Dear Ambassador,

There are fewer than 20 Asiatic Black Bears roaming the Korean wild today, and they are kept in a highly monitored region and marketed as a tourist attraction.

In contrast to their numbers in the wild, a staggering 1600 suffer in terribly inhumane, highly unregulated conditions at bear bile farms, awaiting slaughter. This is due to the practice of bear bile farming and the demands of traditional Asian medicine. This barbaric trade was initiated by the Korean government in the 1980s. Instead of taking initiative to create a solution for this urgent issue, Korea is turning a blind eye and allowing a dying practice to continue.

Korea remains one of 2 countries to allow this gruesome trade to continue, despite the safe and affordable option of artificial ursodeoxycholic acid (bear bile%u2019s prized component), and its 54 herbal alternatives (Animal Concerns and Research Society).

The demand for bear gall has inspired a lucrative black market ring which has infiltrated neighbouring countries, preying upon often uneducated citizens.

Korea needs a sanctuary, and the government is morally, financially and ethically obliged to support it.

Bear bile farming is an archaic and unethical practice. It has no place in modern medicine or responsible commerce.

Korea's bile farms are counter productive to a country that prides itself on being a responsible and enlightened player in the global community. It's time for Korea to experience change.

We can improve the future for bears and people in Korea. When you sign this petition, you help make an impact and create a better world.

This petition will be sent to Korea's President, and Minister of the Environment. It demands that:

1. The Korean government must end bear bile farming and offer reasonable alternatives for bear farmers.

2. The Korean government must establish a properly funded and sustainable bear sanctuary and all farmed bears must be released, monitored and properly protected and cared for now and in the future to the fullest extent.

3. The Korean government must ban all sales of bear products in Korea and confiscate all existing bear products.

4. The Korean government must foster education about Moonbears  in public school curricula and other government funded outlets.

5. International monitoring organizations should be invited to participate in monitoring of compliance with animal welfare regulations.

6. Dialogue and support should commence between those countries with whom black market situations exist in a joint effort to end underground tour operations.

7. Illegal tour operators should receive harsh penalties and Korean Customs and Immigrations should advocate the protection of its citizens through educational campaigns.

Thank you for taking time to read this and for your support.