The Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) announced today it will postpone the 3rd GRASP Council until mid-2017, a decision taken to ensure maximum focus on issues such as climate change, illegal trade, and sustainable palm oil that are key to the long-term survival of great apes in Africa and Asia.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which physically hosts the GRASP Secretariat, is currently revising its Biodiversity commitments and it was felt the process could impact the GRASP Council agenda.

“Although we regret postponing the 3rd GRASP Council, we believe it is important that our UNEP partners have the opportunity to conclude their internal review,” said GRASP programme coordinator Doug Cress. “UNEP has undergone a substantial change in leadership in recent months, and that process has triggered a re-assessment of its Biodiversity programme. Until that is complete, GRASP is best-served by waiting to convene its 105 partners.”

The 3rd GRASP Council had been scheduled for 21-24 November in Jakarta, Indonesia.

GRASP is the unique alliance of 105 national governments, research institutions, conservation organizations, United Nations agencies, and private companies committed to ensuring the long-term survival of great apes in Africa and Asia. For more information, please contact info@un-grasp.orgor visit www.un-grasp.org.

Contact:

Douglas Cress

GRASP Programme Coordinator

Email: douglas.cress@unep.org