International Animal Rescue (IAR) has announced the release of their IARconserves Programme Impact Report on Wednesday 17 April, 2024. The release of this report coincides with the upcoming World Earth Day on 22nd April.
The report showcases the success of IAR’s holistic conservation programme, IARconserves, in making a lasting impact on nature, communities, and the environment. The statistics in the report speak for themselves, highlighting the tangible results achieved through the programme.
One notable success story is that of Budi, an orangutan who captured the hearts of social media followers. After being rescued from a chicken coop, Budi underwent eight years of rehabilitation before being returned to the wild. The report also highlights the first-ever 96-strong female firefighting team in Borneo, known as “The Incredible Power of Mama,” as an example of the programme’s transformative power.
Through the IARconserves programme, communities living on the forest edge in Borneo have been empowered, and more than 770 animals have been released across Indonesia. The programme has also protected 565 animal species in the Batutegi forest and safeguarded over 300,000 hectares of forest. Moreover, the protection of deep peat swamp forest habitats has prevented 70 million tonnes of CO2e greenhouse gas emissions.
Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue and its IARconserves Programme, expressed his pride in the programme’s results. He stated, “As we reflect on the impact of our conservation efforts, it’s evident that our holistic approach is making a substantial difference. International Animal Rescue is achieving tangible and sustainable results through dedicated collaboration with communities and rigorous implementation of tailored initiatives. Let us continue to amplify our impact and forge a brighter future for people, wildlife, and the environment.”
Dr Karmele Llano Sanchez, Programme Director of YIARI, IAR’s implementation partner for IARconserves in Indonesia, also shared her thoughts on the programme’s success. “The journey of The Power of Mama exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and collective action in wildlife conservation. These remarkable women are safeguarding forests, challenging gender norms, inspiring change, and building resilient communities. Their dedication is a testament to the crucial role of local engagement in achieving lasting conservation outcomes,” she said.
The full copy of the impact report can be downloaded from the following link: https://bit.ly/IARImpactReport2024. The report was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/, a global news distribution service.