Welcome to the final blog of our deep dive into Indonesia’s Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) crisis.
Throughout this series, we’ve explored the devastating impact of IWT on wildlife, ecosystems, and communities. But here’s the good news: you have the power to be part of the solution!
Every positive change begins with a single step. Here are some ways you can make a difference in the fight against IWT:
Travel Wisely: Research your travel destinations and avoid attractions that exploit wildlife for entertainment. Opt for ethical wildlife encounters that prioritize animal welfare.
Sustainable Shopping: Become a responsible consumer. Look for products with transparent supply chains and certifications that guarantee ethical sourcing. Avoid products that use wildlife materials.
Say No to Exotic Products: Be aware of and avoid products derived from endangered or exotic animals, including plants. This includes avoiding dishes like shark fin soup or drinks containing animal parts.
Think Before You Order: Resist the urge to try unusual or exotic dishes or souvenirs simply for the sake of novelty. Consider the potential impact on wildlife before making a purchase.
Adopt, Don’t Shop Exotic: The exotic pet trade fuels IWT. Rescue a shelter pet or confirm captive-bred origin with certifications. Even then, some species may be wild-caught.
Be an Active Citizen:
Report Wildlife Crime: Be a voice for wildlife!
Online: If you suspect illegal wildlife trade activity on social media or online platforms, report it to the appropriate platforms. Many social media platforms offer reporting options for wildlife trafficking content.3
Offline: If you witness suspected IWT activity in person, report it to your local wildlife crime unit or conservation organization. Don’t hesitate to speak up!4
Raise Awareness, Inspire Change:
Volunteer Your Time: Consider volunteering at a wildlife rescue center or conservation organization. Your efforts can directly aid animals affected by IWT.
Spread the Word: Use social media and other platforms to raise awareness about IWT and its consequences. Educate your friends and family about how they can make a difference.
Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to reputable conservation charities working to combat IWT. Your contributions can directly support critical anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife rehabilitation programs.5
Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Together, by taking action and working collectively, we can create a future where wildlife thrives and IWT becomes a relic of the past. Let’s be the hope for our planet’s precious wildlife!
Imagine a vast archipelago stretching across the equator, its 17,500 islands scattered like jewels between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.1 This is Indonesia, a land of vibrant cultures, towering volcanoes, and a breathtaking diversity of life. With a population of over 279 million,2 Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation, and its people share their homeland with an extraordinary array of flora and fauna.
From the lush rainforests of Sumatra to the coral reefs teeming with marine life, Indonesia is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Over 35,000 plant species, 700 mammal species, 1,600 bird species, and countless more aquatic and invertebrate creatures call this archipelago home.34 Among these are iconic species like the majestic Sumatran orangutan, the formidable Komodo dragon, and the elusive Javan rhino – each a testament to Indonesia’s rich natural heritage.
Yet, amidst this splendor lies a stark reality: Indonesia’s wildlife is under threat. The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) casts a long shadow over this nation, driven by demand for exotic pets, traditional medicine ingredients, and luxury goods, as mentioned previously in the first blog. This illicit trade is not just a threat to Indonesia’s biodiversity; it is also a threat to the livelihoods of local communities and the health of the planet.
In this second blog of our series on IWT in Indonesia, we’ll delve into the drivers behind this illicit trade and its profound repercussions. We’ll examine Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to confront these challenges, shed light on the consequences of IWT for the indigenous and local communities, and offer insights into potential solutions.
In addition to the IWT, Indonesia faces a multitude of environmental challenges, including illegal logging, deforestation, unauthorized forest use, and forest fires. These interconnected issues pose a severe threat to the nation’s rich biodiversity.
Pangolins, birds of paradise, and tigers are just a few examples of the many Indonesian wildlife species that are heavily trafficked illegally. Most of them have already ended up on the IUCN Red List.
In a staggering display of the illegal wildlife trade’s reach, Indonesian authorities confiscated a shocking number of wildlife and wildlife objects throughout 2023. This included:5
Over 54,000 live animals: These unfortunate creatures were ripped from their natural habitats and subjected to the horrors of illegal trafficking.
A massive haul of pangolin scales: Weighing in at over 1,100 kilograms, this seizure represents a significant blow to critically endangered pangolins.
158 sets of wildlife parts: This grim statistic highlights the brutal reality of the trade in wildlife body parts.
Nearly 7,000 wild animal eggs: The future of countless animals was jeopardized by this attempted trafficking.
This data paints a disturbing picture of the IWT’s scale and the urgent need for stronger intervention.
As we discussed in the previous blog post, IWT is a complex and organized crime often linked to other illegal activities. Here’s a deeper look at the factors driving IWT in Indonesia:6
Poverty and High Profits: Poverty near forests can be a significant motivator, as wildlife trafficking offers a seemingly quick path to income.
Rarity Fuels Demand: The rarer and wilder the animal, the higher the price tag on the illegal market. This creates a perverse incentive for poachers to target endangered species.
Misconceptions and Status Symbols: Some view keeping exotic animals as a hobby or a status symbol, fueling demand for illegally procured wildlife.
Limited Ecological Awareness: Lack of understanding about the ecological consequences of IWT allows the trade to persist.
Weak Law Enforcement and Lax Laws: Limited resources and personnel hinder effective enforcement, while outdated or weak legislation provides loopholes for traffickers to exploit.
In the shadows of the IWT, traffickers operate with a chilling efficiency. Unregulated markets act as a breeding ground, where wildlife is openly bought and sold, creating a prime opportunity for smuggling. Live animals and products find ready buyers in bustling markets, often run by networks within exotic pet communities who make a living from this illicit trade.7
The journey for these creatures, however, is a horrific ordeal. Crammed into cages or confined in inadequate containers, most wildlife endure cruel transport conditions that leave them dehydrated, starving, and suffocating. This brutal process often results in a significant number of animals dying before they even reach their destination.8 The immense suffering inflicted on these sentient beings is callously disregarded, and treated as mere commodities rather than living creatures.
The rise of technology has also opened new avenues. Social media platforms act as digital marketplaces, connecting traffickers with a global audience.910 To evade detection, traffickers employ a cunning arsenal of tactics. They falsify documents, disguising the origin and legality of their wildlife. Legal animals might be mixed in with illegal ones, creating a confusing smokescreen for inspectors. Passenger ships, with their bustling crowds, become unwitting accomplices in smuggling sprees. Perhaps most disturbing is the use of vulnerable people. Minors, easily manipulated, are recruited as unwitting couriers.11
IWT isn’t just about stealing animals, it’s a silent scream echoing through the heart of our forests. This brutal trade disrupts the delicate balance of entire ecosystems, leaving behind a trail of devastation for both wildlife and human communities.
Imagine a symphony of life – birdsong, buzzing insects, the rustling of leaves as animals move. IWT silences this orchestra. By removing key players like snakes and eagles, natural pest control vanishes, leading to explosions in rodent populations that decimate crops and threaten food security for local communities. Disappearing animals also mean a decline in water quality, soil health, and clean air – resources vital for human health and well-being.12
The long-term effects are even more horrifying. Forests become barren wastelands, and their economic potential for future generations vanishes. Valuable resources like medicinal plants, untapped scientific discoveries, and the very spirit of Indonesia – its unique biodiversity – are all placed at risk.
Local and indigenous communities are often the first victims of IWT. Their homes, the forests, are stripped bare, leaving them struggling to survive.13 While some may be drawn into poaching out of desperation, it’s crucial to remember their position in the syndicate. They are the lowest beneficiaries, facing the highest risks.141516 This is where stories like Ardin Mokodompit, a former poacher turned wildlife protector, offer hope.17 His transformation, along with the countless others choosing conservation, highlights the deep connection these communities have with the natural world.
IWT threatens not just animals, but the very identity of Indonesia. By silencing the songs of the forest, we silence the voices of those who depend on it most. Eradicating IWT is not just about protecting wildlife, it’s about protecting the future of these communities and the irreplaceable ecosystem that sustains us all.
As this blog highlights, IWT’s reach extends far beyond a few charismatic species. It’s a complex, multi-layered global problem impacting a vast array of animals, plants, fungi, human communities, and economies. The devastating consequences aren’t limited to developing nations; they ripple outwards, affecting us all.
Indonesia’s current strategy in combatting IWT relies on seizing illegal shipments, enforcing laws, and destroying confiscated wildlife parts.1819 While crucial, this approach seems like playing whack-a-mole with a complex, hydra-headed beast. Furthermore, a critical lack of substantial data20 hinders our understanding of IWT’s true scope, consequences, and the effectiveness of various solutions.
Winning this fight demands a multi-pronged attack that acknowledges the global nature of the problem. Let’s explore several insights on how Indonesia can improve its IWT combat strategies:
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
On the world stage, Indonesia must forge stronger regional and international partnerships. Sharing intelligence, coordinating enforcement efforts, and presenting a united front will squeeze the space for traffickers to operate.
Beyond Bars: A Smarter Strategy
Nationally, the focus needs to shift from simply increasing penalties to disrupting trafficking networks.21 Imagine elite, well-trained teams infiltrating smuggling rings, bringing them down from within. This “guerrilla capture” approach would strike a decisive blow at the heart of the IWT beast.
Revamping Regulations
Indonesia’s legal framework for wildlife protection needs a thorough review. Strengthening existing laws, closing loopholes, and developing new regulations where necessary are crucial steps. However, the best laws are only as good as their enforcement. Streamlining implementation and plugging any gaps in the system will ensure these legal tools have real bite.22
Building a Coalition
The government can’t win this fight alone. Forging powerful alliances with NGOs, wildlife experts, and local communities is essential. Collaborative, multi-stakeholder operations will bring a wider range of skills and resources to the table, creating a formidable force against IWT.23
Shifting the Tide: Education is Key
One of the most potent weapons in this fight is awareness. Educating the public, especially in key consumer markets, about the devastating impact of IWT is crucial. By shattering the demand for wildlife products, the very foundation of this illegal trade crumbles.
Empowering Guardians: The Indigenous Advantage
Local and indigenous communities are the true stewards of Indonesia’s forests. They possess a deep understanding of their ecosystems and a vested interest in their preservation. Including them in conservation efforts, providing them with sustainable livelihoods, and empowering them to become guardians of their natural heritage will create a powerful bulwark against poachers and traffickers.24
By implementing this multifaceted strategy, Indonesia can move beyond the limitations of seizure and silence. A more intelligent, collaborative, and community-driven approach offers a real chance to silence the guns of the poachers and ensure the survival of Indonesia’s magnificent wildlife for generations to come.
The Urgency to Act
The lack of comprehensive data shouldn’t be an excuse for inaction. Research, knowledge exchange, funding, and collaborations across all fields are the key to innovative and sustainable solutions. We must act now, before it’s too late.
In the next blog post, we’ll explore how individuals can contribute to the fight against IWT. Together, we can make a difference!
Adhiasto, D.N., Exploitasia, I., Giyanto, Fahlapie, P., Johnsen, P., Andriansyah, M.I., Hafizoh, N., Setyorini, Y.D., Mardiah, S., Mardhiah, U. and Linkie, M. (2023) ‘A criminal justice response to address the illegal trade of wildlife in Indonesia’, Conservation Letters, (December 2022), pp. 1–9. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12937. ↩︎
Liew, J.H., Kho, Z.Y., Lim, R.B.H., Dingle, C., Bonebrake, T.C., Sung, Y.H. and Dudgeon, D. (2021) ‘International socioeconomic inequality drives trade patterns in the global wildlife market’, Science Advances, 7(19), pp. 1–11. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abf7679. ↩︎
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) (2015) Perdagangan Satwa Liar, Kejahatan Terhadap Satwa Liar Dan Perlindungan Spesies Di Indonesia: Konteks Kebijakan dan Hukum Changes for Justice Project. ↩︎
Welcome to Part 1 of my series on Illegal Wildlife Trade!
Have you ever stopped to think about the dark side of our fascination with wildlife? The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) casts a long shadow over our world, posing a significant threat not just to the creatures we share this planet with, but to our own health and economic well-being. Imagine a network of criminals, raking in an estimated USD 7 to 23 billion annually – a figure that rivals some of the most notorious illegal activities. This shadowy industry, ranking as the fourth largest illegal global trade behind narcotics, counterfeiting, and human trafficking. IWT thrives on the exploitation of wild animals and plants, and is a major driver of wildlife population decline.123
IWT flourishes due to a high demand for wildlife products across the globe. This includes everything from exotic pets like parrots and reptiles to bushmeat and traditional medicine ingredients. The desire for fashion items made from wildlife skins and furs, as well as decoration, accessories, and jewelry derived from animal parts, further fuels this illegal trade.4
Developed countries often represent the biggest markets for these illegal goods, while developing countries, rich in biodiversity, become unwilling exporters. The map below shows the 30 countries most involved in the illegal wildlife trade between 1998 and 2018. The size of the circles for each country shows how many animals were traded, and the thickness of the arrows shows the biggest trade routes.5
A screenshot from Liew et al., 2021.
The trade is fueled by organized criminal groups, with poachers and middlemen drawn by the promise of high rewards despite the risks. However, it’s important to recognize the economic and social disparities that push people into these roles. Poachers and middlemen often don’t see a significant share of the profits, trapped in a cycle of poverty and desperation.6789
The illicit journey of wildlife from its natural habitat to the market is a harrowing tale of exploitation and greed.
Poaching: It begins with the ruthless act of poaching, where animals are mercilessly hunted for their valuable parts, driven by the insatiable demand for exotic commodities.
Temporary Shelter: After being poached, the captured wildlife seeks refuge in temporary shelters, where their fate hangs in the balance, awaiting the next stage of their journey.
Transportation: Through clandestine networks, these creatures are transported via air, land, or water routes to larger shelters, where they await further processing.
Harvesting Methods and Risk Mitigation: Some animals face the grim reality of partial harvesting, their bodies stripped of valuable parts, while others are subdued, “disabled” to minimize the risk of harm during transit.
Transit to Traders: From these shelters, the wildlife is then moved to traders, crossing borders and jurisdictions, hidden from the watchful eyes of law enforcement.
Showcasing and Marketing: Upon reaching the traders’ hands, the captured creatures are showcased and marketed, stored in deplorable conditions, displayed like mere commodities, and ultimately sold to the highest bidder.
Destination: Buyers and Secondary Markets: The journey doesn’t end there; these creatures are sent to buyers for various purposes – some for keeping as exotic pets, others for consumption, and many passing through intermediaries to enter other industries, perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.
Diverse Utilization: Finally, the wildlife finds itself in diverse forms of utilization – as pets, ingredients for traditional medicine, bushmeat for culinary delights, decorations adorning lavish homes, accessories flaunted as status symbols, or even as components of the ever-evolving fashion industry (see the previous figure of ‘Markets of Illegal Wildlife Trade’).10
From the depths of the wilderness to the shelves of global markets, the illegal wildlife trade leaves a trail of devastation in its wake, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat this rampant exploitation before it’s too late. Tragically, for many of these creatures, survival is but a fleeting hope, as most of them don’t even make it past the early stages of this ruthless process.
The world has implemented measures to combat IWT, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Established to regulate the legal wildlife trade, CITES relies on individual countries’ national policies and enforcement, making it less effective for curbing the illegal trade. Additionally, multilateral forums like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and regional discussions like Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) address IWT, yet the problem persists.
Technology has further complicated the issue. E-commerce platforms have become a new battleground, facilitating illegal wildlife trade with a click of a button, blurring the lines between physical and cybercrime.11
While we’ve focused on IWT, it’s important to acknowledge the legal wildlife trade as well. Between 1998 and 2018, a staggering 421 million wild-caught animals were documented in legal trade through CITES. This immense number highlights the overall scale of the global wildlife trade, both legal and illegal.12
Indonesia, with its incredible biodiversity, unfortunately, plays a significant role in the wildlife trade. The largest exporter of wild animals during that same period, alongside Jamaica and Honduras, Indonesia is a prime target for poachers and traffickers. The United States, France, and Italy were the biggest importers, highlighting the global nature of this issue.13
The consequences of IWT extend far beyond stolen animals. Let’s explore some of the key negative impacts:
Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Disruption: IWT pushes countless species towards extinction, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. The introduction of invasive species through IWT can further harm these fragile environments.14151617
Zoonotic Disease Risk: The close proximity of humans and wildlife during capture, transportation, and trade creates a breeding ground for zoonotic diseases, those transmissible from animals to humans. Diseases like COVID-19, SARS, Monkeypox, and Ebola are just a few examples, highlighting the potential for localized outbreaks to escalate into global pandemics. 1819
Economic Impacts: IWT enriches criminals while undermining national economies. Local communities lose income from sustainable tourism opportunities and conservation efforts.20
Interconnected Criminal Networks: IWT often overlaps with other illegal activities like corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, and illicit acquisition of licenses, falsification of documents (including customs paperwork). 2122232425
The consequences of IWT are far-reaching, impacting not just wildlife but our own health and economic well-being. But there’s hope. International efforts and dedicated conservation organizations are working tirelessly to combat this illegal trade.
In the next blog post of this series, we’ll delve deeper into the IWT crisis specifically in Indonesia.
What can you do? Stay tuned and we’ll provide concrete ways you can be part of the solution. Together, we can raise awareness, support conservation efforts, and empower local communities to protect their precious wildlife heritage.
Mozer, A. and Prost, S. (2023) ‘An introduction to illegal wildlife trade and its effects on biodiversity and society’, Forensic Science International: Animals and Environments, 3(February), p. 100064. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsiae.2023.100064. ↩︎
Liew, J.H., Kho, Z.Y., Lim, R.B.H., Dingle, C., Bonebrake, T.C., Sung, Y.H. and Dudgeon, D. (2021) ‘International socioeconomic inequality drives trade patterns in the global wildlife market’, Science Advances, 7(19), pp. 1–11. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abf7679. ↩︎
Adhiasto, D.N., Exploitasia, I., Giyanto, Fahlapie, P., Johnsen, P., Andriansyah, M.I., Hafizoh, N., Setyorini, Y.D., Mardiah, S., Mardhiah, U. and Linkie, M. (2023) ‘A criminal justice response to address the illegal trade of wildlife in Indonesia’, Conservation Letters, (December 2022), pp. 1–9. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12937. ↩︎
Trinirmalaningrum, Dalidjo, N., Rahardjo, J., Pribadi, A., Widarto, A. and Santosa, A. (2022). Portrait of Illegal Wildlife Trade in Indonesia – Indonesian scale. [online] skalaindonesia.org. Available at: Potret Perdagangan Ilegal Satwa Liar di Indonesia. ↩︎
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) (2015) Perdagangan Satwa Liar, Kejahatan Terhadap Satwa Liar Dan Perlindungan Spesies Di Indonesia: Konteks Kebijakan dan Hukum Changes for Justice Project. ↩︎
Duffy R. Conservation and Security Converge: Political Ecologies of the Illegal Wildlife Trade. In: Security and Conservation: The Politics of the Illegal Wildlife Trade. ; 2022:1-28. ↩︎
Duffy R. Framings Matter: The Illegal Wildlife Trade as a Security Threat. In: Security and Conservation: The Politics of the Illegal Wildlife Trade. ; 2022:29-55. ↩︎
UNODC. World Wildlife Crime Report. Vol 2.; 2020. ↩︎
(FATF) TFATF. Money Laundering and the Illegal Wildlife Trade. 2021;45(12):6-6. doi:http://10.1002/fgc.31739↩︎
Habitat loss is a major threat to pollinators like butterflies. This issue resonated with me because of a comic/zine I created for my Creativity and the Environment course. Titled “Kana’s Flowery Quest,” the story follows Kana, a Peacock butterfly, who encounters a barren landscape while searching for food and pollinating plants. During her search, Kana meets a small blue butterfly, a species now recognized as the rarest in the UK. Their encounter underscores the severity of habitat loss, threatening not just common species like Kana, but also pushing endangered butterflies to the brink.
Kana’s story reflects the very real challenges faced by pollinators due to habitat loss, a problem caused by human actions. My comic/zine served as a way for me to explore this issue creatively and raise awareness. But beyond awareness, it’s crucial to take action. Planting pollinator-friendly gardens and advocating for habitat conservation efforts can make a positive difference.
You can see Kana’s story unfold here, even if the art might not be award-winning. Remember to read each row from left to right:
Landmines pose a devastating environmental risk, threatening lives and hindering development in Cambodia. The APOPO NGO in Siem Reap is making a remarkable difference by training African giant pouched rats like Valerie to detect these deadly explosives.
Anna and Valerie, which I screenshotted from Anna’s video.
A video I saw online featuring Anna and Valerie (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSFb6txMm/) touched me deeply. Seeing this creature, a hero for Cambodia, challenges our ingrained fear and disgust towards rats. This aversion can be seen as a form of recreancy: a failure to acknowledge the value and potential of these intelligent animals.
Back home in Indonesia, and in many places around the world, rats are seen as pests. However, Valerie’s story is prompting us to consider the possibility of coexistence. This shift in perception is a powerful example of social media framing. By showcasing Valerie’s intelligence and lifesaving abilities, social media is helping to dismantle negative stereotypes and foster a more respectful relationship with rats.
One key factor in achieving coexistence could be improved waste management practices. Social media can also play a role in promoting responsible waste disposal practices, creating a multi-faceted approach to coexistence.
Valerie’s story is a testament to the power of social media to reframe our perceptions of the animal world. It challenges our ingrained negativity and encourages us to see rats in a new light – as potential partners, not just pests.
However, Valerie’s story also raises an important ethical question: are these animals being treated fairly in their training and deployment? Ensuring their well-being throughout their service is crucial.
A video by the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4jrxh9SPLg/?igsh=MThpcjd6bnJkcmsyaw==) showcases the devastating consequences of habitat loss for orangutans. The video depicts a lone orangutan wandering through a barren landscape, devoid of trees or any greenery. This heartbreaking scene underscores the urgency of addressing institutional failures that prioritize profit over environmental protection.
The relentless deforestation to meet palm oil demands exemplifies this failure. Sven Ove Hansson’s eRA framework could be used to illustrate the situation, see the following Venn diagram.
Palm oil corporations and government entities often operate in a complex web of influence as depicted in section 2 of the diagram. Corporations stand to profit from palm oil production, while governments may prioritize economic growth or be swayed by corporate lobbying. This interconnectedness allows deforestation to continue unchecked.
Orangutans, local communities, and ultimately, the entire ecosystem bear the brunt of the risks, as depicted in section 7 of the diagram. We need to hold both decision-makers and corporations accountable and prioritize sustainable practices that protect wildlife habitats and local communities.
My own experience volunteering at Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center further solidified this for me. While it’s commendable that these orphaned or injured orangutans receive care, it’s also sad to know they’ll likely live out their lives in enclosures. While their wild kin struggle for survival in a vanishing rainforest, a cruel twist of fate.
Where, then, should these magnificent creatures find a permanent home in this world?
A Montana ranch owner, Arthur Jack Schubarth, has sparked outrage after pleading guilty to creating illegal hybrid sheep for trophy hunting.
Between 2013 and 2021, Schubarth illegally obtained genetic material from Marco Polo Argali sheep imported from Kyrgyzstan. It is the world’s largest wild sheep species that he used to create massive hybrid sheep on his ranch. These hybrids were given the nickname “Montana Mountain King,” or MMK.
Schubarth’s actions pose a significant environmental risk. Introducing genetically modified animals can disrupt ecosystems and threaten native species. Additionally, the process of creating these hybrids likely involved ethical violations. Beyond the well-being of the surrogate mothers, concerns include the potential suffering of animals during experimentation and the overall lack of transparency surrounding these procedures.
Schubarth’s Risk Perception
Category
Description
Attitude
Desire for increased profit through trophy hunting
Evaluative Belief
Genetically modified sheep are bigger and more desirable for hunters
Beliefs
He can create valuable hybrids without consequences
Schubarth’s actions demonstrate a concerning lack of regard for the environment, animal welfare, and ethical considerations.
Turkish fisherman Adem Yilmaz shares a remarkable 13-year friendship with Yaren, a white stork (meaning “friend” in Turkish). A simple act of kindness – offering a fish – blossomed into a unique bond. Yaren returns year after year, even introducing a partner!
Adem’s unwavering dedication exemplifies compassion for nature. He even named his boat after Yaren. However, human-fed wildlife poses a risk. While his initial act might be a heuristic decision, their long-term bond suggests a deeper understanding.
The village honors Adem with a statue, reflecting the community’s affection. A live stream camera that allows everyone to witness this heartwarming story without disrupting the birds. Adem and Yaren remind us that kindness fosters remarkable connections, but environmental responsibility is also crucial.
Plastic pollution chokes our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. The Ocean Cleanup tackles this crisis with innovative technology and social media engagement. A video response to a follower’s question revealed a shocking truth: thousands of eel traps pollute the ocean per cleanup! This highlights the vast scale of the problem.
Part of eel traps that are found in the Pacific Ocean. Photo source: theoceancleanup.com
The Ocean Cleanup uses social media to raise awareness. Beyond the countless eel traps, they find everything from buckets to mannequins, showcasing the diversity of human-made waste. While their technology offers a crucial but partial solution, it emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach.
Social media can be a powerful tool for a cognitive fix. Engaging content from The Ocean Cleanup can encourage people to be more mindful of their plastic consumption and disposal habits. This shift in behavior, alongside research on advanced recycling and biodegradable alternatives (a technological fix), offers a more comprehensive solution to tackle plastic pollution at its source. Only by working together on all fronts can we truly clean our oceans.
To see The Ocean Cleanup’s video on the most common and weirdest items found, visit this link: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSFbYxAMB/.
The Pandawara, which I screenshotted from their video.
Pandawara, a group of five young men from Bandung, Indonesia, has become a social media sensation for their dedication to cleaning up polluted rivers and beaches. These polluted waterways pose significant environmental risks, threatening public health and the local ecosystem. Through captivating videos, Pandawara has garnered a massive following. One noteworthy example was their initiative on Indonesia’s Independence Day last year. They invited 7,800 people to join them in cleaning the Cirebon’s beach, also known as the 3rd dirtiest beach in Indonesia. By employing anchoring adjustment, a cognitive heuristic, they likely exceeded expectations – a staggering 10,800 people participated!
Another screenshot from Pandawara’s video, shows thousands of people joined the beach cleaning in Cirebon.
This viral campaign exemplifies the positive framing power of social media in raising awareness and inspiring action. Pandawara’s success has transcended national borders, with their efforts now extending to cleaning rivers in Southeast Asian countries. As their influence grows, navigating the safety of large volunteer groups and ensuring responsible waste management will be crucial considerations for their continued success. With their passion and innovative approach, Pandawara is sure to inspire even more people to join the fight for a cleaner and healthier environment.
Steph's Journal 