WRC Jogja Newsletter #5 - Conservation Chronicles: Sustaining Our Shared Future

N E W S L E T T E R

J U L Y

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D E C E M B E R

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W I L D L I F E

RESCUE CENTRE JOGJA

CONSERVATION CHRONICLES: SUSTAINING OUR SHARED FUTURE

www.wrcjogja.org

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to our latest newsletter in 2023, where we will be providing you with updates and insights into our ongoing programs and activities.

In this newsletter, we will be taking a closer look at our relocation plans, education programs, and efforts to increase our knowledge and capacity as a conservation organization that are vital to ensuring the success of our conservation efforts in the long-term.

Stay tuned for informative articles, success stories, and important updates. We hope you find this newsletter informative and inspiring as we continue our journey towards a better future for wildlife and the environment.

We would like to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and readership.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and allowing us to share valuable content with you. We hope that the new year brings you joy, success, and fulfilment in all your endeavors.

Table of Contents Page 1 Editor’s Note

Page 2-3 Conservation Education Program: Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility

Page 4 Conservation Spotlight: Taking Action to Save the Malayan Giant Turtle Species

Page 5 Unlocking Potential Collaboration

Together:

The

Power

of

Page 6 How to Drive Team Growth: Navigating the Journey of Capacity Building

Page 7 Mapping Out Our Future: The Impressive Plan for 2024

Warm regards, Newsletter Team of Wildlife Rescue Centre Jogja Yayasan Konservasi Alam Yogyakarta

Page 8 Acknowledgement

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www.wrcjogja.org

July - December 2023

CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY

INTRODUCTION In today's world, with the planet facing threats like deforestation, pollution, and climate change, it's crucial to educate and inspire people to take care of the environment. The Conservation Education Program is essential in raising awareness and encouraging responsible actions for the well-being of the planet.

Despite the ongoing relocation process, we remain committed to continuing this vital program. Through partnerships with schools, universities, and other organizations, we aim to reach out to as many people as possible and empower them to make a difference.

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COLLABORATION WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS One of the key components of our Conservation Education Program is collaborating with educational institutions, including schools and universities. By working closely with teachers and professors, we are able to integrate conservation education into the curriculum, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of protecting our natural resources. Recently, in partnership with Veterinary Medicine Brawijaya University, we organized a conservation education event at SMA Negeri 1 Kalibawang, in collaboration with Scouts. This event focused on educating students about local flora and fauna and fostering a sense of responsibility towards their environment.

www.wrcjogja.org

July - December 2023

AWARENESS RAISING THROUGH SEMINAR ENGAGEMENTS In addition to school collaborations, our program extends its reach through seminars both online and offline. By providing lectures at esteemed institutions such as the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, we engage with a larger audience of aspiring wildlife vets and conservationists. These seminars aim to deepen students' knowledge about conservation practices and strategies, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to contribute meaningfully in their future endeavors. We also participate in and organize seminars at various events and celebrations related to wildlife conservation, such as the festivities commemorating Gembiraloka Zoo's 70th anniversary. Such events serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and the nurturing of collective efforts towards safeguarding our wildlife and its habitat.

CONCLUSIONS The Conservation Education Program shines as a beacon of hope amid environmental challenges. Through partnerships with educational institutions, seminars, and awareness events, we empower individuals to be agents of change. Despite our ongoing relocation process, we remain dedicated to preserving the environment. By expanding our reach and impact, we aim to inspire a generation of responsible citizens committed to safeguarding our planet. Together, we can make a difference and build a sustainable future.

A CINEMATIC JOURNEY WITH PURPOSE In celebration of World Wildlife Day on December 4th, we organized a film screening event titled ''Wild Watch.'' During this event, we featured the phenomenal, award-winning documentary "Green" by Patrick Rouxel, along with the documentary "Wildlife Rescue" by Eka Prasasti. These screenings served a dual purpose, raising awareness about the challenges faced by wild animals and emphasizing the critical importance of their existence, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

Additionally, these events provided an opportunity to launch our fundraising effort through the online crowdfunding platform Kitabisa.com. Through this platform, we engaged with individuals who share a passion for conservation, raising funds necessary for our ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation, particularly for the relocation of our center.

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www.wrcjogja.org

July - December 2023

CONSERVATION SPOTLIGHT: TAKING ACTION TO SAVE THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED TURTLE SPECIES As we continue to spearhead the joint endangered species conservation program for the Malayan Giant Turtle (Orlitia borneensis) with our partners (Gembira Loka Zoo, KONKLUSI Foundation, and later the Indonesia Herpetofauna Foundation), funded by IUCN ASAP, we are thrilled to share the success of this program initiated in 2021. The turtles have successfully laid eight eggs, resulting in the hatching of eight healthy hatchlings. This accomplishment instills hope for the future generations of these incredible animals.

As the year draws to a close, we gather for a meeting aimed at reviewing the progress and outcomes while also discussing plans for the future of this program. Excitement fills the air as the team engages in a lively discussion regarding the achievements made, caught opportunities, continuity of the program - care for the newfound thriving turtle population, and careful planning for the coming year.

Moving forward, the dedication and passion of all involved will continue to be vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Malayan Giant Turtle program. With collective determination, the project partners and supporting organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving this incredible species and their habitat.

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www.wrcjogja.org

July - December 2023

Unlocking Potential Together: The Power of Collaboration

IUCN-ASAP Team Visits: Insights from a Conservation Expedition Last November, we were delighted to receive a visit from IUCN-ASAP, an organization we have been partnered with since 2021. The team spent three days immersing themselves in the Malayan Giant Turtle Conservation Initiative, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the implemented actions while also learning more about us.

This sharing during the visit provided valuable insights, ideas, and fresh the perspectives, enhancing our approach towards achieving our mission, particularly relevant to the ongoing species conservation program as well as the relocation plan. Moreover, it created opportunities for potential future collaborations with other organizations and individuals who share a similar passion for wildlife. This engagement reinforces our commitment to the cause and strengthens our network for an even greater conservation impact.

Documentation of FORINA

Harmony at the Wildlife Rescue Centre: A Gathering of Conservation Enthusiasts Within the same month, we also attended the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) in Bogor, West Java. Hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the FGD titled ‘’The Role of Conservation Institution with Specific Purpose in Animal Rescue in Indonesia: Reality, Challenges, and Expectations’’ aimed to gather, discuss, consolidate and plan the activities of conservation institutions with specific purpose, including the wildlife rescue centre.

Attended by representatives of all NGOs in Indonesia, this FGD is expected to be one of the important activities to support the decision-making processes for wildlife rescue activities in Indonesia.

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www.wrcjogja.org

July - December 2023

How to Drive Team Growth: Navigating the Journey of Capacity Development

Documentation of WCS Indonesia

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We have actively participated in a series of capacity-building and training programs focused on organizational management since February of last year, organized by IUCN SSC ASAP in collaboration with Synchronicity Earth and led by Stone Soup Consulting. Additionally, we participated in the training provided by RARE in November on the behavior-centered approach. The goal was to incorporate behavioral principles into the conservation strategy, aiming for more effective and sustainable conservation outcomes. Together, these capacity-building initiatives have played a crucial role in empowering our team, equipping us with the necessary skills and knowledge to address complex challenges in the field of conservation. Not only have we been present as training participants, but we have also actively participated in initiatives to enhance the capacity of personnel working on the front lines of wildlife rescue. Last August, we collaborated with the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Maluku) and WCS Indonesia in providing technical guidance on handling confiscated wildlife as a result of law enforcement efforts.

Documentation of WCS Indonesia

www.wrcjogja.org

July - December 2023

MAPPING OUT OUR FUTURE: THE IMPRESSIVE PLAN FOR 2024 As the year 2023 approached its end, we held an end-ofyear meeting to report on the results of the program planning throughout the year and to plan strategic steps for the year 2024. One of our primary objectives is still to rebuild the centre at a new location. This project is essential to the success of our conservation efforts moving forward. The facility will provide a welcoming and accessible space for our team of dedicated staff and volunteers to work together towards our common goal. It is our hope that through this initiative, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of our conservation efforts and positively impact the communities and ecosystems we serve. One of our goals is to raise funds and support for these initiatives through various platforms and mediums, which we have initiated through crowdfunding on Kitabisa.com. We believe that by leveraging this platform, we can reach a wider audience and engage more people in our cause.

Additionally, we are still committed to leading the joint conservation program for the Malayan Giant Turtle for 2024. Our focus is on continuing the care for both the parents and hatchling individuals. Simultaneously, we are initiating efforts to identify a potential reintroduction site for this species by collaborating with the community.

We recognize the significance of involving local communities in our conservation efforts, as it not only creates awareness but also promotes sustainable practices and ensures the long-term protection of the species.

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www.wrcjogja.org

July - December 2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PROGRAM PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

EDUCATION AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTERS AND COLLABORATORS

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