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For once, we didn't do the gotcha stuff. The UK-based Sunday Times recently staged a sting operation to reveal the involvement of IWC (International Whaling Commission) delegates in a cash for votes system.
This comes at a key time. The IWC prepares to meet next week in Morocco to discuss a proposal that could end the 24-year moratorium on commercial whaling. Prior to the ban, tens of thousands of whales a year were slaughtered, yet Japan continues to harvest about 1,900 whales annually, under a "scientific research" clause. Many question the actual science of the kills, claiming the meat is sold commercially. Also, a former whaler has come forward claiming widespread criminality aboard the ships. Whale meat is valuable, profit is a strong motivation for many. Japan's agenda needs the support of 75% of the IWC's 88 members to pass.
For proof of rumored bribery, two Times reporters posed as lobbyists working for a fictitious Swiss billionaire conservationist. They tried to convince six small nations to consider selling their votes.
The governments of St Kitts and Nevis, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Grenada, Republic of Guinea, and Ivory Coast had already entered negotiations to support Japan’s desire to slaughter whales in exchange for money and “good girls.”
"Our recordings of the meetings with pro-whaling officials around the world reveal the secrets of a Japanese vote-buying operation that Tokyo has always denied. It also raises serious questions about the credibility of the IWC."
Find out where your delegates stand, maybe they haven't yet accepted flights, girls and cash. Urge them to fight the good fight and not vote with Japan next week.
Image via ehoza.com