Spain
Spain donates more than US$58 million to Guatemala for reconstruction, as well as programs to improve juvenile nutrition, education, and other relief endeavors.

Allen and Violet Large
Elderly Canadian couple, Allen and Violet Large, gives away 98% of their US$11.2 million lottery money to charities, organizations, and family members.

Adan Abobaker, United Kingdom
Homeless hero Adan Abobaker unhesitatingly dives into the freezing River Thames to rescue a drowning woman in London.

Nguyễn Thị Phương, Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
Nguyễn Thị Phương of Thạch Đài village in Âu Lạc (Vietnam) promptly notifies the shop owner and returns a gold bar when she discovers it in her newly bought second-hand jacket.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approves a strict national wildlife protection law which prohibits the killing of endangered animals.

European Union and Judge Marc Jaeger
With Judge Marc Jaeger's rescinding of the suspension of a ban, the European Union now prohibits trade in products from all commercial seal hunts.

Randall Arauz, Costa Rica
Biologist and Costa Rican Marine Turtle Restoration Program President Randall Arauz campaigns to halt shark finning in Costa Rica.

Fiji the Staffordshire dog, New Zealand
Fiji, the Staffordshire dog, saves her human companion in Southland, New Zealand, from a house fire by licking her awake when their house caught fire.

SPECIAL THANKS of the MONTH

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledges US$500 million for projects that improve access to financial services for less fortunate people worldwide.

Norway
Norway will donate €173 million to finance worldwide programs to halt tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS. Norway signs an agreement with Cuba to donate US$850,000 for cholera medicine and medical equipment that will be used by Cuban doctors working in Haiti.

European Union
The European Union donates US$165 million to South Africa for the improvement of the nation's primary schools, as well as €45 million to Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for road repairs and improving the energy sector.

Australia
Australia donates US$160 million to fund the construction of two bridges across major tributaries of the Mekong River in Âu Lạc (Vietnam).

USA
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces a US$150-million donation from the US government to assist the government of the Palestinian Authority.

Japan
Japan plans to donate US$60 million to assist developing countries with programs to preserve biodiversity.

The United States and Japan
To empower women in Afghanistan, the US announces US$44 million in aid while Japan pledges to increase assistance.

The United Nations
The United Nations donates US$36 million to help Uganda develop a national climate change plan.

The UN Children's Fund, the European Union, and Ethiopia
The UN Children's Fund, the European Union, and the government of Ethiopia collaborate in a US$30-million program to enhance water and sanitation for districts in northern Ethiopia.

Israel's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor & the Arava Group
Israel is planning a center for sustainable energy, research and development, with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor and the Arava Group contributing US$15 million each to the project.

Inter-American Development Bank
The Inter-American Development Bank loans Honduras US$27.5 million to improve healthcare services to women and children.

Russia
Russia donates US$8 million to Kyrgyzstan to assist in improving the lives of her citizens.

UK's Department for International Development
As part of a €6.6 million aid package, UK's Department for International Development sends doctors, nurses, and support staff to assist in halting the cholera outbreak in Haiti.

Belgium
Belgium donates €4 million to Morocco to enhance infrastructure, social services, and other areas of the United Nations Millennium Development goals.

Germany
Germany announces a US$4.1-million donation to Morocco to support the nation's Solar Energy Project.

Garth Brooks
US country music singer Garth Brooks holds benefit concerts in Nashville, Tennessee, with 100% of the US$3.5 million in proceeds going to help the state's flood-affected residents.

European Commission
The European Commission donates US$2 million to Indonesia for victims of a tsunami and volcanic eruption in Mentawai Islands and Central Java.

The European Commission seeks quotas agreement from member states that would ensure the improved survival of the endangered bluefin tuna.

Brazil
Brazil donates US$1 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo to benefit women in their recovery from acts of violence.

South Korea
South Korea is donating US$287,000 for the construction of temporary shelters for earthquake-affected Haitians.

Jolie-Pitt Foundation
The Jolie-Pitt Foundation donates US$150,000 to SOS Children's Villages - USA to support its care for orphaned and other less fortunate children.

Band Aid Charitable Trust
Band Aid Charitable Trust donates US$86,000 to build a pipeline to provide fresh water for Somali refugees in Ethiopia.

Grenada
To assist in post-hurricane recovery on St. Lucia and St. Vincent islands in the Caribbean, Grenada's Cabinet Subcommittee authorizes a US$74,500 cash donation toward agricultural rehabilitation, and mobilizes shipments of clean drinking water.

Japanese Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon
The Japanese Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, donates over US$22,000 to improve the health care of Palestinian refugees living in remote areas.

South Korea
South Korea donates US$20,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to Colombia for flood-affected residents.

Guatemala, Panama, and Colombia
Guatemala, Panama, and Colombia send planes filled with humanitarian aid to help hurricane-affected Costa Rican brethren.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez sends 14 tons of humanitarian aid to Colombia to help flood-affected residents.

Argentina
Argentina sends humanitarian relief personnel and tablets to supply 600,000 liters of clean drinking water to the hurricane-affected island nation of Santa Lucia.

CARE
Aside from bringing aid to the flood-stricken Pakistani people, the Switzerland-based humanitarian organization CARE works to get safe drinking water to residents in need.

Doctors Without Borders
An appeal from France-based charity Doctors Without Borders results in a donation of tents for 700 families living in one of the world's largest and most overcrowded refugee camps in Dadaab, Kenya.

The Red Crescent Authority and Dar-al-Birr Society of Dubai
The Red Crescent Authority and Dar-al-Birr Society of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates donate funds to construct homes and dig fresh water wells for disadvantaged Muslim families in southern Âu Lạc (Vietnam).

Cuban President Raul Castro
Cuban President Raul Castro announces that another 300 doctors, nurses and other medical personnel are being sent to Haiti to treat the cholera epidemic.

Rotary International
Humanitarian organization Rotary International raises funds to help natural disaster-affected Indonesian residents in central Java.

The Red Crescent Authority of the United Arab Emirates
The Red Crescent Authority of the United Arab Emirates pledges financial aid to assist the rebuilding of homes for typhoon- affected residents in the Philippines.

The United Nations Children's Fund
The United Nations Children's Fund launches a new campaign in African countries to protect young girls from the tradition of genital cutting.

Aasif Mandvi
Indian-born actor and comedian Aasif Mandvi hosts a comedic event to raise funds for those affected by the recent floods.

Belinda Stronach Foundation
Joining the One Laptop Per Child campaign, the Canadian Belinda Stronach Foundation gives 5,000 laptops to children of aboriginal communities across the country.

The United Nations Children's Fund and partners
The United Nations Children's Fund and partners establish child friendly spaces in Sindh Province, Pakistan, to help special needs youngsters of flood-affected families.

Elettra Wiedemann, Solar Electric Light Fund, Cindy Crawford, Iman, Christy Turlington, Elle Macpherson and others
Organized by model Elettra Wiedemann in partnership with organization Solar Electric Light Fund, proceeds from a celebrity auction of gowns donated by supermodels including Cindy Crawford, Iman, Christy Turlington, Elle Macpherson and others will bring solar power to benefit clinics in Rwanda, Haiti, and other countries in need.

Robin Williams
Hollywood actor and comedian Robin Williams is donating 100% of the proceeds from his comedy performances in Christchurch, New Zealand, to help with the city's post earth- quake rebuilding efforts.

Life for Relief and Development, USA
US-based Life for Relief and Development inaugurates two new wells with mechanical pumps to provides access to clean drinking water in the rural regions of Kabul, Afghanistan.

Patricia Harris, Patrick Duncan, Christine Hall, and 13 other individuals in Washington, DC, USA
Patricia Harris, Patrick Duncan, Christine Hall, and 13 other individuals in Washington, DC, USA, donate one of their kidneys to 16 recipients in need.

15 firefighters in Michigan, USA
Fifteen firefighters in Michigan, USA, donate their monthly paychecks to help cover the medical expenses of a kidney transplant of a retired colleague and friend.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad auctions his car to benefit the Mehr project that provides affordable housing for less fortunate families.

India's Health and Agriculture Ministries
India's Health and Agricultural Ministries are collaborating to provide alternative cash crops for tobacco farmers and workers to cultivate.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assures that Russian soldiers will not return to Afghanistan, but support for eliminating illegal drugs will continue via consultations with the Afghan Interior Ministry.

Architecture for Humanity
Nonprofit Architecture for Humanity is dedicated to providing design, building, and development expertise worldwide to those in need.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud hosts 2,000 Palestinians for this year Hajj pilgrimage.

Executive Director Josette Sheeran and the UN World Food Program
During her visit to North Korea, Executive Director Josette Sheeran states that an appeal is being made by the UN World Food Program to fund a nutrition project for women and children.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urges for the nation's avoidance of nuclear power development, encouraging sustainable energy instead.

Facebook, Twitter, Philippine weather and relief agencies
Through the use of social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter by Philippine weather and relief agencies, real-time weather advisories are credited with saving thousands of lives in times of disaster.

Afghan government, Afghan Saffron company, United States, France and the Netherlands,
With help from the United States, France, the Netherlands, Afghan Saffron company, and other organizations, the Afghan government is implementing programs to cultivate saffron instead of poppy to reduce opium production.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has approved a smoking ban in the nation's airports.

Ka Pa'alana
The nonprofit group Ka Pa'alana sets up a pre-school four days a week at Keaau beach park in Waianae, Hawaii, USA, to serve children without homes or living in shelters.

Participating mayors at the Mayors Climate Summit in Mexico City
One hundred thirty-eight mayors from 43 nations gathered in Mexico City, Mexico, for the Mayors Climate Summit to pledge their help in mitigating global warming.

Sonic Peacemakers
Consisting of famous artists and groups worldwide, Sonic Peacemakers uses music to foster peace and greater understanding among cultures.

US President Barack Obama and Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates
US President Barack Obama meets with Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates and conveys his country's commitment to collaborations toward the goal of economic stability.

First Lady of Syria Asma al-Assad and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
First Lady of Syria Asma al-Assad honors 88 newly literate women with Certificates of Appreciation in Tartous, on Syria's coast; their achievements is a reflection of President Bashar al-Assad's belief that knowledge is the cornerstone of comprehensive development in the country.

Montevideo, Uruguay
To raise health awareness, Montevideo, Uruguay, installs giant cigarettes in a plaza, labeled with the toxic chemicals they contain.

Prince William of Wales and the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue
Prince William of Wales and the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue save the life of a man who has collapsed at 3,000 feet elevation on Mount Snowdon in Wales, United Kingdom.

Sir Roger Moore
United Nations Children's Fund Goodwill Ambassador and British Hollywood actor Sir Roger Moore visits Kazakhstan to raise awareness and support for vulnerable children and those with disabilities.

Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan
Concluding that Christian woman Asia Bibi is innocent of charges of blasphemy, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, recommends her release.

India
The affordability and advancements of India's medical system enable a 4-year-old girl from Baghdad, Iraq, to receive innovative microsurgery that restores her hearing.

Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals
To promote the vegan diet and organic farming, Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals and Nature offers instructions, internships, and training programs in India, Europe, and the US.

Key Monastery
The ancient Key Monastery in the Himalayan Spiti Valley appeals to local residents to refrain from animal slaughter during this festive season and, instead, consume vegetarian fare based on principles of compassion.

Researchers at the Universities of Leeds and Manchester, UK
Researchers at the Universities of Leeds and Manchester in the UK report that parents are most influential in educating their children about alcohol, recommending that they provide more information about its potential harms and health risks.

Stephanie Blain, Canada
Canadian researcher Stephanie Blain develops software that enhances the communication of individuals with disabilities by translating physiological signals into music.

US environmental and health experts
Environmental and health experts in the US state that of the 84,000 chemicals on the market today, only about 200 have been tested for their effects on children.

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
With a wish to uphold human rights, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, as well as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, join urging Iran to commute the death sentence of adultery-accused Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani.

UAE's Ministry of Education, Emirates Wildlife Society-World Wildlife Fund, the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education , and HSBC
Launched by the Ministry of Education, Emirates Wildlife Society-World Wildlife Fund, Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education, and HSBC, the United Arab Emirates inaugurates a green schools program.

Italy
Italy donates €3 million to Yemen to preserve biodiversity of the archipelago of Socotra, as well as pledging scholarships and entrepreneurial training to Saudi Arabia to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

Group of scientists
With Indonesia's rate of deforestation being one of the highest in the world, a group of scientists worldwide urges the government to add to its protection policy non-pristine forest areas.

Mexican civil society organizations
Mexican civil society organizations call on the government to pass comprehensive, long-term policies that reduce emissions and create a low-carbon economy to protect the nation's people and her ecosystems.

CNNGo and Edison Hung
CNNGo publishes an article about Hong Kong's vegan Loving Hut Wan Chai, as well as the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet, written by journalist Edison Hung.

Gordon Hardy, UK
Gordon Hardy of Ainsdale, Southport, in the UK leaves his entire fortune of more than US$2.2 million to benefit animals.

Leonardo DiCaprio
Despite perilous challenges during his trip, Oscar-nominated actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at St. Petersburg, Russia, to donate US$1 million for tiger conservation.

Ady Gil, USA
US entrepreneur and animal lover, Ady Gil, donates US$50,000 in matching funds to Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey program to encourage the celebration of a compassionate Thanksgiving.

Mega International Commercial Bank Company, Formosa (Taiwan)
Mega International Commercial Bank Company in Formosa (Taiwan) donates US$6,600 to support the work of the Life Caring and Animal Rescue Organization Taiwan.

Anonymous Australian swimmer
When a snorkel tour guide is bitten by a shark off the coast of western Australia, an anonymous Australian swimmer comes to her rescue by grabbing the shark's tail until it let go.

Participants of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
During the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan, representatives from over 190 nations discuss ways to better protect the planet's ecosystem and endangered species.

European Union and 15 European nations
Fifteen European countries will collaborate with the European Union to form six marine protected zones in the northeast Atlantic region.

Project EcoKids
Project EcoKids' 4-week course teaches school children in the Philippines about energy conservation, waste management, and minimizing resource use.

Boeing Company
US-based Boeing Company adopts new software that saves aircraft fuel and reduces emissions.

HaloIPT company, UK
UK-based company HaloIPT demonstrates a new recharging system that wirelessly recharge parked electric vehicles.

Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton
For his lifetime of devotion to elephant protection, British zoologist Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton is honored with the 2010 Indianapolis Prize.

USA
The US Senate unanimously passes a law to ban cruelty videos that show abuse and killing of small animals.

Bagmara's villagers, India
Bagamara villagers in Tripuri, India, preserve their ancient reverence for cows by not milking or drinking cow's milk, which would deprive a calf from nourishment.

Local residents of Finland
Thanks to increased protection and conservation efforts by local residents, populations of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal in Finland grow from 10 to 270.

Local government of Qinling Mountains, China
The local government of Qinling Mountains in China allocates fund to provide food daily for a group of golden monkeys when the cold weather destroyed their food sources.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, United Kingdom
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds urges residents to place food outdoors to help birds survive the extreme winter conditions.

Loving Care Station and Wonder Pet Hotel, Formosa (Taiwan)
The Loving Care Station in Taichung City, Formosa (Taiwan), makes the adoption of dog and cat companions more accessible through the participation of 14 animal companion shops, one of which, the Wonder Pet Hotel, feeds canines in their care a veg diet.

Indonesian maritime police
Indonesian maritime police rescue 87 endangered green turtles from illegal capture, successfully releasing them back into the wild.

The European Commission
In an effort to abolish the cruel practice of shark finning, the European Commission asks scientists, the industry, NGOs and other parties to offer opinions t oward successfully revising existing law.

Harvey Nichols, Sir Roger Moore, and PETA
Through the campaign efforts of Sir Roger Moore and PETA, the celebrated London department store Harvey Nichols promised to eliminate foie gras from its restaurant menus.

Northern Ireland's police, Belfast Fire and Rescue Service and the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
After two days of rescue attempts, Northern Ireland's police, the Belfast Fire and Rescue Service, and the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals successfully retrieve a young canine from a 10-meter hole.

Animals Lebanon and Vargem Grande Paulista Sanctuary
With the help of Animal Lebanon, a zoo-rescued chimpanzee has been relocated to his new home at Vargem Grande Paulista Sanctuary in São Paulo, Brazil.

Mexican Navy and school children
Assisted by the Mexican Navy, 180 school children in the Oaxacan city of Salina Cruz return 4,100 endangered Olive Ridley turtles to the sea.

Elizabeth Parker, USA
Upon discovering the sad fate of an unhealthy horse, Elizabeth Parker of Missouri, USA, purchases the equine and nurses her back to health.

Animal Rescue Marina staff , Uruguay
Animal Rescue Marina staff in Piriápolis, Uruguay, saves a baby La Plata River dolphin from being stranded and injured on the beach in a fishing net.

April's Pet Grooming and 6 pet grooming services in Florida, USA
Seven pet grooming services in Florida, USA, help clean and groom 65 Shih Tzu canines found abandoned in a rural neighborhood.

Bill Richardson, USA
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson petitions the US Department of Agriculture to stop laboratory experiments on 186 chimpanzees and to allow them to remain in their family unit at a non-research primate facility.

Ellen Degeneres, Farm Sanctuary, and other welfare organizations and individuals
Animal welfare organizations and individuals such as US television host and vegan Ellen DeGeneres promote the adoption of turkeys from shelters as a way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Dubai Animal Rescue Centre
Dubai Animal Rescue Centre provides shelter and medical care for a large variety of abused, injured, and abandoned animals.

Kerala State's dentists, India
Dentists in the state of Kerala, India, successfully seal a 50-centimeter long crack in an elephant's tusk that had been causing discomfort.

Jessica Yeo
Australian soprano Jessica Yeo's refusal to stop performing CPR on her beloved dog when she suffered near suffocation from an allergic reaction results in the saving of the canine's life.

Pamela Anderson
In a letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Hollywood actress Pamela Anderson calls on India and the world to reject all leather apparel in an effort to end animal suffering and cruelty.

SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS of the MONTH

Dilma Rousseff, Brazil
Dilma Rousseff has been elected as Brazil's first female president.

Mikhail Gorbachev, Russia
Former Soviet president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mikhail Gorbachev is honored at the 2010 German Environmental Awards for his eco-protective efforts.

Russia and Norway
Norway and Russia sign historical border agreement that will permit visa-free travel for residents within the shared border zone of the two countries.

Nancy Khadhori, Hala Qarrisah, and two other women
Nancy Khadhori, Hala Qarrisah, and two other women have been appointed by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain to the nation's upper chamber of the National Assembly.

The Care Institute of Medical Sciences
The Care Institute of Medical Sciences opens in Gujarat state, India, offering state-of-the-art medical care along with eco-friendly construction and design.

Canadian scientists
Canadian scientists discover a way to transform a person's own skin cells into blood, which could eliminate the need for outside transfusions as well as bone marrow transplant donors.

United Arab Emirates
A study conducted by the United Arab Emirates General Women's Union reports a 99.9% reduction in the nation's maternal mortality rate since 2004.

Researchers from the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa
Researchers from the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa provide clean water daily to a Limpopo Province school using a six-meter high net to gather water via fog condensation.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is honored with the International Association of Political Consultants' Democracy Medal in Paris, France.

Nepal, China, and Oman
Nepal, China, and Oman rank as the three countries making the fastest development gains in recent decades by the 2010 United Nations Human Development Index.

The Tsimané Mosetene, Bolivia
The indigenous Tsimané Mosetene of Bolivia has been awarded the UN-sponsored Equator Prize 2010 for their efforts to preserve their culture and traditions as well as the integrity of the natural environment.

Researchers from the UK and South Korea
Researchers from the UK and South Korea discover that they can grow stem cells from a yew tree whose bark is a natural source of an anti-cancer compound.

British scientists
Trial procedures of a new high-powered laser developed by British scientists that can unblock clogged arteries in just minutes have been very successful in not only reducing time spent in surgery but also in speeding patients' recovery.

Dr. Will Zimmerman
Dr. Will Zimmerman, Professor of Chemical and Process Engineering of the University of Sheffield of Great Britain, is honored with the Royal Society's Brian Mercer Award for his invention that uses carbon dioxide to nurture algae.

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission, India
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission in India is developing solar spinning wheels to produce “green cloth,” as well as double the earnings of spinners.

American Ballet Theatre's dancers
Thirty-five dancers from the American Ballet Theatre are warmly welcomed as they arrive to perform at the International Ballet Festival in Havana, Cuba, for the first time in 50 years.

Jane Pierantozzi
Jane Pierantozzi has been named by Delaware Online as “The News Journal's 25 Who Matter” for her outstanding work of safeguarding the lives of our canine and feline friends.

Ethical Vegetarian Alternative, Belgium
The Belgium-based organization Ethical Vegetarian Alternative (EVA) commemorates a decade of promoting the compassionate plant-based lifestyle.

Randall Arauz, Costa Rica
Biologist and Costa Rican Marine Turtle Restoration Program President Randall Arauz is bestowed with Sweden's 2010 Göteborg Awards for Sustainable Development for his efforts to stop shark finning in Costa Rica.

SPECIAL SALUTE of the MONTH

Vancouver and David Cadman

Vancouver, British Columbia, has allocated US$100,000 to support community plant-based food endeavors, with City Councilor David Cadman supporting the shift to the sustainable vegan diet.

Norway, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Moldova and Montenegro

Norway, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Moldova, and Montenegro have completely disposed of all cluster munitions stockpiles following the enactment of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Russia and North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Russia pledges to partner with member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in monitoring other countries' nuclear programs and to support nuclear non-proliferation.

Bolivian President Evo Morales

The social policies of Bolivian President Evo Morales' administration are resulting in greater educational opportunities for the physically disabled and disadvantaged students.

Meningitis Vaccine Project, World Health Organization, and PATH

Led by the World Health Organization and the Seattle-based, nonprofit PATH, the Meningitis Vaccine Project has developed a new affordable vaccine that will help prevent epidemics in Africa.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization announces plans to reduce by half the number of troops stationed in Kosovo.

US President Barack Obama

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs affirms US President Barack Obama's commitment to closing the Guantánamo Bay detention facility.

Russia

Russia opens a new plant, the largest in the world, in Western Russia to help eliminate stockpiled weapons.

North Korea and South Korea

The first of two groups of South Koreans travel to North Korea's Mount Kumgang resort to be reunited with their northern relatives for the first time in 60 years.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

To protect the constitutional rights of Russian citizens, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vetoes a proposed Parliamentary bill that would restrict street rallies.

Californian voters, USA

Californians vote down a measure that proposes the legalization of growing and possessing marijuana.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health bans the sale of tobacco within a five-kilometer radius of two pilgrimage sites in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

European Parliament

The European Parliament approves visa waivers for Formosan (Taiwanese) citizens traveling to the 25 European countries under the Schengen Agreement, as well as the three non-Schengen European Union member states of Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.

Cuban President Raúl Castro and Cuba

Cuban President Raúl Castro announces plans to reorganize the employment sector, providing retraining to enable individuals to work on higher demand jobs or be self-employed.

Montevideo, Uruguay

To raise health awareness, Montevideo, Uruguay, installs giant cigarettes in a plaza, labeled with the toxic chemicals they contain.

45 wealthy US citizens and Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength

Forty-five wealthy US citizens associated with Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength call upon US President Barack Obama to allow their taxes to be increased as their way to support a fiscally responsible nation.

Ronaldo and Zinédine Zidane

World-renowned soccer players and UN Goodwill Ambassadors Ronaldo and Zinédine Zidane will join other European all-star players in a match to benefit disaster-affected residents of Pakistan and Haiti.

Linda Welsh, USA

Linda Welsh has co-founded Sage Mountain Center in Montana, USA, to promote public awareness of issues regarding sustainability, healthy living, and the vegan lifestyle.

Dr. Kendall Lee and his team of surgeons at Mayo Clinic Neural Engineering Laboratory, USA

Dr. Kendall Lee and his team of surgeons at the Mayo Clinic Neural Engineering Laboratory in Minnesota, USA, successfully perform deep brain stimulation on a patient as he plays the violin to correct his condition of essential tremors.

China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage and State Oceanic Administration

China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage and State Oceanic Administration sign an agreement to work together in protecting underwater relics and archaeology.

Singapore

Singapore allocates 10% of the nation's land area to nature preserves and parks.

Peruvians

Peruvians from the Andes highlands collect bird droppings as organic fertilizers for their organic farms while taking care to safeguard the birds.

Michele Speranza

Thanks to Italian policeman Michele Speranza, two statues missing from Italian museums are returned to Rome, Italy.

United Kingdom

The British government has established a 545,000-square-kilometer marine reserve around the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, banning commercial fishing in the “no take” zones.

Turkish President Abdullah Gül

Turkish President Abdullah Gül speaks in favor of freer access to the Internet after a court lifts a public ban from popular video sharing website YouTube.

Conservation summit champions [Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Âu Lạc (Vietnam)], Vladimir Putin, World Bank, and the International Forum on Tiger Conservation

Co-hosted by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the World Bank, the International Forum on Tiger Conservation has launched for discussions on how to restore the tigers' dwindling numbers, with conservation champions that include Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Âu Lạc (Vietnam).

The European Union Councils' Working Group of Veterinary Experts

To establish higher standards across the organization for animal welfare, the European Union Councils' Working Group of Veterinary Experts advises similar legislation among all member states.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister DM Jayaratne

Sri Lankan Prime Minister DM Jayaratne announces the government's plans to ban animal sacrifices at religious events across the country.

Frank Pisani and Fremantle Sea Rescue

Frank Pisani of Fremantle Sea Rescue is one of the first rescuers on scene to help a shark-bitten snorkel tour guide off the coast of western Australia after an anonymous swimmer has saved her from the shark.

Taichung City, Formosa (Taiwan)

Taichung City in Formosa (Taiwan) is working to provide homes for feline and canine friends through The Loving Care Station project.

Andrew Fox, Rodney Fox, and other divers, Australia

Legendary shark survivor and conservationist Rodney Fox, his son, Andrew Fox, and other divers free a great white shark from the plastic strap binding his torso and one fin in South Australia.

Dylan Jacketta, USA

Master Deputy Police Officer Dylan Jacketta, rappels 80 feet down a ravine to rescue a stranded Springer spaniel in Colorado.

Pamela Anderson

Hollywood actress Pamela Anderson calls on Israel's Ultra-Orthodox men to switch from traditional fur hat apparel to support a bill that would completely ban the fur trade in the country.167

SPECIAL APPLAUSE of the MONTH

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

To help in continuing peace talks with Palestine, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asks his Likud Party to support a 90-day settlement construction freeze in Palestinian territories.

Seoul, South Korea

The city of Seoul, South Korea, bans corporal punishment in all public and private schools.

UN International Telecommunications Union

The UN International Telecommunications Union installs 100 new broadband satellite terminals in severely flood-affected areas of Pakistan to re-establish essential communication, including medical consultation via mobile phone.

Networking in Brazil's Semiarid Region

Networking in Brazil's Semiarid Region initiates a harvesting and storing rainwater project that builds household water tanks for people living in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Formosa (Taiwan)

Formosa (Taiwan) initiates a care network of government agencies, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations to assist immigrants.

Lord Chancellor Kenneth Clarke, Britain

Britain's Lord Chancellor Kenneth Clarke proposes sending inmates committed of drug-related crimes to rehabilitative treatment facilities rather than prisons.

Cambodia and Thailand

Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers sign an agreement that allows residents to travel freely between the two countries without visa fees.

The European Union

The European Union's approval of visa-free travel to Schengen zone countries for citizens of Bosnia and Albania results in a surge of biometric passports issued daily as travel is opened to nearly all of western Europe.

Russia

To mitigate tobacco harms, the Russian Parliament bans smoking in public areas of the State Duma building.

Pakistan

Pakistan announces plans to enlarge health warning pictures and messages on cigarette packaging to bring greater awareness of the harms of tobacco smoking.

The Dragon-Tiger School, Ukraine

The Dragon-Tiger School in Crimea, Ukraine, helps youths overcome drug addictions through mental and physical exercises.

The US Food and Drug Administration

The US Food and Drug Administration proposes designs for graphic health warning labels to be placed on cigarette packs and cartons.

San Francisco, California

The city of San Francisco in California, United States passes a law that prohibits fast-food chains from giving out toys to children along with unhealthy meals.

Dr. Margaret Chan

To help millions avert poverty due to illness and large medical bills, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan calls for universal health care coverage across the globe.

Turkic-Speaking Countries Policy Support Foundation

The Turkic-Speaking Countries Policy Support Foundation donates funds to publish the poem “Gulustan” by prominent Azerbaijani poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzade in Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani languages to promote Azerbaijani literature.

Aulacese (Vietnamese) embassy in Laos, the Vietnamese Writers' Association, the Lao Writers' Association, and Vietnamese Investment and Business Cooperation Association in Laos

Organized by the Aulacese (Vietnamese) embassy in Lao and Aulacese and Lao associations, a poetry night in Vientiane celebrates the solidarity of writers from both nations.

Queensland, Australia

Queensland, Australia, has implemented an eco program which assists Ipswich's residents reduce their power bills to a combined total of US$2.3 million a year.

Bangladesh

The Bangladeshi government launches a nationwide program to connect villages to the Internet as well as increase access to information and services for all citizens.

Chandigarh, India

To help resolve water scarcity issues, Chandigarh, India, is requiring all large homes and businesses to install rainwater harvesting technology by the end of 2010.

Ireland

Noting a nearly 20% decline in smoking among young people in Ireland, British researchers attribute the healthy trend to a ban on the display of tobacco product.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers tax incentives to residents to create roof gardens.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa

As part of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's "Let's Grow and Build the Country" campaign, the nation's army will plant thousands of trees across the island.

The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

In California, USA, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approves a ban on free disposable plastic bags, and a requirement to charge for paper bags in an effort to decrease pollution.

US airport restaurants

US-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's dietitians report that 82% of the restaurants in major US airports now offer at least one low-fat, high-fiber, cholesterol- free vegetarian meal.

International Meatless Day-Animal Rights Day in Malaysia

An estimated 12,500 Malaysians participated in the International Meatless Day-Animal Rights Day in Malaysia.

Honduran government, community, and environmental organizations

The Honduran government, community, and environmental organizations have collaborated to prepare a bill focusing on rehabilitating and cleaning up Lake Yojoa.

General Motors

General Motors begins production of a new hybrid electric car that offers extended range of 50 miles on a full electric charge, and 260 additional miles through a back-up gasoline engine.

Stanford University graduate students, USA

Stanford University graduate students in California, USA, develop a recyclable laptop designed to be taken apart for recycling in just two minutes without any tools.

Sara Spence

Graduate student Sara Spence of the University of New South Wales designs a compostable plastic water bottle from vegetable starch.

Orissa, India

The state of Orissa, India, approves a seven-month fishing ban along a long stretch of coastline to protect Olive Ridley turtles who come ashore to gather in shallow waters and lay eggs.

Luay Othman, Syria

Upon receiving an overpayment of US$2,300 for his village crops, Luay Othman of Mals village in Syria's Idleb province immediately returns the money to the state bank.

Pet shelters, Singapore

To improve animal welfare, participating shelters in Singapore announce plans to provide adoption cards that can be redeemed for free goods, services or a discount on health care for adopted animal companions.