World-renowned actress and animal rights activist Pamela Anderson sent a letter to the Russian Embassy on Monday requesting a personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin or Sergei Donskoi, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment for the Russian Federation, in the hope of forging a constructive relationship on behalf of her Foundation with the Russian government regarding issues concerning wildlife, animals and the environment.
The request comes on the heels of a letter she sent to Putin on July 5th asking him to take measures to prevent the passage of the St. Kitt’s-registered cargo vessel Winter Bay through the Northeast Passage to Japan. The vessel, still in port in Norway and awaiting permission to make the crossing to Japan, is carrying an illegal cargo of 1,700 tonnes (approximately 1,800 tons) of endangered fin whale meat from Iceland. Because the illegal cargo violates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Icelandic shipment could not be sent via the Panama or Suez Canal and the ship could not stop in any European, North American, South American or African ports.
In the July 13th letter, the Canadian-born actress praised the Russian government for its compassionate stance on the Canadian seal slaughter issue, stating: “Russia was very instrumental in helping to remove the demand for seal pelts from Canada, where so many seal pups are slaughtered each year. Because of Russia’s intervention on behalf of the seals, I have come to appreciate just how effective Russia can be in addressing these issues that I am so very concerned with.”
She added: “I think there is much that we can do together to make this a better world for all our children tomorrow.”
Anderson has been called the “American Brigitte Bardot,” not only because of her stunning beauty but also for her heartfelt compassion for all living creatures, two traits which she shares with the legendary French actress. Like Bardot’s Brigitte Bardot Foundation, Anderson has her own non-profit, the Pamela Anderson Foundation, which supports organizations and individuals that stand on the front lines in the protection of human, animal, and environmental rights. By funding the efforts of those who defend the planet and all who live within it, the Pamela Anderson Foundation is an agent of change and an advocate for justice.
“Sea Shepherd Conservation Society supports the efforts of Pamela Anderson and the Pamela Anderson Foundation in their efforts to better our world for future generations,” said Sea Shepherd Founder Captain Paul Watson.
“Pamela Anderson is a prominent and passionate ally for the voiceless on our planet,” said Watson. “Her heart is purely and singularly focused on making our world a better place for every living being.”
President Putin and the Russian Federation have the power to do the right thing for countless species of wildlife and our environment. All it takes is one simple meeting to set the wheels in motion.
Below is the English text of the letter sent by Pamela Anderson to the Russian Embassy requesting a meeting:
The Pamela Anderson Foundation
To the Russian Embassy,
I am writing you today with an urgent request.
With the greatest respect for the President and the government of Russia I would like to humbly ask for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin or with Sergei Donskoi, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment for the Russian Federation.
I would love to have the opportunity to meet and to discuss how, on behalf of my Foundation, I can forge a constructive relationship with the Russian government over issues related to wildlife, animals and the environment.
I do have a voice in the international community and I would like to use my voice, as humble as it is, to help make this world a better place for all living things.
The Russian Federation has great influence and I’ve seen how decisions by Russia can have a positive and beneficial impact on the environment and the welfare of animals. Russia was very instrumental in helping to remove the demand for seal pelts from Canada, where so many seal pups are slaughtered each year.
Because of Russia’s intervention on behalf of the seals, I have come to appreciate just how effective Russia can be in addressing these issues that I am so very concerned with.
I would like to be able to work in cooperation with the voices of compassion in Russia and thus I am hopeful that you can grant me an audience with the President or the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment.
I think there is much that we can do together to make this a better world for all our children tomorrow.
In pursuing this idea I would like to come to Moscow by myself to meet with President Putin and/or with Minister Donskoi. Perhaps a dinner or a lunch meeting would be nice, and it would give me the opportunity to become acquainted with the details of Russia’s commitment to protecting the environment and the diversity of wildlife.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely
Pamela Anderson
