Destination Nature
The world is KLM’s work floor. So, it should come as no surprise that we are closely involved in our planet’s welfare.
KLM has set up a program that contributes to the sustainable development of nature and biodiversity at its destinations. The program is called Destination Nature. Besides financial support of specific projects we actively promote the nature conservation objectives of the organizations we work with.
Plant a Future, Kenya
In 2007 in Kenya the ‘Plant a Future Campaign’ started in the surroundings of Nairobi. KLM supports this project. With the help of local communities thousands of the projected total of 120,000 trees were planted in the Ngong Hills. These mountains are also called ‘the lungs of Nairobi’. The Ngong Hills indigenous trees are a source of wealth and health, especially because they regulate the water provision of the area. The trees also provide raw material for foodstuff and medication.
WWF projects
KLM and the Dutch chapter of the World Wide Fund for Nature joined forces. Therefore WWF projects are also part of the Destination Nature programme.
Climate Control Project at the North Pole
The Arctic serves as a sort of early warning system for our planet: average temperatures rise twice as fast there as in other parts of the world, with disastrous consequences for humans, animals, and nature. The future of this immense region seems to be melting away and the WNF is taking steps to prevent this from happening.
The WNF is collecting data and information on the effects of climate change on the Arctic region. This information is used by the WNF to inform and influence policy makers, so that steps may be taken worldwide to combat climate change.
Detailed information about the Climate Control project at the North Pole.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve in Kenya
Off the most northerly point of the Kenyan coast lies the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. The coast is bordered by amazing mangrove forests, mudflats, lagoons, sand and coral islands. Beneath the sea’s surface we find extensive sea grass meadows and coral reefs. The area suffered serious damage from the El Niño (temporary warming of the sea) of 1998, which killed much of the coral. The increasing demands placed on the area by fishing give it little time to recover.
The WNF wants to work with the local population towards responsible conservation of the area. The aim is to increase the area’s biodiversity (variety of plants and animal species) and to improve the quality of life of the people who live there.
Detailed information about Kiunga Marine National Reserve in Kenya.
The Yangtze River in China
The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia. From its source in the mountains of Tibet, it winds its way through mountains and plains for 6,300 km to the East China Sea. The WNF is concentrating on the middle section of the Yangtze in Central China. This area is home to 172 million people, 67% of whom work in agriculture.
Within 25 years the WNF wants to turn the Yangtze into a living river once more, with natural bends, floodplains and intact woods in the upstream areas. Restoration of the Dongting and Poyand lakes and their wetlands and good management of the Three Gorges Dam are high on the list of priorities.
Upper Course of the River Amazon in Peru
The flood plain forests of the province of Loreto are the most densely populated areas of Peru’s lowland rainforest. The economic activities of the 1.3 million people who live and work in and around the region’s cities form and increasingly serious threat to the natural ecosystem. Illegal foresting, forest fires, over-fishing, and the poaching of protected species are major problems.
With the WNF’s support, two major nature reserves have been created over the last few years. These enable the unique character of the wetlands and flood plain forests to be preserved. Another aim is to develop sustainable methods for oil extraction. The WNF also wants the local population to have a say in who receives oil concessions for the region in which they live.
Detailed information about the upper course of the Amazon in Peru.
