VOA News 24 November 2010
Photo: AP\ Ministers of Forestry and Natural Resources from tiger range countries leave a news conference at the International Tiger Forum at Mariinsky palace in St.Petersburg, Russia, 21 Nov 2010
Thirteen Asian nations, including Russia, China, and India, have signed a pledge to save the dwindling wild tiger population.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin hosted leaders and top officials from 12 other Asian governments in St. Petersburg Tuesday for the four-day International Tiger Forum.Mr. Putin told the meeting it is important to preserve what he calls a magnificent animal for future generations.
He said he wants to see the number of Asian tigers in the wild doubled by 2022. He called that goal difficult, but said it can be reached.
The prime minister also called for financial help for developing countries working to save tigers.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told the forum that to make these efforts a success, it is necessary to bolster an international crackdown on poaching and the illegal global trade in tiger parts.
Read more at VOA
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