Today we will explore the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife in the Vientiane Province of Lao, PDR.
About
The Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) is one of a kind in Lao, PDR. It operates a wildlife center for any native species that need rescue, rehabiliation, and release, as well as a sanctuary for those not able to be released. The Lao Zoo and the care of all of its residents are under its wing as well. In addition, LCTW is an active participant in conservation efforts for wildlife, and works to educate people in the local community through several outreach programs.
In 2019, I had the honor of meeting George Sullivan and Eve Mansfield, the directors of LCTW. We did not even have to be in Laos for me to be amazed by the passion for their work, and I have been following LCTW on social media ever since. They give frequent updates, and often translate the posts into the native Lao language.
The following is a mini documentary that gives an incredible inside look into the wide variety of projects that the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife is involved with. It's worth the watch!
In Laos, volunteers and staff get together and pick up garbage in the village every two weeks [3]. By cleaning up the village, they hope to inspire others to think twice before leaving garbage. What if we tried to do the same around our own homes? On social media last year, #trashtag started a means of encouraging people to clean up with some friendly competition [4].
10 points each: follow LCTW on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
50 points: watch the video
100 points: go on a walk and pick up 10 pieces of garbage to bring back with you and throw away in a proper garbage container. Better yet, if you notice any recyclables, separate them into the proper container.
In 2019, I had the honor of meeting George Sullivan and Eve Mansfield, the directors of LCTW. We did not even have to be in Laos for me to be amazed by the passion for their work, and I have been following LCTW on social media ever since. They give frequent updates, and often translate the posts into the native Lao language.
The following is a mini documentary that gives an incredible inside look into the wide variety of projects that the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife is involved with. It's worth the watch!
Figure 1. LCTW Mini Documentary
Project Highlight
The Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife is in a unique geographical position that unfortunately sees a lot of illegally trafficked wildlife and goods coming through Laos and into Vietnam and China [1]. LCTW knows all too well that the wildlife trade is alive and well, and often works with the government and local communities to safely rescue and rehabilitate animals in need. The goal is to eventually release them back into the wild if and when they are ready.
Figure 2. Video of Rescued Wildlife Being Released
New and Noteworthy News
At the time of writing this blog, normal ways of life have changed due to COVID-19. In keeping with social distancing, the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife has suspended their activities in the local community. However, they are still teaching people about conservation practices and news using social media. LCTW is also taking the opportunity to highlight various staff members. From landscaping, to animal care and much more, each and every person has a unique role to play. Check it out here!
Conservation Challenge
How often do you see garbage on the side of the road or even in waterways? I think most of us would agree that no matter the location, garbage pollution is a real issue. Since most garbage is made from materials like plastic that do not degrade on their own, it will stay in the environment indefinitely [2]. In Laos, volunteers and staff get together and pick up garbage in the village every two weeks [3]. By cleaning up the village, they hope to inspire others to think twice before leaving garbage. What if we tried to do the same around our own homes? On social media last year, #trashtag started a means of encouraging people to clean up with some friendly competition [4].
Figure 3. #TrashTag Competition on Social Media
50 points: watch the video
100 points: go on a walk and pick up 10 pieces of garbage to bring back with you and throw away in a proper garbage container. Better yet, if you notice any recyclables, separate them into the proper container.
Add up your points and make sure to visit the Conservation Challenge tab to find your rank!
[1]: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. (2020). Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Release. https://lctwildlife.org/rescue-rehabilitate-release/
[2]: Maritime Safety Queensland. (2020). Garbage pollution. https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Marine-pollution/Garbage-pollution
[3]: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. (2020, May 1). Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=lao%20conservation%20trust%20for%20wildlife&epa=SEARCH_BOX
[4]: Nace, T. (2019, March 12). #TrashTag Challenge Goes Viral As People Share Before/After Photos Of Their Cleanup. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2019/03/12/trashtag-challenge-goes-viral-as-people-share-beforeafter-photos-of-their-cleanup/#72b5b48095e8
[2]: Maritime Safety Queensland. (2020). Garbage pollution. https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Marine-pollution/Garbage-pollution
[3]: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. (2020, May 1). Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=lao%20conservation%20trust%20for%20wildlife&epa=SEARCH_BOX
[4]: Nace, T. (2019, March 12). #TrashTag Challenge Goes Viral As People Share Before/After Photos Of Their Cleanup. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2019/03/12/trashtag-challenge-goes-viral-as-people-share-beforeafter-photos-of-their-cleanup/#72b5b48095e8
Figure 1. Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. (2018, May 26). LCTW Mini Documentary. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcI5VfJDOkk
Figure 2. Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. (2019, March 15). Rescued wildlife returns to Wild Laos! [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF6YdRvua9s&t=1s
Figure 3. CBC News. (2019, March 21). This woman spends spare time picking up other people's litter. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN46kn25dQU
Figure 3. CBC News. (2019, March 21). This woman spends spare time picking up other people's litter. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN46kn25dQU
No comments:
Post a Comment