Save the Multinational Species Conservation Fund

Add your signature to the 2016 Wildlife Conservation Society petition to U.S. Congress and save the Multinational Species Conservation Fund! This is of global importance.
http://ow.ly/x1gS300cwF5

Another way to help - 'The Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal Stamp' was first made available for purchase in September of 2011. “Its authorization lapsed at the end of 2013, but prior to that time more than 25.5 million copies of the stamp were sold, raising more than $2.5 million for species conservation.”
https://rockenvironmental.wordpress.com/2014/09/09/multinational-species-conservation-funds-mscf-semipostal-stamp-reauthorization-act-passed/

This is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s MSCF site:
http://www.fws.gov/international/laws-treaties-agreements/us-conservation-laws/multinational-species-conservation-acts.html

Read a detailed list of grants!
http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/2012-and-2013-stamp-grants.pdf

“Under the law, the price of semipostal stamps marginally exceeds the cost of first class postage. The U.S. Postal Service retains the full first class value of the stamp, with the additional funding raised being transferred to the MSCF, where it has played a critical role in saving wild populations of the world’s most iconic species by controlling poaching, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and protecting essential habitat.”

“Since 1989, the Multinational Species Conservation Fund has awarded over 2,300 grants in 54 countries through all its grant programs for international wildlife conservation, targeting key species and regions in coordination with non- governmental organizations, government and community leaders, and private businesses to ensure the protection of some of the world’s most endangered and charismatic animals. The program has consistently proven to be highly efficient, as low administrative costs ensure that 97% of appropriated funds are distributed through grants. Additionally, MSCF investments consistently leverage 2-3 times as much from partner governments, local NGOs, international conservation organizations and private businesses. MSCF enjoys the support of a broad coalition including conservation organizations, zoos, aquariums, circuses, sportsmen, veterinarians and animal rights groups.”
http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5961/WCS-Applauds-Senate-Passage-of-Bill-Renewing-Wildlife-Stamp.aspx

“The wildlife stamp was given a second chance, thanks to the advocacy of Sea Turtle Conservancy and the other Multinational Species Coalition members, along with the support of Senators Rob Portman (OH) and Tom Udall (NM) and Congressman Michael Grimm (NY). Together, we were able to prevent the planned destruction of the 74 Million unsold tiger stamps, and new legislation has breathed life into the Vanishing Species Stamp. On September 8, 2014 a bill reauthorizing the Save Vanishing Species Stamp for another four years was passed by the House of Representatives (it had passed earlier in the Senate), which sent the measure to President Obama’s desk for certain signature. Colin Sheldon at Wildlife Conservation Society and Will Gartshore at World Wildlife Fund deserve our gratitude for their leadership of the Multinational Species Coalition and their persistence in making the stamp a reality once again.”

The MSCF Stamp “had a premium cost of 55 cents, with 9 cents from each stamp purchased supporting wildlife conservation. From September 20, 2011, to December 31, 2013, stamp sales raised $2,567,000 for the conservation of all MSCF species. Unfortunately, the wildlife stamp was not marketed particularly well and wasn’t available in many post offices.”
http://conserveturtles.org/turtleblog/blog/2014/10/15/the-save-vanishing-species-stamp-is-back/

To date, over 30 million stamps have been purchased, raising 2.9 million dollars!
http://www.fws.gov/international/save-vanishing-species-stamp.html

The 'Save Vanishing Species Stamp' as it is collectively known, is now priced at 60 cents.
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDown.jsp?productId=S_576674

Ask for the 'Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal Stamp' at your local post office!

Tomas DiFiore

2016 Wildlife Conservation Society petition to U.S. Congress - Save the Multinational Species Conservation Fund

tags: Wildlife Conservation Society, Save the Multinational Species Conservation Fund, Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal Stamp