The Fourth Key Objective of LION AID™

Lions would be significant contenders, interwoven as they are with human culture and heritage.

WHY:

a) The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated numerous World Heritage Sites based on their importance to universal culture and heritage. These include natural sites such as the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, sites of historical importance such as the ruins of Great Zimbabwe and Machu Pichu, world-renowned structures such as the Taj Mahal in India, and even parts of cities like St Petersburg in Russia.
b) World Heritage remain the property of sovereign governments, but are accorded international recognition and can apply for conservation funding from individual UNESCO member states or from the World Heritage Fund.
c) UNESCO recognizes the cultural, educational and scientific importance of biodiversity conservation (through the Man and Biosphere Program, for example), and has an initiative similar to the proposed World Heritage Species program for the protection of the Great Apes.
d) However, the Iconic Heritage Species™ programme proposed by LION AID is different in substance and aims. To qualify for Iconic Heritage, a wild species must have demonstrably and qualitatively contributed to universal culture by significant presence in world symbolism, literature, art, myths and legends, religion, representations, etc. An Iconic Heritage Species™ must be recognizable by many cultures, greatly important to world heritage and iconic.
e) An Iconic Heritage Species™ need not necessarily be an endangered species, but among those that are, such species could benefit from additional protection afforded by the designation, and would focus international funding efforts to conserve such species.
f) An Iconic Heritage Species™ is by definition an anthropogenic concept, but could greatly contribute to maintaining the diversity of life on earth. LION AID will specifically petition for inclusion of lions.

HOW:

a) Comprehensive proposal documents to be presented to UNESCO for consideration at the annual Member State meeting will be assembled.
b) Behind the scenes lobbying will take place, specifically targeting Member States clearly identified with a lion cultural heritage, of which there are many – for example the UK, the Netherlands, France, Egypt, Botswana, Kenya, India, Ceylon, Singapore, Japan, and China to name but a few. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors will also be approached.
c) The world media could also lend weight to the proposal.
d) Organizations representing other potential candidates for Iconic Heritage Species™ (elephants, tigers, wolves, etc) will be approached for support in the application.

WHEN:

a) Initial proposals will be circulated in 2010, but LION AID does not anticipate a formal application to UNESCO until 2011.