Kellan Lutz and Gillian Anderson have joined thousands of concerned consumers in calling for an end to every day products being manufactured through forest destruction.
The Tiger Manifesto, launched by Greenpeace, is a way for consumers to demand products are forest and tiger-friendly. Forest destruction is driving animals like the Sumatran tiger in Indonesia, which number as few as 400, to the edge of extinction.
Famous for his roles in Gladiator, Walk the Line and more recently, Her, American actor Joaquin Phoenix said: “I have recently learned about the mass destruction of Indonesia’s rainforests for the production of palm oil and paper. It not only negatively affects millions of Indonesians whose livelihoods depend on the forest, but also has been the direct cause of pushing the Sumatran tiger to the edge of extinction. We are all a part of the future, and together we can ensure these magnificent animals are too.”
Palm oil, an ingredient found in almost half of supermarket products, is the largest driver of deforestation in Indonesia. According to Greenpeace International research, the vast majority of the forest cleared in oil palm concessions in Sumatra during 2009–2011 was tiger habitat. This makes the plantation sector the chief threat to Sumatran tigers, with up to 1 million hectares of prime tiger habitat already allocated to concessions in Indonesia.
“Forests do not need to be destroyed to grow palm oil, but the makers of every day products are making us a part of this destruction. It’s possible to protect forests and prevent tigers from being driven to extinction and Greenpeace’s Tiger Manifesto brings together those who share this vision,” said Bustar Maitar, the head of the Indonesia Forest Campaign at Greenpeace International.
The Tiger Manifesto, already launched in Indonesia, is just the first part of a global campaign to save the home of the Sumatran tiger and to eliminate dirty palm oil from the products we use.
“Thousands of people in Indonesia and around the world are taking action, but we need more signatures on the Tiger Manifesto. We want Sumatran tigers and forests in our future. Greenpeace will continue to expose those who refuse to cut forest destruction from their products because consumers do not want a part of the extinction of such a majestic animal,” said Bustar.
Global pressure from Greenpeace and other NGOs has already pushed Wilmar International, the world’s biggest palm oil trader to commit to forest protection. Big brands like L’Oréal, Unilever, Ferrero and Nestlé have also made pledges, but more action is needed to save the remaining forest.
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Other celebrities joining Greenpeace:
Gillian Anderson, actor, US – “The thought of anything on this beautiful earth of ours being driven to extinction by our selfish consumption is devastating to me and I think we, as fellow animals, need to do everything in our power to stop it from happening.”
Paul Wesley, actor US – ‘’without healthy, thriving forests, our planet cannot sustain life. With as few as 400 Sumatran tigers in Indonesia, it’s clear to me that our forests are not in the best of health. That’s why I believe we need to take action now. Join me and sign the Tiger Manifesto – let’s Protect Paradise.’’
Kristin Bauer, actor, US– ‘’Indonesia’s forests are precious to all of us: they are the earth’s lungs, people’s homes, and habitat to countless animals including the endangered Sumatran tiger. But if we don’t stop forest destruction all of this will disappear. We don’t have to choose growth at all costs; that’s why I’m adding my voice to Greenpeace’s Tiger Manifesto. Join me and Greenpeace’s global movement to protect paradise now.’’
Kellan Lutz, actor, US – “I spent three months shooting the movie “Java Heat” in Indonesia, and absolutely fell in love with the people, the culture and their wildlife. Indonesia’s Sumatran tigers could disappear if we don’t stop forest destruction for palm oil. Their forest home is the only place tigers, elephants and orangutans live side by side. I don’t want the last forests in Indonesia to disappear, not when there are better ways to develop Indonesia’s vast natural resources. Let’s show the world that we are fearless for forests and join the movement to protect paradise in Indonesia.”
Isabel Lucas, actor, Australia – “Imagine if you had to tell your children and grandchildren that you knew the majestic Sumatran Tiger was highly endangered and you watched on with regret, but did nothing as it became extinct… We still have an opportunity, let’s all join the Tiger Manifesto.”
Nikki Reed, actor, US – ”There are as few as 400 Sumatran tigers left. We must all do what we can to protect their home. Please join me and Greenpeace’s global movement to protect paradise.”
Amy Smart – Actor US- ‘’I’m taking a last stand with Greenpeace to protect some of the most precious forests on earth, and home to countless animals including the Sumatran tiger. Palm oil can be grown without forest destruction. Change is possible; that’s why I’m adding my voice to the Tiger Manifesto, Join me!’’
Olivia Munn – Actor, US – ”When I heard that the endangered Sumatran tiger could lose its last home to forest destruction, I knew I wanted to help. I hope you’ll join me in pushing for more tiger and forest friendly products, and add your name along mine to Protect Paradise. Thank you!”
The Tiger Manifesto: www.protectparadise.org