World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Ginette Hemley, senior vice president for Wildlife Conservation, has issued the following statement in response to the reauthorization of the Save Vanishing Species semi-postal stamp following today’s passage of the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S.231) by the House of Representatives:
“World Wildlife Fund (WWF) welcomes the House of Representatives vote today to reauthorize the Save Vanishing Species semi-postal stamp,” said Hemley. “Stopping wildlife crime remains a top priority for WWF as we continue to combat a global poaching crisis threatening the survival of elephants, rhinos and tigers. The innovative stamp has raised millions of dollars for wildlife conservation. With Congress’ approval, it will now continue to provide consumers an opportunity to directly support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s efforts to protect our planet’s most iconic and endangered species by simply mailing a letter – and at no additional cost to the American taxpayer,” Hemley said.
“The Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2013 passed in the Senate earlier this summer and will now go to the President to be signed into law. The bill, championed in the Senate by Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and in the House by Representative Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.), is a result of true bipartisan leadership and persistent effort to ensure the stamp continues to support U.S. government programs that save vanishing species.”
The legislation passed today ensures the Save Vanishing Species semi-postal stamp will be sold through 2017. The stamp is sold at a premium above the first class rate, and the additional proceeds directly support on-the-ground efforts to save elephants, rhinos, tigers and other endangered species. To date, the program has sold over 25 million stamps, raising over $2.5 million dollars for conservation.
