Russian authorities on Wednesday labeled the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) environmental advocacy NGO an “undesirable” organization, a designation that renders all of its activities illegal in Russia.
The Prosecutor General’s Office accused the Switzerland-based WWF of “threatening” Russia’s economy and “interfering” with Russia's internal affairs as well as “financing” the activities of Russian organizations designated as “foreign agents.”
It also claimed that WWF's activities are “aimed at large enterprises engaged in the energy, oil and gas industries, as well as those involved in the development of mineral deposits and precious metals” to “collect information” about Russia’s environmental situation and “shackling the economic development of the Russian Federation.”
The “undesirable” label means the group must immediately cease its work inside Russia. Any form of affiliation with WWF, including donating to the group or sharing its content online, is now illegal.
WWF Russia, which says its mission is “to protect endangered species and preserve the nature of Russia,” was previously labeled a “foreign agent” by the Russian authorities in March.
The move to outlaw WWF comes amid a tightening clampdown on environmental groups in Russia.
Last month, Greenpeace Russia, which in particular aided in fighting Russia's seasonal wildfires, announced its closure after it was banned as an “undesirable” organization.
The environmental group Movement 42, based in northern Russia’s Arkhangelsk region, ceased its activities in January after being designated a “foreign agent.”
And in December, Sakhalin Environment Watch (SEW), a veteran environmental watchdog in the Russian Far East, announced its closure after also being labeled a “foreign agent.”
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/21/russia-bans-wwf-environmental-group-a81582
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60 w
Dear Professor Aniebiet Inyang Ntui Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Vladimir Putin by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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60 w
Russia is truly on the wrong path in so many ways. Very sad
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90 w
How is this possible at this day and age? He should definitely rethink this decision
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Accusing the WWF of "threatening" Russia's economy and interfering with internal affairs seems questionable, as the organization's primary focus is on protecting the environment and biodiversity.
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90 w
Nothing good is expected from Putin, a ruthless leader.
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90 w
this is bad, the government is aware of the damage it has already done, it should stop this
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90 w
This is irresponsible, even sad that's coming from a nations head of state. He has to sit and recall the decision.
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90 w
This is absurd.Putin should rethink this decision
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@rukia_ahmed_abdi sure
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Anything that threatens his grip is to be eradicated, and the fool has non interests but his glorious reborn empire. What good is anything without intact natural systems?
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90 w
Well didn't see that coming