Kathmandu, December 3
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has is running a special conservation appeal under the UK government’s Aid Match programme to help communities in Nepal and Kenya “transform their own futures and protect the amazing wildlife they live alongside.”
Donations received under the appeal, launched on October 1, will be doubled by the UK government – up to £2million – meaning the government will match every Pound donated.
“We hope that we will be able to raise the £2million,” said Hem Sagar Baral, ZSL’s Nepal representative. “The money will go towards training local communities in six districts in Nepal and two communities in alternative livelihood and in discouraging trade in wildlife body parts,” added Baral.
“In Nepal we are very proud of our wildlife, but when peoples’ livelihoods are threatened, some are pushed into wildlife crime to support their families, such as going into national parks to hunt. ZSL has been working in Nepal for nearly 25 years, supporting communities and changing attitudes towards wildlife conservation. With starter loans and training, people can build legal, safer and more sustainable livings such as: dairies, hotels, beauty salons and tailor’s studios. This breaks their dependence on the forest,” said Baral.
The appeal is targeted at British nationals and trusts. ZSL, with the help of donations recieved under the appeal, will expand programmes in Nepal helping communities to plan and create environmentally sustainable ways to make a living and build the same opportunities for people in Kenya too, said a ZSL spokesperson.
ZSL Director General Dominic Jermey CVO, OBE said, “Around the world wildlife is going extinct – if we act now we can turn the tide and stop incredible species, like tigers, from disappearing forever. Just one donation can transform the future, for people and for wildlife. Your pound has never been more valuable.”
