Egypt
Egypt donates US$300 million to South Sudan for water and electricity projects, as well as training courses and scholarships for students.

The United Arab Emirates and Emirati organizations
The United Arab Emirates government and Emirati organizations gave over US$2.4 billion in grants and loans in 2009 for humanitarian, infrastructure, and development projects in more than 90 countries.

South Korea
South Korea donates medicines and other relief supplies valued at US$50 million to Peru to assist residents following extreme cold.

Australia
Australia donates more than US$43 million to Papua New Guinea churches to support health and education projects for the disadvantaged.

European Union
The European Union announces a new donation of US$39 million to help the less fortunate and flood victims in Pakistan; and donates €18 million to boost food security in Burkina Faso.

European Commission
The European Commission announces US$20 million of food aid to Niger to help alleviate extreme food shortages; and donates €15 million to support displaced Somalis at the Dadaab Camps in Kenya.

The Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development 
The Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development donates US$14.4 million to Gambia to support higher education.

The Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands is the first region in Spain to ban bullfighting in 1991.

Governor Jack Markell, USA
Governor Jack Markell of Delaware, USA, signs a new law that sets the standards of operation for the state's animal shelters with a goal of eliminating euthanization.

40 US billionaires
Billionaires Warren Buffet and Bill Gates launched a charity campaign in which 40 US billionaires sign the pledge to give at least half of their fortune to charity.

Caring for Kaela
International children's organization Caring for Kaela's many projects focus on improving the lives of the children of Chad, as well as strengthens communities and supports the peaceful development of the country.

A Roof for My Country
Established by a group of university students in Chile, A Roof for My Country's teams of university students build housing for the underprivileged throughout Latin America.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
As the largest of its kind in the US, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary provides new animal residents with care as they seek a new home, or are welcomed for life.

Indiana's Greene County Health Department and State Police and the Humane Society
The Greene County Health Department and the State Police in Indiana, USA, rescued more than 70 dogs who are now being rehabilitated by the Humane Society.

Orange Dog and Jan Folk
Orange Dog's founder Jan Folk establishes the Freedom Flights program to fly canines from American shelters to their new homes in Canada.

Jo-Anne McArthur
Canadian photojournalist and vegan Jo-Anne McArthur, founder of We Animals, dedicates her life to portraying the sentient nature of animals, often bringing to light in vivid imageries the cruelty of the animal industries.

Five teenage girls in Delaware and Shelley Wright-Estevam, USA
With the help of their riding teacher, Shelley Wright-Estevam, five US teenage girls in Delaware rescue a horse from slaughter.

Kaleigh McMichael, USA
Six-year-old Kaleigh McMichael of North Carolina, USA, raises US$80 from a lemonade and cookie sale for the Rockingham County's first-ever animal shelter.

Trương Xuân Thức, Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
Noticing a truck on the tracks, train driver Trương Xuân Thức chooses to risk his life to save all passengers on board by using the emergency brakes to quickly stop the train, and thereby lessening the collision, instead of using the slower-acting regular brakes.

Mongolian Member of Parliament Dr. Ulaan Chultem
Mongolian Member of Parliament Dr. Ulaan Chultem bravely jumps into a river to rescue a family of four who have been caught in a whirlpool.

Peter Deardorff, Robin Adair, and Shane Berube, USA
Peter Deardorff, Robin Adair, and Shane Berube disregard their own safety to enter a burning mobile home in Washington, USA, to rescue a child and an infant.

Brett Hartje, USA
Due to his alertness and quick actions, 14-year-old jet skier Brett Hartje successfully pulls a sinking swimmer to safety.

Gage the police dog, New Zealand
New Zealand's police dog Gage gave his life in the line of duty to save his human partner. Dottie the fox terrier, USA

Dottie the fox terrier in North Carolina, USA, finds and brings help to her weakened human caregiver who has fallen on the rocks during a walk.


SPECIAL THANKS of the MONTH

Ana Serrano Revollo, Bolivia
Ana Serrano Revollo has co-authored a Bolivian law that bans the use of all wild and domesticated animals in circuses in Bolivia.

China's National Development and Reform Commission
China's National Development and Reform Commission allocates US$100 billion toward infrastructure projects to improve the people's living standard.

The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the United States, and other donors
The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the United States, and other donors have cumulatively waived all of Haiti's remaining debt of US$696 million.

Germany
Germany is establishing a US$500 million climate fund to provide loans for small-scale sustainable and energy efficient projects in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Morocco, the Philippines, South Africa and other nations.

The United Nations
The United Nations donates US$250 million to Serbia to support areas including sustainable development, governance, and the promotion of regional stability and collaboration.

The European Union
The European Union donates €135 million to Morocco for agricultural and social policy reforms, integration of rural populations, and a national literacy plan; and has funded projects that provide safe drinking water to five Gambian villages.

The World Bank
The World Bank issues a US$120 million interest-free loan to Uganda for agricultural development projects.

US Agency for International Development
The US Agency for International Development donates US$105 million to Niger for food security, nutrition, and agriculture.

A donation from the US Agency for International Development enables the launching of Haiti's first textile job training center which plans to prepare 2000 people for employment annually.

The United States
The United States donates an additional US$60 million to fund healthcare, school rebuilding, and after-school programs for Palestinian refugees in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.

Global community
The global community extends aid to help Pakistani flood victims: the United Nations, European Union, Germany, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Yemen, Kuwait, Iran, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, India, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, the Malaysian Medical Relief Society, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Canada's Presbyterian World Service and Development, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, US-based Direct Relief International, the Islamic Development Bank, the United Arab Emirates television and radio stations, Pakistani singer Shehzad Roy, Pakistani ricket player and now-politician Imran Khan, Pakistani stars, Pakistani charity the Edhi Foundation, and Pakistani Cricket Board.

The German Development Bank
The German Development Bank donates €47 million to Mozambique to raise education standards and provides better access to schooling, especially for women.

President Hu Jintao and other state leader, China
Chinese President Hu Jintao and other state leaders donate a total of US$29 million in personal contributions to aid fellow citizens affected by landslides in Zhouqu County.

King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain
King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain donated US$26.5 million to the nation's Royal Charity Organization (RCO), a portion of which is being used for the construction of kindergartens to offer free education for orphans.

The United Nations World Food Program
The United Nations World Food Program is providing US$15 million in food aid to Niger for people facing shortages following prolonged drought.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency
The Japan International Cooperation Agency donates US$7.8 million to upgrade seven reservoirs in the province of Quảng Ngãi in Âu Lạc (Vietnam).

The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority
The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority announces plans to donate US$7.6 million toward meals and clothing to benefit Emirati and international citizens during the holy month of Ramadan.

Germany
Germany is donating US$7 million to help Âu Lạc (Vietnam) and Laos with climate change projects.

Japan
Japan donates US$4.7 million to Uganda to help relieve a drought situation, address health concerns, and build longer-term community resiliency through a cash or food for work program in the Karamoja region.

The United States and the state of California
The United States donates US$4.5 million in equipment to Russia to help extinguish the nation's wildfires, as well as US$50,000 for relief items for on-duty personnel; and the state of California sends thousands of protective clothing items for firefighters.

The European Union and Algeria
The European Union allocates €4.2 million to Yemen to help the less fortunate, and Algeria donates US$1 million to help the country's war victims.

The Asian Development Bank
The Asian Development Bank launches a wind farm project of more than US$3.8 million to bring wind energy to rural and remote villages of the Philippines, Nepal, and Mongolia.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies donates US$3.3 million to repair the homes of Philippine families in Kalinga province following two major typhoons in 2009.

The European Union and Germany
The European Union and Germany donate €2.1 million and €200,000, respectively, to assist the Philippines with better preparation for natural disasters.

Canada, Greece, and the United Kingdom
Relief donations for Pakistan following catastrophic floods include US$2 million in emergency assistance from Canada, €100,000 in humanitarian aid from Greece, and 2,000 all-weather tents from the United Kingdom.

Bolivia
Bolivia donates US$2 million in rice to Cuba to support recovery from crop damage caused by extreme weather events in 2008.

The National Institutes of Health, USA
The National Institutes of Health in the USA awards US$2 million to an international research team for the development of a new test that would help dentists detect oral cancer quickly and easily.

The US Department of Defense
To help develop peaceful industries in Afghanistan, the US Department of Defense is donating a US$1 million contract for two facilities where Afghans can complete the final stages of traditional carpet preparation.

Russia
Russia donates US$1 million of grain and wheat flour to Yemen.

Syria and Miles of Smiles 2
To assist those in need in Palestine's Gaza Strip, Syria is delivering 116 tons of food relief, while the European medical convoy Miles of Smiles 2 is transporting €1 million in ambulances, medical supplies and equipment.

Partners for Peace and Development to Palestinians in Europe
“Partners for Peace and Development to Palestinians in Europe” has organized a €1 million European aid convoy that delivers ambulances, medical supplies, and medicines to the Palestinian people.

Ben Sater, USA
Eighteen-year-old Ben Sater of Texas, USA, raises more than US$1 million from golf tournaments, donating the proceeds to a hospital that had provided him with free treatments as a child.

Sharjah Islamic Bank, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah Islamic Bank in the United Arab Emirates donates US$540,000 to support the federation's Red Crescent Authority clinic in Sharjah.

Spain and Germany
Spain and Germany each donates €500,000 to aid in the recovery process of war victims returning home or resettling in other communities in Mindanao, Philippines.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong donates US$258,000 in humanitarian relief to those in Shaanxi Province affected by catastrophic floods in northwest China.

The Red Crescent Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
The Red Crescent Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, donates US$100,000 in aid for disadvantaged families and individuals.

The Formosan (Taiwanese) Red Cross
The Formosan (Taiwanese) Red Cross donates US$100,000 to China to help victims of the mudslide in Zhouqu, Gansu Province.

Graziano Gervas, Beat Fey, and Matthias Dudler, Switzerland
Swiss cyclists Graziano Gervas, Beat Fey, and Matthias Dudler complete their 3-year, 12,000 kilometer bicycle trip from Zurich, Switzerland, to Shanghai, China, raising more than US$75,000 for SOS Children's Villages.

10-year-old Hanna Brait, USA
Ten-year-old Hanna Brait of Massachusetts, USA, raises over US$30,000 to give back to the Make-A-Wish foundation for helping her when she was suffering from lymphoma.

The United Nations World Health Organization
The United Nations World Health Organization sends 430 metric tons of medical supplies and equipment in the largest- ever delivery of such aid to Afghanistan.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia sends a second plane carrying relief items for flood victims in Pakistan, along with 150 tons of fresh dates to distribute to the people.

The International Organization for Migration, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the Afghan Red Crescent Society, and other agencies
The International Organization for Migration, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the Afghan Red Crescent Society, and other agencies send relief aid to eastern Afghanistan for families affected by floods.

Armenia, Azerbaijian, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Ukraine
The international community sends aid to Russia to control the wildfires: Armenia, Azerbaijian, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Ukraine.

Globus Relief
Globus Relief of Utah, USA, coordinates the shipment of 10 containers of humanitarian aid for distribution in El Salvador to assist residents in hurricane recovery.

Libya
Libya sends 13 metric tons of flour as well as relief materials to Mauritania to assist residents affected by flooding.

Senegal, South Korea, Canada, and UK-based charity Plan
The government of Senegal - with donations from South Korea, Canada and UK-based charity Plan - funds the construction of a new water tower in Ndiagne Walo.

Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders provides medical and humanitarian assistance to victims of flooding in Leh, India.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Russian volunteers, charities, and the Russian Orthodox Church
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych pledges assistance to Russia in coping with her massive forest fires, as national volunteers, charities and the Russian Orthodox Church also begin collecting funds and necessary items for fire victims.

The Arab Parliament
The Arab Parliament delivers three convoys of humanitarian aid to Palestine's Gaza Strip for the holy month of Ramadan.

The European Union and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
The European Union has funded 14 sites in Chad to grow spirulina, a protein- and nutrient-rich food that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has identified to be an affordable solution to global nutrition.

The United Nations Children's Fund
In addition to providing Afghan students with safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, the United Nations Children's Fund announces plans to equip 8,000 additional schools.

The United Nations Children's Fund and Kiwanis International
The United Nations Children's Fund and US-based Kiwanis International join efforts to stop tetanus by providing immunizations to women and their future babies in 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

World Vision
World Vision provides humanitarian aid to assist people in China in recovering from some of the worst flooding in decades.

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan
King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan announce the donation of funds for orphans to cover all educational expenses, including tuition, accommodation, books, and medical insurance.

South Korean volunteer doctors of Smile for Children, Aulacese (Vietnamese) doctors, and SK Telecom
With funding from SK Telecom, volunteer physicians of the South Korea's Smile for Children perform cleft lip and palate surgeries on Aulacese (Vietnamese) young people with the assistance of Aulacese colleagues.

Egypt
Egypt continues to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt open to alleviate the suffering and improve treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.

Former US President Jimmy Carter and the government of North Korea
During a visit by former US President Jimmy Carter, the government of North Korea frees a detained American citizen, and expresses the country's commitment to denuclearization and wishes to return to the six-party talks.

All with Voice's Cuban and Nicaraguan medical specialists
The All with Voice medical group of 85 Cuban and 25 Nicaraguan medical specialists completes a volunteer mission of bringing care to more than 100,000 persons in need in often remote regions of Nicaragua.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow of Scotland, United Kingdom
Former salmon farmer, Magnus MacFarlane- Barrow of Scotland, UK, quit his job and sold his house to help the Bosnian refugees in 1992 and since then has fed more than 400,000 children worldwide through his organization, Mary's Meal.

Mayor Yuri Luzhkov of Moscow, Russia
Mayor Yuri Luzhkov of Moscow, Russia, has signed a decree prohibiting the sale of any beverages containing more than 15% alcohol between the hours of 10 pm and 10 am.

New Zealand
New Zealand funds the construction of a solar power plant, supporting the Tongan Government's 10-year plan to boost its alternative energy sources.

Dr. Devi Shetty and the Udayer Pathey Endowment program, India
The Udayer Pathey Endowment program, founded by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty of India, offers financial assistance to rural students to fulfill their dreams of becoming doctors.

200 Israeli hikers
Two hundred Israeli hikers in India's Ladakh region decide to stay instead of being rescued, donating their time and expertise as well as contributing all their extra clothing to assist flood-stricken residents.

Aulacese (Vietnamese) President Nguyễn Minh Triết
Aulacese (Vietnamese) President Nguyễn Minh Triết has signed pardons to release over 17,000 detainees, 37 of which are foreign nationals.

Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth, USA
In the interest of preserving the human life of embryos, Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the Federal District Court in Washington DC, USA, orders a halt on government funding of embryonic stem cell research.

China
To stabilize food prices, China is introducing new measures to expand vegetable production and supply by pledging more funds and encouraging banks to lend to vegetable producers.

China places a moratorium on licenses permitting endangered wild animals to be used for entertainment purposes, also requiring more reporting from zoos, wildlife safaris, circuses and so on to minimize maltreatment of animals.

Germany, private donors, organizations, and companies
Thanks to the support and donations of the German government, as well as private donors, organizations and companies, a 335-seat cinema reopens for the first time in 23 years in the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestine.

A group of teenage girls in Tennessee, USA
A group of teenage girls in Tennessee, USA, give air conditioners to the less fortunate to keep them cool during the hot summer, purchased with money they raised by washing cars.

Countries that have ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions Treaty
On August 1, all countries that have ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions treaty are officially required to stop producing, storing, or transferring landmines.

Pang Shupei, China
As a grassroots weather forecaster in China, 23-year-old Pang Shupei's timely warning of a severe rainstorm helps evacuate and saves the lives of more than 60 people.

King Mohammed IV of Morocco
King Mohammed IV of Morocco grants pardons or reduced sentences to nearly 1,000 inmates.

Members of the Blind and Deaf Society, Kyrgyzstan
Members of the local Blind and Deaf Society in Kyrgyzstan make mattresses and sheets to donate to returning residents whose houses were destroyed by war.

Algeria
Algeria assists schoolchildren in Gaza by sending uniforms and supplies for the beginning of the school year.

Lebanon's Parliament
Lebanon's Parliament has passed a law that grants Palestinians living in the country basic civil rights, while lifting the restrictions on employment.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
During the Peace Memorial Ceremony in Japan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urges all nations to be completely free of nuclear weapons.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announces a new panel whose mission is to help lift people from economic hardship while addressing climate change and ensuring environmentally friendly economic development.

39 Aulacese (Vietnamese) doctors
Thirty-nine Aulacese (Vietnamese) doctors provide free medical check-ups and treatment for the less fortunate in the northeastern province of Rattanakir, Cambodia.

Dr. Liu Chi-chun, Formosa (Taiwan) and Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps personnel
Dr. Liu Chi-chun, founder of Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps, leads a team of trained personnel to perform free medical services in remote areas of Nicaragua.

Organization for Migration
International Organization for Migration provides young adults in Arauca, Colombia, with training to operate businesses such as internet cafes, computer maintenance shops, gymnasiums, and domestic appliance stores.

Shannon Galpin and Mountain2Mountain
Founded in 2006 by American Shannon Galpin, Mountain2Mountain is dedicated to providing education, vocational training, and employment for the girls and women of Afghanistan.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the Red Crescent Authority of the United Arab Emirates
Under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Red Crescent Authority of the United Arab Emirates launches a campaign to provide free health care for disadvantaged children worldwide.

Dr. Abel Albino and the Cooperative for Infant Nutrition
Founded by renowned physician Dr. Abel Albino, the nonprofit Cooperative for Infant Nutrition helps children in Argentina, Paraguay, and Gambia receive proper nourishment to promote robust development both physically and mentally.

The European Union and the UN Children's Fund
The European Union partners with the UN Children's Fund to help end female genital cutting by holding regular educational meetings in selected countries to raise awareness for constructive change.

Queen Sirikit of Thailand
Queen Sirikit of Thailand dedicates her time to humanitarian, health, education, environmental preservation and wildlife protection works, and is devoted to the people of Thailand.

Formosan (Taiwanese) First Lady Chow Mei-ching and World Vision Taiwan
Formosan (Taiwanese) First Lady Chow Mei-ching makes an appearance to show support for a Taipei County rally sponsored by World Vision Taiwan to help raise awareness of global poverty.

US First Lady Michelle Obama
US First Lady Michelle Obama is calling on Congress to pass the Child Nutrition Bill which would allocate funds to bring healthier meals to American schools.

Bangladesh's High Court
Bangladesh's High Court rules that corporal punishment will be banned from schools across the country.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appeals to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the government of Iran to allow a woman sentenced to death to be permitted to seek asylum in Brazil.

Sara Netanyahu
Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeals to Interior Minister Eli Yishai to allow the children of foreign workers to stay in Israel with their families.

Sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman
A team of sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman rescue eight Iranian mariners after their vessel has been consumed by flames.

Innocence Project of Texas
The perseverance and diligent efforts of the Innocence Project o f Texas in the US have proven the innocence of Michael Greene, prompting his release after 27 years of detainment.

Association on Smoking Control, China
China's Association on Smoking Control calls for an end to smoking scenes in movie and TV production to protect young people from the harmful habit.

Aretha Franklin and Dr. Condoleezza Rice, USA
US singer and renowned “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin along with former US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice perform a duet together in Pennsylvania, USA, to benefit less fortunate students.

Brad Pitt and Make It Right Foundation
Commemorating five years since Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, USA, award-winning Hollywood actor Brad Pitt tours eco-homes built by his Make It Right Foundation, saying that the organization plans to construct 100 more houses.

Two private boats
Two private boats rescue 10 Aulacese (Vietnamese) sailors floating in two tiny traditional bamboo basket boats after their vessel sank in Âu Lạc's (Vietnam) north-central coast.

Bạch Mai Hospital, Japan, and the Embassy of Japan
Thanks to the generosity of the government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Âu Lạc (Vietnam), physicians at Bạch Mai Hospital successfully treat an avian flu patient with a Japanese-developed blood filtration method, free of charge.

Lifeboat crew volunteers of Porthcawl's Royal National Lifeboat Institution, UK
British lifeboat crew volunteers of Porthcawl's Royal National Lifeboat Institution rescue a 12-year-old from the sea after his dinghy was swept away by a strong offshore wind.

Tamara Eslich, USA
Chiropractic doctor Tamara Eslich of Colorado, USA, successfully treats children with attention deficit disorders medication-free by increasing exercise and human interaction.

Russian doctors
In the aftermath of thousands of fires, a panel of expert Russian doctors recommends fresh fruits and vegetables, and the avoidance of meat and dairy consumption, to treat smoke inhalation.

Judge Jeffrey S. White, USA
US federal district court Judge Jeffrey S. White overturns a previous ruling and halts future plantings of genetically modified beets for commercial purposes.

British medical researchers
British medical researchers conducting a study of nearly 3,000 people conclude that those who replace high fat, sugar and processed food diets with more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains have better lung health.

Dr. Roberto Brambilla and Global Footprint Network
Based on data from Global Footprint Network that all global resources have run out due to high human consumption, Italian Dr. Roberto Brambilla states that the keys to a better balance include eating less meat, riding a bicycle, and using sustainable energy sources.

Christiana Figueres
During climate talks at Bonn, Germany, new UN climate chief Christiana Figueres states that urgent action is needed and calls on nations to take feasible steps in addressing climate change.

German newspaper “Die Zeit” and Iris Radish
German newspaper “Die Zeit” features a cover story by journalist and literary critic Iris Radish in which she highlights the urgent ethical and environmental reasons for humanity to switch to a plant-based diet.

NOAH, Norway
Norway-based animal rights organization, NOAH, sponsors the first ever veg festival in Oslo, Norway.

Try Vegan PDX, USA
Try Vegan PDX hosts the first Vegan Iron Chef Competition in Portland, Oregon, USA.

San Rafael de Alajuela Hospital, Costa Rica
San Rafael de Alajuela Hospital in Alajuela, Costa Rica, organizes a green fair for the community to promote sustainable practices for healthier living.

India's navy divers
India's navy divers find bags of pesticides and insecticides that have been dumped in the Rayarom River and begin careful operations to remove the toxic substances.

Governor Rubén Costas of Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Provincial Governor Rubén Costas of Santa Cruz province in Bolivia calls for a ban on fishing.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, USA
The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative in Hawaii, USA, allocates more than US$11 million to update its facilities in an effort to protect the lives of endangered and threatened seabirds.

Prince Charles of Wales and Paradise Park, United Kingdom
Prince Charles of Wales has announced the launch of a £120,000 initiative to restore the endangered red squirrel to parts of the United Kingdom, with Paradise Park in Hayle, Cornwall, contributing to the project by raising and releasing them into the wild.

13-year-old Anna Barowsky, USA
Thirteen-year-old Anna Barowsky of Massachusetts, USA, donates a US$750 bulletproof vest to a police dog from money she has earned through fundraising efforts.

Missouri, USA
Horse slaughter continues to remain illegal in Missouri, USA, after public response to a legislative measure attempting to reintroduce the practice caused it to be voted down.

Xie Zheng, China
Chinese vegan singer and rock star Xie Zheng organizes and participates in “Don't Eat Friends” concerts, and has established the Chinese animal protection organization “Don't Eat Friends.”

Liam Thompson, United Kingdom
Liam Thompson, former slaughterhouse worker and British freelance journalist, calls for efforts to switch to healthier diets that are also more environmentally-friendly.

Lewis Pugh, United Kingdom
British pioneer swimmer and environmentalist Lewis Pugh calls for a radical shift in thinking to effectively address climate change.

Kathlene Schurma of Locket's Meadow Farm, USA
Kathlene Schurma of Locket's Meadow Farm in Connecticut, USA, rescues horses from a kill pen and gives them a new home.

UK Environmental Agency officials
As water levels drop to record low levels, Environmental Agency officials in the United Kingdom have sent out personnel to rescue hundreds of fish still trapped in drying riverbeds in the normally wet areas of England, Wales, and Scotland.

US federal agencies
Collaboration among US federal agencies has resulted in robotic technological advances that could see an end to certain animal testing as soon as 2011.

Dr. Josh Harrill, USA
Dr. Josh Harrill of the US Environmental Protection Agency is working to end the cruel practice of using animals for chemical testing as he develops a method that employs safely harvested human cells instead.

Animal Rights Alliance, Switzerland
Sweden-based Animal Rights Alliance provides evidence that fur farms are in violation of animal welfare laws, calling on the national government to ban mink farms.

Sir Paul McCartney
In a letter to the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Sir Paul McCartney urges the cessation of the cruel space radiation testing on monkeys.

Scientists
Scientists have helped repopulate the Galápagos island of Española, Ecuador, with the once endangered giant tortoises.

US District Judge Donald Molloy
US District Judge Donald Molloy reinstates protected status for the once nearly-extinct grey wolf to allow its populations to continue recovering.

Chen Qian, China
Chen Qian coordinates an initiative in China to promote caring for all cats and dogs.

Sandrine Feydel and “The Mermaid's Tears: Oceans of Plastic”
Directed by Sandrine Feydel of France, the award-winning French documentary “The Mermaid's Tears: Oceans of Plastic” portrays the destructive effects of plastic pollution on the world's oceans and marine animals.

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and the Department of Motor Vehicles in California, USA
At the suggestion of Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, the Department of Motor Vehicles in California, USA, agrees to add an animal safety advisory in the state driver's handbook that cautions against leaving dogs in hot, unattended cars.

Wildlife At Risk, Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
Aulacese (Vietnamese) organization Wildlife At Risk expands its postcard awareness campaign to include three rare endangered species: elephants, tigers, and bears.

Kevin Costner
Award-winning and animal-loving Hollywood actor Kevin Costner lends his support to the Canada-based Orange Dog Foundation's mission of flying dogs from overcrowded shelters in the USA to Canada, where they find new loving homes.

30 Russian animal activists and volunteers
Thirty animal activists and volunteers in Russia use shovels and buckets of water to dig a barrier ditch that successfully protects 1800 dogs and retired circus animals from the region's flames.

New Zealand Department of Conservation personnel, Far North Whale Rescue, and Project Jonah, and volunteers
More than 200 rescue volunteers, including New Zealand Department of Conservation personnel, as well as volunteers from Far North Whale Rescue and Project Jonah, race to save whales stranded on Karikari Beach in New Zealand.

Thailand's navy
Thailand's navy releases to the sea over 750 green turtles from the Royal Thai Navy's Sea Turtle Conservation Center.

Biologists at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, USA
Biologists at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Florida, USA, help new loggerhead turtle hatchlings by ensuring their safe passage in the moonlight toward the ocean waters.

Volunteers in Washington state, USA
Volunteers rescue hundreds of thousands of oysters from dry conditions where they have been washed up at Central Kitsap beach in Washington state, USA, by moving them closer to the water.

Dr. Hanta Rasamimanana, Madagascar
For more than 30 years, Dr. Hanta Rasamimanana of Madagascar has been advocating for the preservation of lemurs who are now endangered due to deforestation.

Chuck Leavell
Acclaimed American musician and dedicated conservationist Chuck Leavell of the Rolling Stones has planted over 1 million trees on land shared with his wife.

The European Commission
The European Commission plants 5000 trees to offset carbon emissions caused by its Tanzania's offices, and pledges to continue planting 5000 trees annually.

10-year-old Daniel Roller and Katie Roller, USA
In addition to the donations from community members and out-of-state donors, 10-year-old Daniel Roller of Bremerton, Washington, USA, sells his possessions while mother Katie Roller sells her wedding ring to raise money for their dog's surgery after he has been found injured.

Pamela Anderson
Canadian actress and vegan animal advocate Pamela Anderson works with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in rescuing “special needs” cats, offering to help pay for their veterinary care.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals joins other animal welfare groups in urging the government to ban the annual hunt of baby gannet seabirds.

The American Humane Association
The American Humane Association launches a website to provide free training and information in an effort to increase shelter pet adoptions and reduce animal euthanasia.

Andrew Eckersley and an anonymous surfer
An anonymous surfer and beachgoer Andrew Eckersley diligently work to help a beached great white shark in New South Wales, Australia, to return to the ocean.

Kathleen Georgevich, USA
Kathleen Georgevich of New Jersey, USA, retires from corporate work and dedicates her time to support animal adoptions through free consultations and training sessions so residents can offer the best care to their adopted a dog or cat.

Washington Animal Rescue League, USA
The US-based Washington Animal Rescue League welcomes nine dogs from Kuwait who lost their shelter due to a fire and needed a cool place to protect from high temperatures.

Dr. Louis-Etienne Gayet, France
Surgeon Louis-Etienne Gayet of the University Hospital Centre in Poitiers, France, lends his skills to save an injured 8-year-old gorilla.

Savas Karatas and animal rights advocates
Turkish documentary filmmaker Savaş Karataş, together with animal rights advocates, urges people not to visit dolphinariums as he brings attention to the plight of dolphins in captivity.

Ashley Huffman, USA
Ashley Huffman of North Carolina, USA, dashes onto a highway to rescue a hawk that had been struck by a vehicle in traffic and transfers him immediately to a nearby Humane Society for help.

Don Mattade, USA
Professional tree climber Don Mattade of Oregon, USA, saves the life of a young osprey eagle tangled in a twine and dangling 100 feet in the air as he scales a tree to free the bird.

6-year-old Will Murphey-Helms, USA
Six-year-old Will Murphey-Helms of Florida, USA, organizes a donation drive for a sea turtle rescue organization upon learning of the plight of marine animals after the oil spill off the US coast.

British newspaper “The Sun” and the Kremlin School of Riding
After being cruelly harnessed to a parasail and flown in the air as a publicity stunt, Anapka the Russian donkey has been purchased by British newspaper “The Sun” and is now being cared for by the Kremlin School of Riding until she finds a new home.

The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago, USA
The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago, Illinois, USA, shares suggestions to help safeguard precious canine friends during the extreme heat.

SPECIAL SALUTE of the MONTH

Nayara Goncalves, USA
When a man in Florida, USA, pulled a gun and asked for all the money, 20-year old store worker Nayara Goncalves complies but also calmly reasons with him, resulting in his gratitude and subsequent departure without taking any money.

Australia
Australia allocates US$273 million to modernize the nation's health care system through the development of online consultation services as well as physician access.

Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
Âu Lạc (Vietnam) allocates US$12.5 million to bring good schooling and healthcare services to students from nine ethnic minority groups in rural border areas.

Britain, the European Commission, Australia, the United States, China, UK-based Oxfam, ActionAid International, UK-based ShelterBox, the Pakistan Red Crescent and International Committee of the Red Cross
International community extends aid to Pakistani flood victims: Britain, the European Commission, Australia, the United States, China, UK-based Oxfam, ActionAid International, UK-based ShelterBox, the Pakistan Red Crescent and International Committee of the Red Cross.

USA
US combat operations in Iraq ends two weeks ahead of schedule on August 19 with the departure of the last 4,000 troops.

Queen Noor of Jordan
Queen Noor of Jordan offers her support to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and US President Barack Obama for their efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons globally.

Libya
Libya announces compensation eligibility for former prisoners who were detained without a trial and those convicted but whose name was later cleared.

Finnish President Tarja Halonen
Finnish President Tarja Halonen approves a new tobacco ban designed to eventually ban all smoking in the country.

Prayasam
Indian non-governmental organization Prayasam empowers underserved children in West Bengal to become agents of positive change, as well as provides programs in nutrition, preventive health, training in first aid and media, and other educational endeavors for teachers.

US District Judge Henry H. Kennedy, Jr.
US District Judge Henry H. Kennedy, Jr., orders the release of Yemeni national Adnan Farhan Abd Al Latif due to insufficient evidence for his continued detainment at the Guantanamo facility.

Iceland's Parliament
Iceland's Parliament passes legislation that seeks to safeguard investigative journalists and their sources.

The Constitutional Court of Serbia
The Constitutional Court of Serbia's recent decision disallows excessive penalties and upholds the freedom of the press.

Italy
The Italian government issues coupons to enable low-income families to go on holiday and enjoy the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The United States Agency for International Development and the Ogaden clan
With the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development, the Ogaden clan from both sides of the Kenya-Somalia border is putting years of discord behind them in their joint construction and management of a maternity wing at the local health clinic.

Interfaith religious leaders in California, the Christian Trinity United Methodist Church in Florida, and the National Association of Evangelicals
Sixty interfaith religious leaders in California, the Christian Trinity United Methodist Church in Florida, and the National Association of Evangelicals call for understanding and respect of all faiths.

Formosa (Taiwan)
Formosa (Taiwan) amends laws to allow colleges to accept students from mainland China, as well as recognizing most degrees from mainland schools.

Hassan Mohamoud Mohamed, Somalia
Volunteer ambulance driver Hassan Mohamoud Mohamed of Mogadishu, Somalia, risks his own safety to transports patients in the conflict-ridden city to local hospitals.

UK's Fruit and Vegetable Task Force
The UK's Fruit and Vegetable Task Force recommends low-fat and low-salt composite foods such as fruit salads, vegetable soups and pasta sauces as a way to encourage the consumption of five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.

Professor Oscar B. Zamora, the Philippines
Professor Oscar B. Zamora of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños affirms the effectiveness of organic growing practices in adapting to and mitigating climate change.

“1 Million Women” campaign, Australia
Australia's “1 Million Women” campaign seeks to address global warming through women's pledges to reduce a collective million metric tons of CO2.

Governor I Made Mangku of Bali, Indonesia
Governor I Made Mangku of Bali, Indonesia, implements an initiative that supports a pristine environment and sustainable practices on the island.

Aulacese (Vietnamese) and Indonesian wildlife officials
Aulacese (Vietnamese) and Indonesian wildlife officials agree to work together in halting the illegal trade of timber and wild species.

200 green companies, Formosa (Taiwan)
In Taipei, Formosa (Taiwan) more than 200 companies collectively offer over 10,000 green employment opportunities in the island's first-ever job fair for the alternative energy industry.

Friends of Animals, Croatia
Friends of Animals in Croatia urges eateries to enhance its offerings of animal-free fare to keep the business of the many visitors that follow a plant-based diet.

Wang Wenxi, China
Sixty-six-year-old Wang Wenxi of China designs an automatic bed to help individuals survive earthquakes.

SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS of the MONTH

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka allocates US$2 million to promote organic fertilizer.

The World Health Organization
The World Health Organization donates US$240,000 to the King Hussein Cancer Foundation to support treatment for disadvantaged Iraqi cancer patients in Jordan.

Iran
Iran announces the launch of two new network channels to be broadcast worldwide, one in the Arabic language and the other in Spanish.

Stella Cornelius
The United Nations Association of Australia honors Jewish peace activist Stella Cornelius with the International Peace Award for her lifetime of work and commitment to social justice, conflict resolution and harmonious relations.

Michael Green, USA
Michael Green of Texas, USA, has been exonerated and released after 27 years of detainment.

Zachary Muburi, Kenya
Kenyan diplomat Zachary Muburi has been appointed as the first Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union.

Ethiopia
Fifty-five social service facilities such as health amenities, safe water centers, and primary schools have become operational in the Moyale Woreda district in Somalia, Ethiopia.

The Australian Greens and Adam Bandt
The Australian Greens win their first lower Parliament seat in a general election as Adam Bandt is elected to the House of Representatives for the Division of Melbourne.

Georges Laraque, Canada
Retired professional hockey player and vegan Georges Laraque is appointed new Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada.

25 Organizations
Sponsored by the United Nations Development Program, the Equator Prizes honor 25 outstanding grassroots organizations in equatorial countries for efforts that help to reduce poverty through conservation and sustaining biodiversity.

Jeff Bridges
Award-winning Hollywood actor Jeff Bridges is appointed National Speaker for Share Our Strength's “No Kid Hungry” campaign.

Cung Hoàng Kim, USA
Nineteen-year-old Cung Hoàng Kim of Texas, USA, has been crowned US Miss 2010.

Anna Gorbacheva, Russia
Russian opera soprano Anna Gorbacheva is awarded top honors at the International Singing Competition for Baroque Opera in Austria.

Homai Vyarawalla, Mr. S. Paul, Benu Sen, and K.G. Maheshwari
India's first woman photojournalist, Homai Vyarawalla of Vadodara, photographers Mr. S. Paul, Benu Sen, and K.G. Maheshwari have been honored with the premier Life Time Achievement Award to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Photo Division.

Elon Lindenstrauss, Ngô Bảo Châu, Stanislav Smirnov, and Cédric Villani
The Fields Medal, the world's highest honors in mathematics, has been conferred upon Elon Lindenstrauss as the first-ever Israeli to be commended; Aulacese (Vietnamese) Ngô Bảo Châu and Cédric Villani of France; and Stanislav Smirnov of Switzerland.

Coco Ton Chi Ting, Hong Kong
Fourteen-year-old Coco Ton Chi Ting of Hong Kong receives top honors at the 19th UN Environment Program International Children's Painting Competition for her work warning of the effects of pollution on animals and planet Earth.

Felix Sanchez
Cuban writer Felix Sanchez wins the Julio Cortazar Ibero-American short story prize for his literary work, “The Boundaries of Death.”

The National Geographic Channel
The National Geographic Channel's new 7-hour miniseries, “Great Migrations,” is being narrated by award-winning actor and vegetarian Alec Baldwin in its premiere this fall.

Chen Shikong, China
Chen Shikong wins first prize in the slogan competition hosted by China Awareness Campaign for Non-pure Bred Cats and Dogs.

Palestinian children
In Gaza Strip, Palestine, 6200 Palestinian children fly kites simultaneously, setting a new world record.

St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band, Ireland
The century-old St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band from Dublin, Ireland, wins the 2010 World Pipe Band Championships held in Scotland, UK.

Yasmin Fudakowska-Gow
Canadian vegan yoga instructor Yasmin Fudakowska-Gow completes 32 hours of uninterrupted yoga, setting a new Guinness world record.

Japanese beverage manufacturers
Japanese beverage manufacturers affirm the growing popularity of alcohol- and sugar-free beer-flavored beverages.

Japan
A survey in Japan finds smoking to be on the decline for a consecutive 15 years, with this year also marking the lowest smoking rate for the country since data began to be collected in 1965.

Phil Mickelson, USA
Champion US golfer Phil Mickelson switches to a plant-based diet that consists primarily of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Connie Culp, USA
In Ohio, USA, 47-seven-year-old Connie Culp's injured face has been successfully rebuilt after more than 30 medical procedures.

Organic farming business Brooklyn Grange, USA
In New York City, USA, organic farming business Brooklyn Grange fills nearly 40,000 square feet on top of a building with hundreds of thousands of organically grown plants that provide fresh local produce for New Yorkers.

SPECIAL APPLAUSE of the MONTH

Lebanon
The Lebanese government allocates US$100 million for a new social plan, designed to improve the livelihoods of the nation's less fortunate.

British Health Minister Anne Milton
British Health Minister Anne Milton calls for the US$79 million in funds currently allocated to provide only milk to low-income children at school to be used instead by low-income families to purchase more fruits and vegetables.

Aki Ra, Cambodia
Cambodian Aki Ra, who was forced to set landmines when he was a boy, now leads the Cambodian Self Help Demining team to assist in clearing the munitions from rural villages.

Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan's capital city Khartoum bans the practice of water pipe smoking, or shisha, in public places.

New York's State Health Department, USA
The State Health Department of New York, USA, announces the launch of a television anti-smoking campaign featuring graphic public service announcements designed to raise motivation for prevention and quitting of the harmful habit.

Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, 225,000 SONO filters have been distributed to help remove lethal arsenic and other toxic metals from local tube wells to restore the water's safety for human consumption.

The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration
The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration announces that the last W62 warhead, originally produced in the 1970s, has now been dismantled.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries, China, Japan, and South Korea
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries, together with China, Japan and South Korea establish emergency rice reserves to help ensure adequate food supplies during times of need and to keep food prices stable.

New Zealand
New Zealand's government drafts legislation that bans alcohol sales in retail outlets to youths under age 20 to reduce alcohol-related deaths and binge drinking.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates, Hamas leaders in Palestine, and Islamic Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran
On the occasion of Ramadan, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates, has ordered the release of 67 inmates of all nationalities; Hamas leaders in Palestine have freed 100 detainees in Gaza; and Islamic Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran has donated US$70,000 to help pay the offenses for less fortunate inmates so that they may be released.

Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois, USA
Along with creating a commission to reduce violence in communities, Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois, USA, signs a bill that provides school officials with information about student crime victims, designed to protect all parties from further harm.

Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh and Iraq
Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh, official spokesperson for the government of Iraq, affirms his nation's wish to resolve all issues with neighboring Kuwait in the interest of fostering renewed bilateral relations.

Italy's Parliament
Italy's Parliament ratifies the Stabilization and Association Agreement, supporting the speeding of Serbia's integration into the European Union.

China's General Administration of Press and Publication
China's General Administration of Press and Publication issues a statement affirming a broad range of media members' rights that are protected by law.

The UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee
The UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee urges for an end to the discrimination of anti-leprosy laws.

Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announces plans to increase medical research in an effort to eliminate various diseases, reduce health care expenses and improve health among all citizens.

The United Nations Environment Programme
In Afghanistan, the United Nations Environment Programme organizes an event that brings communities together and encourages harmonious engagement through a focus on caring for natural resources.

Nashat Majeed, Iraq
Professional musician Nashat Majeed of Iraq holds guitar lessons for groups of children twice a week in Bagdad to teach them the harmony-building language of music and also enhance their peace of mind.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has launched a new online system where fire spots are observed via satellite and transmitted in nearly real time with email alerts sent for quick response.

China's Ministry of Education
China's Ministry of Education introduces a comprehensive program to allow students from low-income families to enroll in universities and pay off their tuition later through subsidized loans and reduced fees.

Canadian high school students
Motivated by their concern in observing the elderly, a group of Canadian high school students develop a new wheelchair braking system that automatically activates from pressure applied to the armrest as the person is standing up.

Sports Ministry, Russia
Russian Sports Ministry hosts a forum and International Sport Movie Festival to encourage healthier lifestyles through greater engagement in sports.

The United Nations Environment Program
The United Nations Environment Program launches an online resource center offering guidelines and training materials to conduct humanitarian and relief activities with greater consideration for conserving resources and the environment.

The United Kingdom
The UK announces a rebate program for low-carbon vehicles, offering up to ₤5,000 to encourage greener driving.

Thừa Thiên-Huế, Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
Thừa Thiên-Huế province is planting 4,500 hectares of trees along the north central coast of Âu Lạc (Vietnam) each year, along with a US$1.8 million program where more than 240,000 hectares of forested lands are being assigned to individuals and organizations to protect them.

Producers Guild of America
The Producers Guild of America is sponsoring a movement to support green movie productions through a nationwide database of eco-friendly products and services.

Delta Airlines
US-based Delta Airlines announces plans to offer organic and vegan meal options through its main terminal facility at the LaGuardia Airport in New York City, USA.

Jah Doves of Rwanda
Rising musical stars like the six-man band Jah Doves of Rwanda are spreading messages of peace and harmony through their lyrics and songs.

Craig Goldwyn, USA
Citing the inhumane and health-harming conditions of factory farms, US Chef Craig Goldwyn is going meatless for 30 days, hoping to expand his cooking skills as he personally experiences the benefits of the animal-free diet.

A group of Moscow residents
A group of enthusiasts in Moscow, Russia, has set up the country's first eco-loft where all lights are fitted with eco-efficient bulbs, taps are installed with water meters, and only biodegradable bags are used as an example and encouragement toward an eco-lifestyle.

Nicole Kidman
Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman has planted a garden at her Tennessee home in the US, where she grows vegetables for her family to help ensure that her two-year-old daughter eats a healthy, organic diet.

SPECIAL KUDOS of the MONTH

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept invitations from the US government to meet in Washington, DC, and re-start direct peace negotiations.

German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg
In an interview, German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg outlines a new model for the military that would end conscript-xion and reduce combat forces by a third.

University students, Palestine
A team of university students in the West Bank, Palestine, build a solar vehicle for a school project.

The Humane Society of the United States
Following the recall of more than 500 million eggs, the Humane Society of the United States calls on the egg industry to end the cruel and disease-spreading confinement of hens in crammed battery cages.

SPECIAL SUPPORT of the MONTH

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Wishing to prevent the suffering of animals in captivity, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals calls for a ban on importing elephants to British zoos.