Australia
Australia announced a US$６４ million donation to assist Indonesia with infrastructure development,as well as to boost the southeast Asian nations’ economic growth.

Adventist Hospital of Happy Valley
The Adventist Hospital of Happy Valley in Hong Kong takes meat off the menu and offers a variety of １３５ different vegetarian dishes for its patients.

Dr. Lučka Kajfež-Bogataj
Dr. Lučka Kajfež-Bogataj of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change wrote an article in the Slovenian newspaper Večer which cites factory farming’s role in contributing to ９０％ of the destruction of tropical rainforests and encouraged vegetarianism to protect the environment.

President Asif Ali Zardari
President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan has called for the capital city of Islamabad to be renovated into a modern, sustainable city.

Sweden and Tanzania
Following Tanzania’s decision to accept Burundian refugees as citizens, Sweden donates US$１.５ million to aid Burundian refugees living in Tanzania to either obtain citizenship or to return to their homeland.

Mauritius
In accordance with the Mauritian government’s program of 『Making Mauritius a Sustainable Island,』 island textile companies are changing to sustainable and energy efficient practices.

Malawi
Malawi, by prioritizing food security, has emerged from having to import grain in ２００５ to being able to share with others its surplus in ２００８.

Malaysia
By June ２００９, Malaysia requires all cigarette packaging to display graphic warnings depicting the harmful effects of smoking, and manufacturers must inform smokers of the ４,０００ types of poisons in cigarettes.

United Nations General Assembly
The United Nations General Assembly votes to forbid indoor smoking and tobacco sales throughout its headquarters.

Morocco
Morocco launches the Medical Assistance Regime that will benefit ６２％ of the nation’s disadvantaged people with healthcare coverage.

Madonna
International pop star Madonna, who currently supports six orphanages in Malawi, is working to establish the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls.

Prime Minister
Kevin Rudd Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd takes steps to ensure that all citizens are afforded decent housing, medical care, and education, and takes the initiative to address the climate change crisis.

Gila Almagor
Award winning Israeli actress, Gila Almagor, established the non-profit Gila Almagor Wishes Foundation to help fulfill the wishes of children who have serious illnesses or medical conditions.

Charles Njonjo – First Attorney General of Kenya
Charles Njonjo, First Attorney General of Kenya, ２００８ Gusi Peace Prize laureate promotes the banning of ivory trade, fur trade, or anything that would involve harm to the animals.

Japan
Japan donates US$５.６ million to Âu Lạc (Vietnam) for a tree planting project on ９００ hectares of sand dunes in an effort to prevent erosion as well as provide income to residents in the south central coastal region.

Sir Paul McCartney
Acclaimed musician Sir Paul McCartney jointly wrote a letter with Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, head of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to the Independent newspaper in the United Kingdom stating that being vegetarian is the single most important step individuals can take to reduce global warming.

Nguyễn Đình Vương
High school student Nguyễn Đình Vương in Central Âu Lạc (Vietnam) jumped into the strong currents of the Lam River and saved the lives of four students

Max the search dog, Dartmoor Rescue Group
Search dog Max of the Dartmoor Rescue Group helped locate within two hours a ７９-year-old woman who was missing for two days in Newton Saint Cyres in the United Kingdom.

Willie the Quaker parrot
Willie the Quaker parrot helped save the life of two-year-old Hannah, who was choking on a snack, by alerting the baby-sitter with his flapping wings and repeated calls of 『Mama』and 『Baby.”

Diesel the dog
Diesel the adopted dog in Queensland, Australia saved the life of a one-year-old toddler by jumping in between the boy and a venomous brown snake and taking the poisonous bite himself.

SPECIAL THANKS of the MONTH

Australia
Australia pledges an initial contribution of US$６１０,０００ for humanitarian assistance in Congo and will consider contributing more if necessary.

United Nations FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development
The UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development collaborate to provide US$１０.２ million in hurricane relief funds for Haitian farmers.

Iran and Saudi Arabia
Iran and Saudi Arabia send ７１.５ tons and １０ tons of humanitarian aid, respectively, to Pakistan following the recent earthquake.

International Organization for Migration, the United States Agency for International Development
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) deliver the remaining of the ９０７ new houses constructed for the victims of Typhoon Reming.

Kenya
Kenya launches a ３-year project to build ３０,０００ housing units in Nairobi for those without permanent homes.

Taipei City health officials
Taipei City health officials announces that all foods claiming to be vegetarian must adhere to a labeling certification system beginning July １, ２００９.

Bremen, Germany
The local government of Bremen, Germany decides not to renew a license for research being conducted on macaque monkeys at the University of Bremen.

Salvation Army in Australia
The Salvation Army in Australia is calling for a review of alcohol advertisement as well as a campaign to inform the public about the ways that alcohol use hurts Australian families.

Spain
Spain’s consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs fell to record low levels from ２００７ to ２００８ according to a recently released study.

Good for You, Good for the Planet
A Spanish company, Good for You, Good for the Planet, has developed a technology that completely disconnects appliances after being on stand-by for a specified period of time.

Prince Charles
His Royal Highness Prince Charles, well-known for his philanthropic work and concerns for the environment; has founded １８ charities and established several initiatives to encourage sustainability, organic farming, and rainforest conservation.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s １３th cargo relief plane brings １０ tons humanitarian aid to the quake-afflicted Baluchistan province of Pakistan.

US Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Board
The US Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Board ratifies regulations to implement a ２００６ Congressional ban on illegal Internet gambling.

Israel
The Israeli Supreme Court makes a historic property ruling, as two Palestinian land owners prove their title to property in the West Bank settlement of Beit El.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City, USA, proposes charging shoppers for plastic bags to encourage the use of recycled or fabric alternatives.

Paraguay’s Secretary of the Environment
Paraguay’s Secretary of the Environment cancels a permit issued to a company that clears the rainforest for cattle ranching.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) contributes the US$４５ million Eastern Hebron Bulk Water Supply Project to boost the supply and distribution of safe drinking water to Palestinians in the southern West Bank.

Dr. Danny Harvey, Dr. Tony Weis, and other scientists
Dr. Danny Harvey, Dr. Tony Weis, and other scientists at the Canadian 『Climate Catastrophe and Social Justice: Analysis & Action』conference emphasize the importance of taking immediate steps to address global warming, including adopting the vegetarian, animal-free diet.

Jens Holm
Swedish Member of the European Parliament Jens Holm hosts the 『Feeding the World under the Climate Threat?』forum where international experts discuss the harmful impact of mass-producing livestock on the environment and vulnerable populations.

Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom rules in favor of local residents and refuses an alcohol license to a business applicant.

Rick Hansen, First Nations, government agencies, and environmentalists in Canada
Through the efforts of Rick Hansen, the Canadian aboriginal group First Nations, government agencies, and environmentalists in Canada, the dwindling population of white sturgeon in the Fraser River is now on the rise again.

Andrew Revkin
Andrew Revkin, a New York Times reporter, spoke at Yale University in Connecticut, USA on the need for urgent government and individual action to mitigate climate change, and clean up and protect the environment.

Emma Cook
Journalist Emma Cook, in an article in the British Times newspaper, advises parents to support children who want to eat vegetarian out of concern for animal cruelty.

California Public Utilities Commission
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has reserved US$１ billion for a Low Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) program, where free home energy audits will be performed and energy efficient appliances and home weatherization will be provided to eligible households.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia donates US$１ million to fund de-mining activities in Lebanon.

Ontario province, Canada
The legislative assembly of Ontario province, Canada passes Bill ５０, a measure that expands animal care standards to ensure humane treatment.

Italy
His Excellency Mr. Mario Boffo, the Ambassador of Italy to Yemen, announced that Italy will build three specialized children hospitals in Yemen and provide grants for medical help for refugees in the district of Basateen.

Bangladesh
Bangladesh tightens security to protect deer in the Sundarbans mangrove forest from poachers.

Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service & volunteers
Approximately ６０ Australian wildlife rescue workers and volunteers from Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service relocated １１ stranded pilot whales to the ocean.

NBC TODAY Show
The US nationally broadcast NBC TODAY Show began a week-long second edition of 『TODAY goes to the Ends of the Earth』program to bring more information to the public about the harmful consequences of global warming.

European Commission
The European Commission has announced a new action plan for ２００９-２０１２ to reduce the supply and demand for illegal drugs, which includes a Europe-wide campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug use as well as increasing regulations and enhancing medical treatment .

The Netherlands
The Netherlands extends a ban already in place on the possession or sale of dried hallucinatory mushrooms to include the cultivation and sale of the fresh ones as well.

South Africa
In South Africa, a ２３,０００-hectare farmland is now a restored sanctuary for wild animals called the Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Serena Williams
US top-ranking tennis player Serena Williams has funded the construction and donated computers to a much needed secondary school in Kenya.

European Union
The European Union donates US$７９ million to Paraguay for agricultural education projects between ２００９ and ２０１２.

United Nations International Fund for Agriculture Development
The United Nations International Fund for Agriculture Development initiates,a US$３１ million program to benefit poor Dominican Republic farmers and help them create a direct link between farmers and markets.

Massachusetts
Massachusetts, USA passed a measure that will prohibit dog racing and would require the two greyhound tracks in the state to close by January １, ２０１０.

Renée Frappier
Renée Frappier, president and co-founder of Organic & Healthy Living Association of Quebec, Canada, connects vegetarianism to the Earth’s health through her book 『The Guide to Natural and Healthy Eating.”

Animalia
Animalia, Finland’s biggest animal welfare organization, promotes the rights and kind treatment of our fellow beings through campaigning and lobbying for improved legislation for animal protection.

Imogen Hassam
After watching a film about people in need of glasses in Africa, seven-year-old Imogen Hassam in Crawley, England wrote a letter to everyone she knew, asking for yeglasses, and sent the ３１９ pairs which she’d received to Vision Aid, a Christian charity in Gambia.

British & German scientists
A team of British and German scientists release a study which explains that trees release chemicals called terpenes, which transform water vapor into clouds, thus effectively providing a protective cover to cool the Earth.

Solar Sailor
Solar Sailor, an Australian-based company, has designed sails to attach to ocean-going vessels that can harness wind and solar power.

Debra Skelton
American actress Debra Skelton promotes vegetarianism and compassion for animals as something that everyone can do to heal the planet.

Hackney City Academy
The Hackney City Academy in London, United Kingdom opts for 『e-books』to reduce expenses and the need for heavy backpacks for students.

Burundi
Burundi’s National Assembly voted in favor of a law that would abolish the death penalty.

The Emirates Friendship Hospital Ship, Emirates Airline Foundation, His Highness Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum
The Emirates Friendship Hospital Ship, sponsored by the Emirates Airline Foundation under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum of Dubai,
will offer continuous free medical care to millions of residents living on River Brahmaputra’s small islands and banks.

Dr. Fransiskus Xaverius Soedanto
Dr. Fransiskus Xaverius Soedanto in Papua, Indonesia, charges patients an equivalent of only １０ US cents for a consultation and even accepts a 『thank you』as payment.

Tanzania
Tanzania passed the Animal Welfare Act, a bill that protects the rights and welfare of domestic as well as wild animals including cows, goats, dogs, donkeys, chickens and others.

Element Four
Canadian company, Element Four, has invented the WaterMill, a device that condenses the air’s moisture and filters it into drinking water.

South Australia
South Australia’s Parliament passes a law banning most types of plastic shopping bags that will be enforced with fines to protect wildlife and the environment.

Ryan Mason
Upon seeing smoke coming from John Smith’s house, Ryan Mason, a British newspaper boy, saves the life of the sleeping elderly by immediately running to get help from a neighbor and awakening Mr. Smith in time.

Dallas Stobbe and Joanne Webster
Mountain climbers Dallas Stobbe and Joanne Webster heard ７０-year-old Kurt Drocholl’s calls for help and rescued him from a crevasse into which he had fallen on Mt. Baker in Washington, USA.

Six US Marines
Six off-duty US marines, noticing flames and smoke at the motel where they were staying in Lake Forest, California, USA, ran door to door to warn guests and carried one elderly man to safety.

Grace the German Shepherd
Grace the German Shepherd came to the rescue of Tanya Kendell and her son in Missouri, USA, when a stranger entered their home in a threatening manner.

A lamb
A lamb belonging to a restaurant in Malan Village in China tried to save his mother’s life by lying on a butcher knife to hide it and, as a result, touched the restaurant owner to spare both mother and child and close down his restaurant.

Stray dog in Florida, USA
A wandering pitbull in Florida, USA saves Angela and her two-year-old son Jordan from an armed attacker who fled from the scene upon the pitbull’s heroic intervention.

SPECIAL SALUTE of the MONTH

Macedonia
Macedonian soldiers and volunteers planted six million trees in one day to revive the nation's forests following devastating wildfires.

Fatima Saeed Obeid al-Awani
Mrs. Fatima Saeed Obeid al-Awani is the first woman Maazoun in the United Arab Emirates, allowing her to conduct marriages throughout the Gulf region.

Sweden
Sweden donates US$４.７ million to Asian Development Bank to assist developing member states in becoming more energy independent.

Irish Aid
Irish Aid, a humanitarian organization in Ireland, pledges over US$１０ million to assist in rebuilding Liberia’s health and security sectors.

United Nations World Food Program
The United Nations World Food Program is launching a first-ever large-scale distribution of a nutritious paste known as『Supplementary Plumpy』to Somali’s children to help restore their health and prevent malnutrition.

French Development Agency, the French Center for International Cooperation in Agriculture for Development, and the Northern Mountainous Institute for Agriculture-Forestry Technology and Science
The French Development Agency, the French Center for International Cooperation in Agriculture for Development, and the Northern Mountainous Institute for Agriculture-Forestry
Technology and Science contribute over US$１.６ million in farming grants to Âu Lạc (Vietnam).

The United Nations Development Program, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, the Danish International Development AgencyThe United Nations Development Program, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, and the Danish International Development Agency collectively donated over US$１.３ million to help Nepal’s Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology set up an action plan for climate change.

Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Popular Campaign for the Relief of the Lebanese People funds humanitarian projects in Beirut, including the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Center for Dialysis, the Saudi-Lebanese Center for Dentistry, and the Horizons Center for Technical Sciences and Technology.

Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka
The late Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka donated US$１ million in memory of the two-time Olympic gold medal winner, Abebe Bikila, to UNICEF to support the Community-Based Nutrition Programme in Tigray and Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region in Ethiopia.

US President George Bush
US President George Bush gives １４ Presidential pardons and two reductions in sentences.

Emirates World Heart Group and the Red Crescent Authority of the United Arab Emirates
The Emirates World Heart Group and the Red Crescent Authority of the United Arab Emirates have initiated the 『Beating Heart』project to freely treat children in the Horn of Africa region who have serious congenital heart conditions.

IKEA
IKEA, a Sweden-based home furnishing store, promotes eco-friendly shopping by eliminating plastic shopping bags from US stores.

Photosolar
Danish company Photosolar has created an innovative shading system that reduces summer cooling costs through a dual-pane window system that shields light according to the angle of the sun.

Swedish and Lithuanian scientists
A group of Swedish and Lithuanian scientists succeed in developing a new, effective way to treat highly toxic industrial oil-polluted water at a tenth of the usual cost.

Japan
Japan donates ６０ high-quality water purifiers to South Sudan in an effort to provide safe water for medical centers.

Dr. Ghislain de Marsily
French scientist Dr. Ghislain de Marsily speaks to the Times of India on the importance of a plant-based diet for conserving water, noting that the fact that a large number of Indians are vegetarian will help conserve water as it will not be wasted on raising livestock.

Kuwait
Kuwait offers a safe haven for approximately ３６３ migrating bird species in the country’s nature preserves.

Singapore government leaders
To promote benevolent stewardship of the environment, Singapore government leaders participate in tree planting during the Clean and Green event.

Delta Doctors in Diaspora
American organization Delta Doctors in Diaspora donates medical equipment and medicine to aid rural healthcare in Delta State, Nigeria.

Mayor John Peyton
Mayor John Peyton of Jacksonville, Florida, USA signed an executive order to establish a city-wide sustainability policy that includes measures for Earth-friendly construction standards, recycling practices, and the use of laptops by all Council members to reduce the use of paper.

Australia’s religious alliance
Many spiritual groups in Australia, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Baha'is gather to inaugurate the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC).

International signatories of the Ramsay Resolution on Flyways
２０００ people from over １６５ countries signed the new Ramsar Resolution on Flyways to safeguard habitats where birds spend the winter or summer and to monitor populations.

GoPlanit.com
US-based travel planning website GoPlanit.com has launched an iPhone game called Pet Earth, with all proceeds being donated to environmental organizations Arbor Day Foundation and Trees for the Future.

２７ dogs in Formosa
２７ dogs at international airports in Formosa are utilizing their great sense of smell to stop banned items from entering the country.

USA
The US government extends protection to a group of Alaskan beluga whales by listing them as endangered.

Singapore
Singapore’s Department of Agriculture launches the Organic FIELDS Support Program to support the nation's agricultural industry in replacing chemical pesticides with healthy organic farming practices instead.

US Navy
The American military ship USS Kearsarge reaches the last stop in Guyana in its humantarian mission to provide medical, dental and eye care to six Latin American countries.

SPECIAL THANKS of the MONTH

Sir Roger Moore
British movie star Sir Roger Moore, awarded with one of France’s highest honors – the National Order of Arts and Letters – is also noted for his work in many charities as well as being goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

World Food Program
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) donates US$１１７ million in food aid to Sri Lanka.

United States Agency for International Development
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donates US$１５１ million in grants as part of a five-year commitment to Ethiopia for projects in health, education, economic growth, governance, and democracy.

European Union
The European Union provides* over US$６.３ million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to help ensure a better life for Palestinians in Gaza.

European Commission
The European Commission donates an additional contribution of almost US$２ million to provide water assistance to １００,０００ Palestinians affected by global warming-related droughts.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has donated nearly US$１ million through the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to benefit farmers in developing nations.

Iraq
Iraq has increased security and provides US$９００,０００ in funds to assist displaced Christians in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

Germany
Germany is providing US$１２７,０００ for emergency assistance for the flood-affected people of Yemen to help speed their recovery.

India
India's Tamil Nadu state government officials are sending some ２,０００ tons total of food, clothing and other items to Colombo in Sri Lanka to be distributed to tens of thousands of people in need.

World Food Program
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has delivered the first １００ tons of assistance, including food, blankets, and clothes, for ５０,０００ Congolese in Rutshuru and Kiwanja towns.

Libya
Libya donates tons of rice to Liberia to help stabilize the food crisis in the country.

World Food Program
Following last month’s devastating earthquake in Pakistan, the United Nations World Food Program provides nourishment for the ２０,０００ survivors as they prepare for a cold winter.

George Bidgood & Malvern Primary School’s students, teachers & parents
Seven-year-old George Bidgood of Melbourne, Australia raises over US$２６,０００ for the Cancer Council of Victoria by bringing together ３４ classmates, teachers and parents of the Malvern Primary School to have their heads shaved in a charity drive.

Beijing, China
Beijing provides accommodation and meals for those without homes for the cold winter.

Iraqi soldiers
Iraqi soldiers donate money to assist victims of the recent wildfires in California, USA, as well as the September １１ memorial and the victims of Hurricane Gustav and Ike.

Chongchen Military School
Chongchen Military School in Kaohsiung, Formosa has begun to serve vegetarian meals one to two times a week to its students.

President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
United Arab Emirates President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, instructed that replacement homes be constructed for thousands of Yemen residents affected by the storms and flash floods in October ２００８.

The Malaysian tribe, the Penans
A group of Penans, a Malaysian semi-nomadic tribe in Sarawak state, returns to the jungle without asking for a reward or recognition after they’ve rescued two surveyors, Ismail Salleh and Rano Sani, who were lost for five days in the Sarawak forests.

World Bank
The World Bank will help plant one billion trees across Nigeria in an effort to counter climate change and desertification.

Dongsung Academy
Dongsung Academy, a Christian boarding school in Hanam, South Korea emphasizes loving service, honorable living, and vegetarianism, teaching its students to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

California
California passes Proposition ２, a measure that bans all confining veal crates, gestation crates, and battery crates to allow enough space for the animals to walk and turn around.

Queensland, Australia
Queensland, Australia bans alcohol for all beginner drivers which means that novice and provisional drivers will have to register a zero alcohol reading before driving.

Red Crescent Society of the United Arab Emirates
The Red Crescent Society of the United Arab Emirates is providing flood relief for those affected in Yemen, as well as offering immunizations and providing a base for medical convoys.

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom sets new restrictions before Christmas to curb binge drinking, including the banning of happy hours, drinking games and all-you-can-drink deals in pubs and bars.

Argentina, Fisheries Secretary Carlos Cheppi
Fisheries Secretary Carlos Cheppi of Argentina has placed a ban on all fishing on Burdwood Bank, a ６９４-square-mile valuable ocean ecosystem.

Emmylou Harris
Legendary American country singer and vegetarian Emmylou Harris performs at １５th Annual Lint Roller Party in Los Angeles, California USA to benefit the animal sanctuary Best Friends of Animals Society.

Legislators Nelson Albano and Matt Milam
Legislators Nelson Albano and Matt Milam in New Jersey, USA, sponsors a bill to ensure that animal companions are included in government relief efforts during emergencies.

Russia
Russia donates three large multi-purpose tents to function as field hospitals in flood devastated Nepal.

CONGRATULATORY LETTERS

Mayor Helen Zille
Mayor Helen Zille of Cape Town, South Africa has been awarded the ２００８ World Mayor prize in recognition for her commitment to the well-being or her city.

Halud Al-Fakir
Halud Al-Fakir has been appointed as the first female judge to preside over the Palestinian Islamic or Sharia court in Ramallah, Palestine.

『Off the Hoof』magazine
『Off the Hoof,』a new independent magazine devoted to all things vegan, debuts in the United Kingdom.

Barack Obama
Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama has been chosen as the United State’s next president.