By Kae Kawanishi | Executive Director of WILD
Since 2010, our program has proudly empowered 2,800 citizen conservationists—everyday heroes from local communities and volunteers from 45 nations. Together, over 168 months, these dedicated individuals have patrolled an astonishing 36,000 km of forest, safeguarding it from poaching and encroachment. They have also planted and nurtured 28,000 trees, helping restore 160 hectares of a vital wildlife corridor.
Among our most inspiring partners are the indigenous Batek people. While their language may not have a direct word for conservation, their deep reverence for “the big forest” speaks volumes. This phrase, akin to our idea of wilderness, reflects their profound connection to vast, untouched forests where ancient trees stand tall and large mammals roam freely. As the Head of our Habitat Restoration Project, who speaks the Batek language, shares: “They talk dearly and with great concern for ‘the big forest.’”
This program has transformed what once felt like hopelessness into hope. The Batek, who once feared the loss of their surrounding forests, now feel empowered. "We are bringing back big forests!" a senior Batek man recently declared—a powerful testament to the sense of renewal we’ve fostered together.
And this progress is only possible because of your support. Together with local communities, we’ve achieved something remarkable: restoring a once-destroyed wild landscape. Today, the area thrives with diverse wildlife. Alongside the majestic tiger, our camera traps have captured over 40 other species, a clear sign of the ecosystem’s recovery. Your contributions have been instrumental in this success, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude.
We also have more exciting news to share! Thanks to a recent influx of generous donations, our financial needs for the coming year are fully met. As a result, we will soon close our fundraising efforts on this platform.
As this chapter comes to a close, I hope you will continue playing your part in safeguarding wild places—places that not only the Batek people belong to, but where all of our ancestors once lived. May all beings thrive in joy and peace. Thank you for standing with us and for nature.
By Suzalinur Bidin | MYCAT Assistant Director
By Eric Ian Chan | MYCAT Conservation Officer
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