Wildlife Conservation International (WCI), has launched a new project - Forests for People - to support indigenous communities in South-East Asia.
Endorsed in Australia, the European Union, New Zealand and the United States, Forests for People can receive tax-deductible donations from individuals, businesses and philanthropic organisations and direct them to projects that will provide a sustainable economic future for disadvantaged communities at the forefront of the environment crisis.
While WCI has been supporting a range of humanitarian projects for the past twenty-five years, the establishment of Forests for People opens up the door for individuals and organisations to specifically support the humanitarian aspects of our work.
The projects supported by Forests for People address the Sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations in 2015 that aspire to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth, all while tackling climate change and working to preserve rainforests and their biodiversity. Projects include:
Forest Community School Food Program: improving the living standards of the Indigenous Talang Mamak community in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem in Sumatra by incentivising education through offering nutritious meals to students who attend classes.
Mobile Education Unit: engaging local students and farmers in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem in Sumatra to build acceptance and support for conservation and alternative farming techniques with the long-term vision of developing a ‘Green Economy.’
Regenerative Agriculture: training local and indigenous communities in alternative farming practices to provide ongoing food security and sustainable income.
University Scholarships: supporting Indonesian students to undertake studies in biology, forestry and veterinary science programs and empowering graduates to make positive change and be strong advocates for the conservation of Indonesia’s rainforests.
A donation to Forests for People provides a win-win solution for both indigenous communities and for the environment. Addressing the humanitarian issues impacting on indigenous communities will, in the long run, support our holistic vision for a sustainable future where all species can thrive and live harmoniously.
To find out more about Forests for People and how you can make a donation visit www.forests4people.org
About Wildlife Conservation International
Wildlife Conservation International (WCI) is a non-profit organisation trading as The Orangutan Project, the International Tiger Project, the International Elephant Project and Forests for People. WCI is a registered tax-deductible charity in Australia, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand and the United States. Forests for People is a registered charity in New Zealand.