Growing an Economy in Borneo
The Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species (RAGES) has taken on the challenge of growing an economy in Sabah, Borneo to reduce poverty with an NGO called Borneo Elephant Conservation Centre spearheaded by vet, Dr Laura Benedict and Dr Sen Nathan, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu.
The project involves raising funds to educate locals and members of the wildlife rescue units to create & provide a conservation tourist attraction and safe habitat for rescued orphan baby Pygmy Elephants to create employment. The rangers and vets also translocate wild elephants to minimize human/elephant conflicts to protect mothers and children.
Debbie Mair the RAGES Project Director for South East Asia is working to strengthen partnerships with local community leaders, local government, WRU’s and Rotarians whilst fundraising with clubs in NZ to be involved with this special international project. Imagine Rotary being involved to save critically endangered species and preserve natural habitat whilst growing an economy.
What a challenge and what a project to be involved in. Three local secondary schools (HVHS, Scots & Queen Margaret College) are involved with the students engaged in healthy discussions to find solutions - prosecution of poachers, education and employment were priorities. These youngsters are not prepared to look the other way, they want to tackle the issues head on!