By Dr. Kae Kawanishi | Executive Director, WILD
A renowned Japanese proverb wisely says, 'dust, if piled up, becomes a mountain' (chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru). This proverb serves as a poignant reminder that small actions today can yield significant results over time, provided there is unwavering conviction and the courage to persevere.
During the years 2004-2010, I was deeply involved in shaping national policies, focusing on the crucial need to connect fragmented forests for the Malayan tiger. Then my research on wildlife in a fragmented forest from 2008 to 2010 laid the foundation for our ongoing tiger conservation efforts at the Sungai Yu Ecological Corridor. At that time, there were no signs of Tigers, Sambar deer, or Gaur in the most vulnerable corridor area. Threats to wildlife were alarmingly high, and their habitats were severely compromised.
It took five long years for us to begin noticing the return of endangered wildlife to the area, and over a decade to witness large mammal species crossing the eco-viaducts. The conservation of Tigers and wildlife is a patient endeavor, and nature follows its own pace of healing. Through close collaboration with local government authorities and communities, with invaluable support from dedicated volunteers and generous donors like you, we have successfully restored both the physical and functional connectivity within this 4,000-hectare corridor. Now, landscape engineers, seed dispersers, and apex predators thrive in the rejuvenating forest, protected from poaching and deforestation.
Our monumental success, although significant to us, may be considered but a small particle of dust in the eyes of nature.
Therefore, we embark on a new, ambitious mission: to magnify our impact fivefold by safeguarding 20,000 hectares of the adjacent forest reserves and national park within the next THREE YEARS! This extended effort also includes the expansion of habitat restoration to 210 hectares. While this endeavor may seem formidable, we draw inspiration from our prior success, the unwavering support of our community, and nature's remarkable resilience. Will you join us on this journey?
We urge you to become an active partner in this challenge. Through the GlobalGiving platform, do continue to support us with your donations and tell your friends, family and communities about our mission and our efforts. Please feel free to contact us at cat@malayantiger.net for suggestions on how else you can contribute and help save the Malayan tiger.
Remember, even with a small speck of dust, we can make a mountain together.
Kae Kawanishi
Executive Director, WILD
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
