50% of proceeds from Dominic’s T-Shirt sales will go to WLT Atlantic Rainforest projects.

Three times British Fashion Council NewGen winner Dominic Jones graduated from the Sir John Cass School of Art and Design before teaming up with friend turned business partner Alice Dellal to launch Dominic Jones Jewellery. Commended by Anna Wintour for his nature inspired designs and with celebrity fans including Beyonce, Vivienne Westwood, Lou Dillon and Rihanna, Dominic Jones Jewellery has become the cult accessory of choice amongst fashion insiders.

Dominic Jones has been inspired by the work of the World Land Trust’s Atlantic Rainforest projects in the design for this, his first window installation at Machine-A. The World Land Trust is an international conservation charity raising funds for the purchase and protection of critically endangered habitats around the world. Now celebrating their 21st year WLT are committed to raising public awareness of the critically endangered Atlantic Rainforest of South America. Only 7% of the Atlantic Rainforest remains in tact yet this ecoregion is still ranked in the top five of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and is one of the highest priorities for conservation action globally.

The event will be launched with an in-store private view event on August 4th, 6-9pm.

For more information please contact Emma Beckett from the World Land Trust at emma*AT*emmabeckettpr.com (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)

For more information on World Land Trust please visit www.worldlandtrust.org

Full Press release: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/documents/dominic-jones-and-machine.pdf(95KB) (opens in new window)

Owners of a state of the art pet hotel where owners can watch their beloved animals on webcam whilst on holiday, decided the Pearly Prince was a ‘must have’ addition to the lobby area. The elephant features over 22,000 Swarovski crystals and pearls and took a staggering 480 hours to create. In addition to the funds raised at auction SHO also created the hugely successful Swarovski elephant friendship bracelets which will boost total funds raised to well over £20,000. This will aid the World Land Trust’s continuing efforts to protect elephant corridors in India.

Pearly Prince creator, Sarah Ho said “I was delighted that the elephant raised such a significant amount for a truly deserving charity, I know every penny will be well spent with the World Land Trust.”

For more information please contact Emma Beckett from the World Land Trust at emma*AT*emmabeckettpr.com (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)

For more information on World Land Trust please visit www.worldlandtrust.org

Full Press release: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/documents/the-pearly-prince-elephant-moves-house-050710.pdf(80KB) (opens in new window)

Gemfields, one of the world’s leading coloured gemstone producers, provided Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s most treasured designers, each hand-picked to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection. Each designer has created a unique piece inspired by the elephants themselves and other examples of the abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora that depends on these tropical forest habitats for their survival. The jewellers chosen were just as diverse in their style and designs, including the renowned court jewellers to the Moghul emperors, Gem Palace from India, cutting edge jeweller Shaun Leane, high society jeweller Theo Fennell and the new talented designer on the block, Dominic Jones, all from the UK. Also featured was the work of the unique Sevan Bicakci from Turjey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, the renowned titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award -winning workshop in the US.

The ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ exhibit caught the attention of some famous faces that have shown remarkable support to the World Land Trust. Lily Cole has kindly donated her time to model the unique collection of emerald jewels and has said:

“It is heart warming to see the commitment and work of conservationists, such as the World Land Trust, defending precious and threatened species. It is also quite amazing to see the collaborative efforts that have been put in by the public, artists, jewellers and businesses from many different spectra to contribute towards this project and this aim. I think it is so important that as we, the human race, continue to grow, develop and expand we take into consideration our responsibility to share the planet with other animals and their right to space to live and grow in too,  even if they cannot articulate or fight  for it themselves.”

International Cricketer, Yuvraj Singh, who said “It’s the elephants that are the real jewels of India” has visited London to attend the auction and say a few words about his support for the project. Yuvraj and Lily join the great Sir David Attenborough who is patron of the World Land Trust who offered his support by saying, “I have been immensely lucky in that my professional work has taken me to all corners of the world where I have been able to see first hand some of the rarest and most spectacular wildlife on earth. But the fate of these creatures, which share our planet lies entirely at the hands of mankind – it is within our power to protect them or watch them become extinct. Let us choose the first route.”

For more information please contact Emma Becket from the World Land Trust at emma*AT*emmabeckettpr.com (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)or Anna Haber from Gemfields at anna.haber*AT*gemfields.co.uk (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field) or at +44 (0)20 7518 3400

For more information on World Land Trust please visit www.worldlandtrust.org

Full Press release: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/documents/emeralds-for-elephants-dramatic-climax-240610.pdf(55KB) (opens in new window)

The six celebrities will be modelling 448 carats of ethical Gemfields Zambian emeralds expected to raise in excess of £600,000 for the World Land Trust later this month. The girls will model the collection next to the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant, which features a staggering 678 carat Gemfields Zambian emerald expected to raise an additional £100,000 for the protection of wild Asian elephant habitat in India.

‘Emeralds for Elephants’ is a unique exhibition hosted by Selfridges and designed to raise crucial funds for the conservation charity the World Land Trust in their urgent efforts to save Asian Elephant habitat.

Ethical Zambian emerald company, Gemfields supplied a 678 carat emerald in order to create the headline (and most valuable elephant) to star in the Elephant Parade 2010. The ‘Emerald Queen’ now resides in Selfridges Wonder Room along with eight unique Zambian emerald jewellery pieces, inspired by India and created by eight of the worlds leading jewellers; Dominic Jones, Theo Fennell, Shaun Leane, Sevan Bicakci, Francis Mertens, James Currens, Autore by Alessio Boschi and Gem Palace. The ‘Emerald Queen’ was created by Sabine Roemer.

The ‘Emerald Queen’ and the eight jewellery pieces will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Selfridges Wonder Room on Wednesday 23rd June but young jewellery maverick, Dominic Jones (who designed a one off ring for the collection) has invited some celebrity friends to try on the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection pre auction and raise awareness for the World Land Trust who he is strong supporter of.

The celebrity quartet can be found at 2.20pm today alongside the ‘Emerald Queen’ in the Concept Store, Selfridges Concept Store. ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ is expected to raise in excess of £700,000 at auction later this month.

For further information on the World Land Trust please contact:

Emma Beckett
t: 0207 637 2967 m:07984 462201  e: emma*AT*emmabeckettpr.com (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)

or Anna Haber from Gemfields at anna.haber*AT*gemfields.co.uk (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.) or at +44 (0)20 7518 3400.

Alice Kirkpatrick for Dominic Jones at Relative Mo on +44 20 7749 4510 or alice*AT*relative-london.com (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)

Liz Lock at Selfridges on +44 20 7318 2499 or liz.lock*AT*selfridges.co.uk (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)

Full Press release: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/documents/london-a-list-to-support-emeralds-for-elephants-020610.pdf(2.61MB) (opens in new window)

When the World Land Trust arrived at the exhibit this morning it was to discover that they had not only been awarded a highly coveted Gold Medal for the exhibit, but also ‘Best in Section’.  John Burton, CEO of the World Land Trust says, “having just returned from a trip to the Atlantic Rainforest to show Bill Oddie the remaining forests for himself and what the WLT is doing to protect them, it was daunting to endeavour to recreate the real thing at Chelsea. But Bill was wonderfully enthused about our aim, and the team we had put together has created a first class exhibit.  As the future of the world’s tropical forests hang by a thread, what better time to bring alive the beauty of the Atlantic Rainforest to the thousands of visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show? We know they are passionate about all things green and we hope that we have added a new dimension to the Chelsea experience and that it will raise vital funds for our urgent work.”

The ‘Saving the Atlantic Rainforest’ exhibit, in the Continuous Learning Section, not only brings to life the beauty of the Atlantic Rainforest but the importance of protecting what is considered to be the most endangered rainforest in the world. The authentic creation features 48 Atlantic Rainforest plants growing in a compost made from London’s recycled sandwiches. The Ranger’s Hut and the Ranger’s garden highlights the importance of local people who are ultimately responsible for protecting the rainforest reserves being created.

The Ranger’s Hut also features a plasma screen which appears as a window. Impressively the conservation charity have established a live web cam in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil which allows Chelsea visitors to see some of the spectacular birds of the rainforest live from Brazil. To see the link please visit:

http://www.worldlandtrust.org/events/chelsea/wlt-exhibit.htm

For further information on the World Land Trust please contact:

Emma Beckett
t: 0207 637 2967 m:07984 462201  e: emma*AT*emmabeckettpr.com (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)

Chelsea image library: http://www.wildlifefocus.org/photos/?c=177&k=1a5d8bd86a

Full Press release: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/news/2010/04/world-land-trust-saving-atlantic.htm

Garden design: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/documents/chelsea-flower-show-press-pack-140410.pdf (2.61MB) (opens in new window)

While rainforests are disappearing all over the world, one is currently under construction within the grounds of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. In a bid to mark their 21^st Anniversary and the UN International Year of Biodiversity, the World Land Trust is bringing attention to the Atlantic Rainforest of South America. However there is more to this remarkable exhibit than meets the eye, it features over 64 Atlantic Rainforest plant species growing out of recycled compost (generated from London’s unwanted sandwiches) and a live web feed from the Atlantic Rainforest.

As the first international conservation charity to successfully install a webcam in the middle of the rainforest, the World Land Trust will be live streaming from a webcam focusing on the humming bird feeders and mammal feeders. This live footage will appear on a screen installed in a specially designed ranger’s hut that is part of the exhibit. The recycled compost is being provided by exhibit sponsors Enterprise Plants whose sister company Juniper Waste collects sandwiches and other food waste from the likes of clients including Hilton Hotels, Broadgate Estates and Lloyds of London, and turns it into compost.

The Atlantic Rainforest or Mata Atlântica is a major biodiversity hotspot and home to over 20,000 plant species, 40% of which are endemic. The exhibit will provide a wonderful opportunity to share with the Chelsea visitors not only beauty of the Atlantic Rainforest, but the importance of its preservation. The Atlantic Rainforest is the most endangered rainforest in the world and only 7% of it remains, yet Mata Atlântica receives less publicity than the Amazon.

World Land Trust Patron, Sir David Attenborough, in speaking about the work of the Trust, says, “I am of the opinion that tropical forests must be saved at all cost. And as a Patron of the World Land Trust I applaud their decision to bring attention to the plight of the Atlantic Rainforest at Chelsea this year. I also fully support the Trust’s drive to save as much of the real thing as is humanly possible. Despite all our great skills we can never recreate anything so wonderful.”

For further information on the World Land Trust please contact:

Emma Beckett
t: 0207 637 2967 m:07984 462201 e: emma*AT*emmabeckettpr.com (To prevent spam we cannot show the email address in full. Please replace *AT* with @ in your email TO field.)

Chelsea image library: http://www.wildlifefocus.org/photos/?c=177&k=db7c6d977f

Full Press release: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/news/2010/04/world-land-trust-saving-atlantic.htm

Garden design: http://www.worldlandtrust.org/documents/chelsea-flower-show-press-pack-140410.pdf (2.61MB) (opens in new window)

This Gemfields emerald has followed an ethical and traceable route from the Gemfields mine in Zambia to Jaipur, where the gem was cut by hand and then shipped to London to be set by Sabine. Gemfields’ strict ethical and environmental policies, combined with the conservation achievements of the World Land Trust and elephant family, will make this emerald design the greenest in every sense of the word!

Emerald Queen is part of the elephant family’s Elephant Parade, where 260 elephants will take to the streets of London from May to July 2010. Billed as the capital’s largest public art exhibition, the Elephant Parade will embrace all that is excellent about London when Sotheby’s auction each of the elephants to raise crucial funds for the critically endangered Asian elephant. Proceeds raised by the Emerald Queen will go to the elephant family and World Land Trust and with Sabine Roemer’s track record this is expected to be a significant amount. Sabine Roemer designs are becoming highly sought after and her last jewelled sculpture was bought at the Mandela Day auction in New York by Morgan Freeman. Selfridges has given the Emerald Queen royal treatment in the Wonder Room, where it will reside from May to June 2010.

For more information please contact Emma Becket from the World Land Trust at
emma@emmabeckettpr.com or Anna Haber from Gemfields at anna.haber@gemfields.co.uk or at +44
(0)20 7518 3400 or go to www.sabineroemer.com

For more information on World Land Trust please visit www.worldlandtrust.org

As India’s farmlands and cities expand the Asian elephant is experiencing large scale habitat loss. India is home to 60% of the remaining Asian elephant populations, making their survival in India critical to the survival of the whole species. It is for this very reason that the World Land Trust has identified vital corridors as a fast-action bid to protect the elephants that are left. The World Land Trust is now working hard to safeguard traditional migration routes for elephants so that they can move safely between National Parks and other protected forests.

Eight leading designers were hand picked from around the world to create one-of-a-kind jewellery incorporating a Gemfields‘ Zambian emerald as the centerpiece. Gemfields focus is on ethically produced Zambian emeralds that follow best practice, fair-trade, environmental, social and safety practices. Gemfields‘ unique mine-to-market capability guarantees the provenance of every gem through a full disclosure and certification programme. The deep green of these gems and the ethical nature of their mining, and route to market, form a perfect fit with the World Land Trust’s goals and objectives.

Each designer has created a unique piece inspired by the elephants themselves and the corridors that are home to an abundant biodiversity flora and fauna. The jewellers themselves are just as diverse in their style and designs, with cutting edge jeweler Shaun Leane, high society jeweller Theo Fennell and the new talented designer on the block, Dominic Jones, all stemming from the UK. Other world-class names joining the UK contingent include the unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Alessio Boschi for Autore the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, the renowned court jewellers to the Moghul emperors, Gem Palace from India, high-end titanium expert, Francis Mertens from Belgium and JW Currens who has an award winning workshop in the US.

The collection will be showcased in Selfridges Wonder Room for the month of May. In mid June Sotheby’s will auction the collection at an exclusive auction event with a percentage of profits from each jewel going towards the World Land Trust’s ‘Indian Elephant Corridor‘ project.

The World Land Trust Patrons, Sir David Attenborough OM CH FRS and David Gower OBE, are in full support of the project. Other World Land Trust supporters include Will Self, Stephen Fry, Mark Carwardine, Tony Hawks, Thandie Newton and Indian cricket sensation, Yuvraj Singh.

For more information please contact Emma Becket from the World Land Trust at emma@emmabeckettpr.com or Anna Haber from Gemfields at anna.haber@gemfields.co.uk or at +44 (0)20 7518 3400.

For more information on World Land Trust please visit www.worldlandtrust.org

April 2010 - Billed as London’s biggest ever public art exhibition the Elephant Parade is heading our way and will see 260 fibreglass elephants take to London’s streets, parks, shops and tube stations throughout May and June. Decorated by top celebrities, designers and artists each elephant will be auctioned by Sotheby’s at the end of June to raise money for the critically endangered Asian elephant.

SHO’s Swarovski pearl and crystal embellished elephant named ‘Pearly Prince’ will be adding some serious sparkle to the proceedings and will raise crucial funds for the World Land Trust’s Elephant corridor projects in India.

If your budget won’t allow you to bid for SHO’s Pearly Prince, they have also created elephant friendship bracelets so everyone can get involved and do their bit. Each bracelet features a silver origami inspired elephant charm, and is available in a vibrant range of colours.

A percentage of proceeds from the sale of the bracelets will go directly to the World Land Trust to fund their continuing efforts in protecting the Asian elephant. The elephant friendship bracelets retail at £49.50.

For further information on SHO and World Land Trust please contact Emma Beckett PR on
T: 07984 462201
E: emma@emmabeckett.co.uk

The World Land Trust (WLT) is celebrating 21 years of direct conservation action in saving and preserving tropical forests and other critically-threatened habitats. In this 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, WLT is bringing attention to the Atlantic Rainforest of South America – a biodiversity hotspot – with an exhibit in the Lifelong Learning section at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The exhibit will provide an opportunity to share not only beauty of the Atlantic Rainforest, but the importance of its preservation.

World Land Trust Patron, Sir David Attenborough, in speaking about the work of the Trust, says, "I am of the opinion that tropical forests must be saved at all cost. And as Patron of the World Land Trust I applaud their decision to bring attention to the plight of the Atlantic Rainforest at Chelsea this year. I also fully support the Trust’s drive to save as much of the ‘real thing’ as is humanly possible. Despite man’s sophistication we are unable to recreate anything quite so wonderful."

The Atlantic Rainforest or Mata Atlântica is a unique ecosystem supporting an abundance of life. It stretches from north-east Brazil south along the Brazilian Atlantic coastline just into coastal Uruguay, and inland into north-east Argentina and eastern Paraguay. Once covering more than 1 million km², centuries of deforestation has seen the Atlantic Forest become the second most threatened biome in the world after Madagascar. Today only 6-7% of the original forest area remains, an area of 100,000 km², and only an estimated 2% is still primary forest. Despite the loss and habitat fragmentation, this ecoregion is still ranked in the top five of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and is one of the highest priorities for conservation action globally. It is home to the Guaraní peoples who were the original occupants of a large part of Paraguay, Argentina and southern Brazil.

Brimming with life, the rainforests are an amazing treasure trove of biological diversity: plants, animals and micro-organisms. The Atlantic Rainforest is home to over 20,000 plant species, 40% of which are endemic. These include species new to science which are still being discovered, important medicinal plants and the original species of many of the houseplants widely available today. Endemism is particularly high in trees, with more than half the species found nowhere else.

Rainforests are the source of essential ecological services which are only beginning to be fully understood. The forest both cleanses the air and helps to control rainfall and they are vital to the health of the planet. From multiple products to medicines, rainforests are capable of providing a virtually untapped number of daily resources. However, it is estimated that over 93 per cent of the Atlantic Rainforest has disappeared through deforestation mainly as a result of the spread of intensive agriculture, cattle ranching and urban development.

Sir Ghillean Prance, FRS, PPLS, VMH, Director of Kew 1988-99, Scientific Director of the Eden Project and an expert on the flora of the region says, "The World Land Trust has filled a vitally important niche in the conservation world by funding the purchase and protection of threatened rainforest habitats, and I am heartened by the contribution they are making to preserve some of the last surviving Atlantic Rainforest. The Atlantic Rainforest is a hotspot for biodiversity and one of the most critically endangered. It is very important to draw attention to this region with so many endemic species of plants. I am absolutely delighted that we will be able bring these forests to the attention of visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show and hope that this will further interest in conservation of this precious ecosystem".

The exhibit ‘World Land Trust: Saving the Atlantic Rainforest’ explores the work of the Trust and its local partners in the preservation of the Atlantic Rainforest. It focuses on main project areas including the Province of Misiones in northeast Argentina which contains the largest remaining contiguous tract of southern Atlantic rainforest. Other important project areas are located in the REGUA (Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu) Reserve in Brazil and the forests of San Raphael in Paraguay. The exhibit also includes an area representing a tree nursery, so visitors can learn about the reforestation projects taking place.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC) is an established supporter of the World Land Trust and a major sponsor of WLT’s exhibit at Chelsea. PWC is supporting the Trust’s work in Ecuador and has funded the purchase and protection of over 2,000 acres of threatened rainforest. PWC has also assisted WLT as consultants on the establishment of a major carbon initiative in Paraguay. Malcolm Preston, PWC Partner, Sustainability and Climate Change says, "We are proud to be part of The World Land Trust’s initiative to raise awareness of the devastating loss of the Atlantic Rainforest in an attempt to save it for our future".

Chris Jenkin, MD of Enterprise Plants says, "As the WLT’s longest serving corporate sponsor, Enterprise Plants are proud to support the Trust’s work and its projects throughout the world. We are particularly happy to be able to use our expertise to help create a small piece of Atlantic Rainforest at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and it is a pleasure to be working with such a committed and professional team. We are sure that the exhibit will raise the profile of the Trust and its vital work."

For more information, garden plan, photos, or to arrange interviews, please contact Emma Beckett on T. +44 (0)207 637 2967; M. +44 (0)7984 462 201

Notes for Editors:

Links
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2010 (WLT event pages)
Press pack (2.61MB) (opens in new window)

The World Land Trust (WLT) is an international conservation organisation that takes direct action to save rainforest and other wildlife habitats. Since its foundation in 1989 as the World Wide Land Conservation Trust, the World Land Trust has been working to preserve the world’s most biologically important and threatened lands, and has helped purchase and protect over 400,000 acres of habitats rich in wildlife, in Asia, Central and South America and the UK. www.worldlandtrust.org

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) provides industry-focused assurance, tax, and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 155,000 people in 153 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. "PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. www.pwc.com

Enterprise Plants provides a full range of horticultural services to every part of the UK, from small offices to business parks and multinational corporations. Established over 25 years, services include: Interior planting, exterior grounds maintenance, window boxes, Christmas Displays, Gritting, Fresh Flowers and food waste and r
ecycling services through Juniper, the food waste division. www.enterpriseplants.com

Biodiversity is Life The WLT exhibit ‘Saving the Atlantic Rainforest’ is part of the world-wide celebrations of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. The diversity of life on earth is crucial for human well-being and now is the time to act to preserve it. For information on events, initiatives and exhibitions across the UK visit www.biodiversityislife.net