Mass Support Needed- Donate Now at http://www.givenow.com.au/wildlifeasia

Mass support NEEDED or destruction will be GRANTED

1.2 MILLION HECTARES of protected virgin rainforest could soon be gone. We need your help, NOW!!
If foreign investors can drive government policy, then so too can the people who genuinely care about the future for Indonesia’s people and wildlife.
Destruction of this primary rainforest could ultimately mean extinction for the last remaining populations of Sumatran rhino and Sumatran orangutan. The world renowned Leuser ecosystem is the ONLY remaining forest to contain all of these species along with elephants, tigers, sunbears, gibbons, tapirs and leopards. It symbolises the enormous biodiversity teetering on a knife edge in Indonesia.
Wildlife Asia represents the wildlife, the people of Indonesia and the people of Australia. Forest destruction of this magnitude eventually impacts upon us all. We won’t compromise, the planet has been compromised enough.
Please like our Operation Aceh photos and share as widely as possible. International pressure can prevent this environmental catastrophe.
DONATE HERE AND SAVE A LIFE http://www.givenow.com.au/wildlifeasia
For more background information on this issue, please read article below

The Indonesian Government appears poised to approve a proposal to free up 1.2 million hectares of protected virgin rainforest on Sumatra island for commercial exploitation.

Conversion of this primary rainforest could ultimately mean extinction for the last remaining populations of Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran rhino and elephant.  The world renowned Leuser ecosystem is the only remaining forest to contain all of these species along with tigers, sunbears, gibbons, tapirs and leopards. It symbolises the enormous biodiversity teetering on a knife edge in Indonesia.

In a frightening development last week, Canadian mining company East Asia Minerals, said the plan to clear 1.2 million hectares was “positive news” for mining in the area.

An Indonesian forestry ministry spokesman says the government aims to approve the plan “in up to a month”.

In a strangely bold admission, East Asia Minerals explained how it is “working closely with Government officials in the country and has representatives on the ground in Aceh to obtain reclassification of the forestry zone from “protected forest” to a “production forest”.

Their statement suggests that they are effectively driving public policy, namely spatial planning, in Aceh.

It is imperative that spatial planning  be based on sound scientific analysis of land suitability and environmental risks and it is outrageous to consider that such decisions could be driven by foreign companies with considerable financial incentive and complete disregard for the future wellbeing of local communities and a sustainable economy for Aceh.

Illegal logging and mining is already occurring in these concessions with devastating consequences for both the forest and the incredible wildlife it supports.  The proposed changes to the spatial plan would also approve an extensive new network of roads, resulting in even further forest destruction and encroachment. In an area already prone to natural disasters, this is an incredibly dangerous decision and one which will invariably result in an increased loss of lives and huge economic losses to local communities.

Australian based conservation organisation, Wildlife Asia spokesperson, Clare Campbell said “Approval of the plan to free up this enormous area of forest for mining, paper and palm oil plantations is an environmental disaster of catastrophic proportions. Not only is this area the last chance for several species already in serious trouble but it also contains critical carbon sinks and forests that are essential for food security, regulating water flow and mitigating climate change. This will be devastating for the future of communities living in these areas as well as the broader region”.

Ms Campbell stated that “We have to stand strong against decisions that lack foresight. Wildlife Asia represents the wildlife, the people of Indonesia and the people of Australia. Forest destruction of this magnitude eventually impacts upon us all. We won’t compromise, the planet has been compromised enough. When does it stop?”

Wildlife Asia this week launched a campaign to raise funds to support local organisations in their mission to influence government decisions. Ms Campbell added “Campaigning at this level takes serious time and money and we need to pull in the heavyweights on this one. Once it’s gone, it’s gone…the future of the Sumatran orangutan, the Sumatran rhino and the people of Sumatra need the right decision to be made here. I urge all Australians to dig deep and assist us in any way possible”

Donations can be made here www.givenow.com.au/wildlifeasia

Wildlife Asia Director, Clare Campbell, is available for interviews and can be contacted on 0438 992 325

Contact Yoen on 0404 626 913 for tickets or offers of help…

My dear Friends,

In 2007, While undergoing leave in Indonesia, I visited YAYASAN SEKOLAH KAMI, the foundation that accommodates homeless children previously unable to go to school, to help their parents who were in need of some assistance. With a touch of sadness, I admired the resilience of these weak and helpless children. My heart has been with them from the beginning and I have continue to support them.

Thank-you to those who have already contributed to this foundation. From close proximity I have witnessed for myself how kind-hearted people, doctors, teachers have used their education and abilities with sincerity to alleviate these children from poverty. With abilities gained from the assistance of those who have volunteered their time, these children have been able to sell products such as trinkets, soap, tablecloths, etc. Every morning the children are taken to school using transportation as provided by the foundation, where they study English, recite the Koran and study Indonesian culture (please see the photo of the children expertly playing the angklung instrument). The school has already opened classes from grade 1 to 6, and the children are able to sit the national exams. When school ends, the children are again taken by foundation-provided transportation and returned to their respective homes. For those without a home, a simple house has been constructed to accommodate them.

To my beloved friends,
In whatever form or amount of assistance you are able to pledge, it would be of great assistance to the future of these children. Beginning with a small group (with a current total of 200 children), it is hoped that with the support of our friends, and God Almighty, our good intentions may prosper and help provide even greater support for these children who need our assistance.

It is hoped that these children can have a future full of smiles and good prospects.

Regards,

Yoen Yahya

If you are unable to attend the Marigold you may like to:

a Lunar New Year yum cha lunch for Wildlife Asia and encourage guests to use Red Envelopes to donate to the appeal.

 your guests to get involved. In this video, Scott Lyall provides details of the Lunar New Year appeal.

 Kobe the Moon bear
in Laos. Picture credit Matt Hunt.

 the birth of Andatu the Sumatran rhino
in Indonesia. Picture credit Dr Dedi Candra.

 the loss of Jeffrey the Silvery gibbon
in West Java. Picture credit Clare Campbell.

 wildlife protection units to patrol orangutan habitat
in Bukit Tigapuluh, Sumatra. Picture credit TOP website.

 for the Asian Big 5 Tour to Indonesia
in March 2013. Picture credit Gary Sundin.

Saving peat forest not only helps save orangutans but is also an effective way to lock up carbon and help prevent climate change. Managing wildlife habitat that is also water catchment can help improve drinking water for millions of urban people.

By becoming an advocate for our issues, and getting people involved by visiting our website,facebook and twitter. Perhaps forward this e-Newsletter to a friend?

Because we can’t all travel to Asia to work on our field projects, you can donate to our appealsso that Wildlife Asia and our partners can continue this essential work on your behalf.

Even a small amount each month will make a difference to wildlife across Asia.

www.wildlifeasia.org.au or call 0499 773 303

A Sumatran Rhino love story, as told by David Attenborough

You can visit the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary featured in this story by joining the Big 5 Tour.

You can contribute directly to the work of the sanctuary by donating to
the Wildlife Asia appeal for the Asian Rhino Project

John Doyle interview with Peter Hall on Radio National 11.1.13.
Spoke about Asian Rhino and Big 5 Tour

Video of Clare Campbell inviting you to join the Big 5 Tour.  Please pass it on.  Bookings close soon.

First Birthday Party for Wildlife Asia

Clare Campbell and Kerry Crosbie, board members of Wildlife Asia, invite you to afternoon tea, 3.30-4.30pm, Tuesday 27 November, hosted by Cate Faehrmann MLC Greens, at NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney for:
-an update on the Javan Gibbon Centre
-news from the International Rhino Foundation board meeting
-details of the Asian Big 5 tour to Indonesia in March 2013
-a chance to celebrate the first birthday of Wildlife Asia with an amazing animal themed cake.
Places are limited. Please book your place now and encourage your friends to book too.

‘I urge you to book early for this exciting nine day tour as seats are limited. 

I can’t wait to introduce you to my favourite the Silvery gibbon and to escort you on a behind the scenes tour of our successful captive breeding program for Sumatran rhino.’

Clare Campbell, Wildlife Asia board member

Bookings now open for the trip of a lifetime to see and save the Asian Big 5