We are currently witnessing a disturbing phenomenon since it seems that every year some living species disappear from the surface of our planet. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a little more than 800 plant and animal species have become extinct in the wild since 1500. In fact, it is very difficult to precisely define this number, since we now only know a fraction of all species living on this planet. Indeed, thousands of new species are discovered every year!

On the introductory picture, you can see a baby olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina). This species closely related to the raccoon was discovered in South America in 2013 (photo: Juan Rendon).

Here is some good news that will make you feel in harmony with human race !

The Billion Tree Campaign is an initiative launched in 2006 by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for stimulating tree plantation througout the world. Citizens, communities, entreprises and governments are encouraged to register online, at www.plant-for-the-planet.org, their comitment to plant trees. Until now, this campaign has permitted the plantation of more than 13 billion trees in 193 countries! With a planting rate of 1,000 trees per hectare, this represent enough trees to cover entire Greece area !