Year of the Tiger- Love the Earth for VDay!

Year of the Tiger- Love the Earth for VDay!

February 15th, 2010

Move over Cupid! Valentine’s Day isn’t the only reason to wear red on February 14th!

Millions are gearing up to observe the start of the Lunar New Year (commonly referred to as the “Chinese New Year”)- a holiday that begins the new year on the lunar calendar as well as commemorates the impending arrival of spring. Based on the rotation of the moon, it is officially observed in predominantly eastern Asia but is celebrated globally in cities such as Sydney, London, Paris…and even here in Washington DC. In China, it is considered an important holiday and is celebrated with symbolic food, the giving of “lucky” money, lavish red decorations and fireworks, as well as wishes of longevity and wealth all year.

Contributed by newspapergrl.com

Traditionally, each year is associated with one of 12 animals with special significance. This year, February 14th marks the Year of the Tiger, but unfortunately the number of tigers on the planet is dwindling. WWFreports estimate that a mere 3,200 tigers remain in the wild, and although much has been done in recent years to bolster their numbers, they are still dipping dangerously low. As a result, the Chinese government has partnered with the World Bank to address the issue during this symbolic year, organizing a campaignaimed at stopping the decline of the tiger. This particular campaign hopes to double the number of tigers in China by 2022 through better habitat management, public education and stricter law enforcement against illegal poaching.

The effect of this campaign has already had a global impact, encouraging increased awareness in tiger populated countries and various environmental NGOs. For example, the World Wildlife Fund, in honor of the holiday, is drawing special attention to the subject by placing tigers in the number one slot of their Top Ten List of Critically Endangered Species list. Hopefully, with the extra attention encouraged by the Year of the Tiger, these efforts will be successful- and the next Year of the Tiger will find more of these iconic creatures populating the planet!

So…want to make the Earth your Valentine this year?

Help preserve the biodiversity of the planet, and bolster your luck for a prosperous new year by helping the World Wildlife Fund’s endangered tiger campaign. Register your contribution as an ‘Act of Green,’ and do your part to spread a little love to our fellow creatures this February 14th!