Grassroots initiatives

Guardians of the blue: MareCet’s quest to save Malaysia’s marine mammals

Dolphins, whales, porpoises and dugongs call Malaysia’s waters their home and play crucial roles in maintaining the ecological balance of their marine habitats. However, like many marine mammals worldwide, Malaysia’s wild marine sentinels face a myriad of threats.
Join us, as we accompanied the MareCet team on their January dolphin survey on the west coast of Malaysia: two days out on the Malaysian waters on a small vessel of discovery and conservation, joining a team of amazing experts in marine conservation.

Building a better future for elephants in Thailand: A tale of captivity, conservation, and ethical tourism

Dive into the intricate tapestry of Thailand’s elephant tourism scene as we unravel the compelling narrative of Ray and his sanctuary, ‘Following Giants.’ Against the backdrop of cultural tradition and ethical awakening, we explore the dynamic shifts and heartfelt struggles shaping the nation’s approach to human-elephant interactions.
From the national parks to sanctuaries, join us on a journey toward learning about a more compassionate future for these beloved giants.

Born to be wild: A quest to save the singing apes of South-East Asia

Gibbons are renowned amongst primates for their loud and unique vocalisations. However, unfortunately, their extraordinary songs are an easy way for poachers to find them, and today, their numbers in the wild are drastically dropping, while they are popular pets purchased on the black market.

But could there be a way to successfully rehabilitate and give gibbons that were rescued from the pet trade their freedom back? We hear the answer from two of the best gibbon experts in Thailand and Malaysia.

The regeneration of the Sundarbans – community-driven action for the world’s largest mangrove forest

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest shared by Bangladesh and India, is threatened by coastal erosion, climate change, and deforestation. Many of those living near the Sundarbans exist below the poverty line, depending heavily on the forest’s resources. The Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS) helps these vulnerable communities benefit from ecological restoration in a unique way.

Sloth bear-human coexistence in Marwahi

The dry deciduous forests of Northern Chhattisgarh host one of India’s largest sloth bear populations. But unfortunately, sloth bears don’t have a good reputation here. Quite the contrary, they are considered by many to be one of the most dangerous wild animals in the area.

Conservationists are now trying to identify the last islands with substantial bear populations in the region of Marwahi. But what will it take to protect Marwahi’s decreasing sloth bear population in a highly cultivated landscape?