Spanish soccer star Carles Puyol according to the UN “is the face of a new UN campaign to save endangered orangutans that could face extinction within the next few decades.” “Act Now for Orangutans” is developed by the UN Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) – an alliance that works to respond to the conservation crisis facing chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos – and the United Kingdom-based International Animal Rescue (IAR). 66,000 wild orangutans or less remain in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia. Half of these populations has been lost since 1950, according to a news release issued by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which created GRASP in 2001. “Orangutans face a very real threat of extinction, perhaps within the next few decades. It will take a significant effort by leaders across all walks of life to halt this crisis, and we are very pleased that Carles has stepped up,” according to Doug Cress, GRASP Coordinator. Much of the risk is due to deforestation and destruction of the orangutan habitat. (Read: - “Pilot Indonesia Program Links Deforestation & Carbon Emission” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/pilot-indonesia-program-links-deforestation-carbon-emission-by-ambassador-mo/41940 Puyol, Barcelona FC Captain, is the centrepiece of dramatic campaign/posters that state, “I Care – Do You?” “The plight of the orangutan is an issue that touches me profoundly,” Puyol said. “When I was asked if I would support the campaign, I didn’t hesitate. Time is running out fast for these magnificent great apes and I’m proud to be part of efforts to save them. For every individual who pledges their support on the website, GRASP will plant a tree to help expand key forests surrounding Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park, a major orangutan habitat. See Film Report: - “ Saving Orangutan Habitat”- diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/orangutan-habitat-spainunep/26500 To learn more and participate in the campaign – Link to GRASP at - (www.actnowfororangutans.org) By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “Ecology-Diplomat” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/ecology-diplomat