WWF And Tiger Beer Embark On A Global Partnership To Help Double The Number Of Wild Tigers

NEW YORK, May 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tiger Beer is embarking on a six-year global partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), starting with a USD 1 million donation to support the organization's tiger conservation efforts.

The partnership will also see the launch of a digitally-led global awareness campaign – 3890Tigers – that uses the power of art and creativity to increase awareness and inspire action against the greatest, most immediate threat to the species worldwide – illegal tiger trade.

Once found in diverse habitats across Asia, the world's wild tiger population has shrunk by an alarming 96 percent in the last century due to illegal tiger trade, poaching and habitat loss. Today, the world is at risk of losing this iconic species completely, with as few as 3,890 tigers remaining in the wild.

In 2010, the world's 13 tiger range countries convened and launched Tx2 - a global commitment to double the world's wild tiger population to over 6,000 by 2022. The most ambitious and visionary species conservation goal to date, Tx2 sees WWF working with all the respective governments and the wider global community to implement innovative conservation efforts to safeguard this endangered species.

"Wild tigers are more than just a majestic species. As a predator at the top of their food chain, they are an indicator of the health of the ecosystems we all depend on. The Tx2 commitment is the best chance we have at securing the future of wild tigers and their habitats – tigers may never get such a chance again, and neither may we," said Mike Baltzer, Leader of WWF Tigers Alive.

To support the Tx2 global commitment and ensure the species continues to inspire future generations, Tiger Beer aims to raise global awareness of the plight of wild tigers.

"It is an honor for us to partner with the WWF to help raise global awareness and make demand for products with tiger parts socially unacceptable. Tigers are more than just an emblem of our brand; they symbolize strength, courage and power. More importantly, they are significant cultural icons and a source of creative inspiration for the many artists Tiger Beer champions and supports through its activities. As Asia's premium lager bearing the name of this majestic creature, we are taking it upon ourselves to fight for the survival of the world's remaining 3,890 tigers and plan to use the power of art and creativity to lend a fresh perspective on the issue," said Mie-Leng Wong, Global Director at Tiger Beer, HEINEKEN Asia Pacific.

To drive home the urgency of the situation, Tiger Beer will be introducing a limited-edition design on select Tiger Beer packaging that sees the iconic tiger removed from the brand's logo for the first time in 84 years to raise public awareness of the shocking population decline and inspire collective action to help fight illegal tiger trade.  

The rise in demand for tiger parts has decimated wild tiger populations in areas where they used to roam. From skin and bones to whiskers and teeth, practically every part of the tiger is exploited in the black market to make products such as traditional medicine and ornamental items. Fueled by criminal syndicates and driven by demand for status symbols or perceived miracle cures, tiger trade is a key part of the illegal wildlife trade, which makes up the fourth largest global illicit trade after human trafficking, narcotics and counterfeits. Consumer awareness and engagement on the issue is key in putting a stop to this serious threat to the species. Today, illegal tiger trade and the wider problem of wildlife trafficking reaches an estimated USD 20 billion* per year.

"By working together with global partners such as Tiger Beer, we can mobilize the kind of public awareness and support we need for tiger conservation efforts. Through this campaign, we invite people to make their voices heard and take a stand against illegal tiger trade," added Baltzer.

The 3890Tigers campaign launches today and will run until July 29, Global Tiger Day. Visit 3890Tigers.com to uncage art and join the fight against illegal tiger trade. Follow the movement on social media via #3890Tigers.

ABOUT TIGER:

Tiger Beer was born in 1932 on the streets of Singapore. A stone's throw away from the equator, its unique tropical lagering technique meant it was able to brew a beer that would keep Asia cool. In 2015, it started using the rays of the tropical sun for brewing, with over 8,000 solar panels installed on the rooftop of its facility in Singapore. Now, every Tiger Beer produced in Singapore is brewed by the sun. 2017 has also saw Tiger Beer take Air-Ink^TM, the world's first ink created from air pollution, to the streets of the world through creative collaborations between its inventor and the best emerging international artists. Tiger Beer is the number one premium beer in Asia, and the world's fastest growing premium beer, available in more than 50 markets across the globe. For more information, please visit www.tigerbeerus.com.

ABOUT HEINEKEN:

HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a powerful portfolio of more than 250 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all stakeholders. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ approximately 73,500 people and operate more than 165 breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com

ABOUT FIVE POINTS TRADING COMPANY:

Five Points Trading Company, a HEINEKEN USA company based in White Plains, NY, is the official U.S. importer of a range of HEINEKEN's emerging global beer brands including Red Stripe, Tiger, Birra Moretti, Affligem Belgian Blonde, Murphy's Irish Stout, Prestige and Cerveja Sagres. For the latest information on our company and brands, visit us at http://fivepointstradingcompany.com

ABOUT WWF:

WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries.  WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Visit panda.org/news for latest news and media resources. 

SOURCE Five Points Trading Company