Sep 30 2019

USM students participate in the International Congress for Conservation Biology 2019

Aini Hasanah conducting her field research on Orang Utans in Sarawak

Aini Hasanah and Zaki Zainol, students at the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, both received THF Travel Grants to attend the International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB), which took place in Kuala Lumpur from 21 to 25 July 2019.

Aini, who is pursuing her PhD on Orang Utan conservation, was one of the Local Organizing Committee members, gave an oral presentation and developed an exhibition to showcase the work conservationists are doing in Malaysia under the banner of Conservation Optimism.

Zaki, who is pursuing his PhD on the illegal wildlife trade, was also one of the Local Organizing Committee members, co-chaired the Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EID) sub-committee and played a lead role in organizing a special session on indigenous voices. Additionally, he led a multi-country symposium on youth development entitled, Connecting the dots: inspiring conservation leaders of tomorrow.

On Malaysia Day we celebrate all who are working in some capacity to preserve the natural heritage of our country because conservationists are patriots.

We know what it means to love this nation so intensely that we will endure untold hardships and time away from loved ones to complete our mission because our work is the tangible expression of our commitment to our country.

We will go to the mountain tops, to the depths of the seas, into the darkest caves, and distant forest interiors, and we will call ourselves lucky to have known this miraculous rain drenched country so well.

We know that we will never be rich, except in experiences and friendships, and we are at peace with that, because what is more important than ensuring that the beauty of nature and the lifeforce of this place persists?

We will lend our voices to speak for our fellow Malaysians that experience little of the opportunities that being a citizen in a developing nation should offer, but all of the instability and misery of a despoiled environment, declining resources and concern for the future.

We experience disappointment upon disappointment in our mission. Each loss of species or habitat or geological monument, now gone forever is deeply felt. Of late there are far too many of these losses and disappointments. Yet we find the resolve to preserve hope because we must.

When we criticise, as we are called to do, understand that it comes from a deep love and concern for the long-term welfare of this nation and its people, as much as it is for wild nature that has no voice and is now at our mercy.

Conservationists have no need of accolades. We do not expect to be admired for our sacrifice. We only ask one thing of all citizens and leaders – do right by our country. Protect our ecosystems and our natural heritage – these are where the true riches lie, these are what make Malaysia truly blessed, these are what our country needs to face the challenges that the future holds.

[Image taken from THF Bootcamp for Conservation Leaders, Penang National Park 2019]

Internship at THF provides opportunity for budding conservationist to learn the ropes

Internships are some of the ways in which tertiary students can get some insights into the world of conservation work as a foretaste of their future careers. Matthew Vergara shares some highlights from his recent experience at The Habitat Foundation.

RASMA volunteers get a taste of conservation work at The Habitat

Here at The Habitat Foundation, we are committed to empowering young and passionate nature enthusiasts who could be the future environmental conservation. We have continuously and consistently provided opportunities for young interns to learn, grow and contribute to the work that we do.