Answer the questions. Work in groups of 4 or as a class.

a) Have you ever heard anything about the Fauna & Flora International (FFI)?

b) What do you know about FFI?

c) Are you a member of the FFI

d) Do you want to be a member of FFI?

 

Before reading the text read the following words and practice their pronunciation.

· species

· biodiversity

· disaster

· extinction

 

Pre-Reading Activities

1. Read the text and make a list of the advantages of the Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and discuss the advantages in group.

Fauna & Flora International

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is a proven conservation innovator that continues to make a lasting impact on global biodiversity – the variety of life on Earth.

We work on over 140 projects, in over 40 countries,
over 5 continents

Our vision

A sustainable future for the planet, where biodiversity is effectively conserved by the people who live closest to it, supported by the global community.

Our mission

To act to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take into account human needs.

Fauna & Flora International's work spans across the globe, with over 140 projects in over 40 countries, mostly in the developing world. We proudly stand up for biodiversity and aim to show just how relevant it is to all of those who share the planet.

Why are we needed?

Biodiversity is critical for the life support systems that humans and all other species rely on – from provision of freshwater to shelter and food. Without the diversity of species, ecosystems are more vulnerable to natural disasters, human disturbance and climate change.

Sadly, the stunning array of species is under serious threat, from habitat loss, pollution, hunting and a myriad other pressures. Biodiversity is being lost at 1,000 times the natural rate.

Whichever way you look at it, whether it is moral or economic, mankind has an imperative to protect it. All of us, from governments to businesses to individuals, need to work together if we are to save our planet’s rich natural resources.

Our history

Established over a century ago, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) was the world’s first international conservation organization. The pioneering work of its founders in Africa led to the creation of numerous protected areas, including Kruger and Serengeti National Parks.

FFI has always been a groundbreaker; it is renowned for its innovative, landmark programmes, many of which have come to be regarded as classic examples of conservation practice.

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The translocation of the Arabian oryx in 1962, and its successful reintroduction ten years later, saved this species from extinction in the wild.

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The mountain gorilla project launched in Rwanda in the 1970s is regarded as one of the most successful ventures of its kind.

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In 1986 we set up a project to promote sustainable harvesting and rural propagation of wild bulbs in Turkey, which remains successful to this day.

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In the late 1990s FFI was instrumental in forming Vietnam’s first locally managed conservation organization, which focused on the stunning Cuc Phuong National Park.

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In 2000 we launched a programme designed to ensure that biodiversity issues feature prominently on the agenda of the world’s blue chip companies – a world first in conservation.

 

We were instrumental in establishing much of today’s global and local conservation infrastructure, including organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), IUCN – The World Conservation Union, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora and conservation instruments such as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

As well as thematic programs encompassing species and ecosystem security, policy and behavior, capacity building, livelihoods and business and biodiversity, Fauna & Flora International has four regional conservation programmes.

Fauna & Flora International has its roots in Africa and has maintained a strong presence throughout the continent since the organization was founded there in 1903.

Towards the end of the 20th century, Fauna & Flora International launched its Americas program which is now expanding throughout Central and South America.

Active in the Asia-Pacific region as early as 1935, when its members were involved in the creation of Hailey National Park in India, Fauna & Flora International now runs projects in Beijing, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Manila, Bogor, Medan, Sungai Penuh and Banda Aceh.

Our Eurasia program operates to the north and west of this region, covering a huge diversity of temperate and sub-tropical ecosystems.

Post-Reading Activities

Make a summary of the text.