So the Friends of the National Park
Foundation (NGO) began in 1997. Its main cause is agreements with locals and
council in the Nusa Penida area to cease poaching of the Indonesian national
bird the Bali Starling. They have released a number of birds back to the island
and have had great success with breeding programs. The deal is if you get
caught poaching the bird you will face a hefty fine and shame from the
community do it again and you will be expelled from the island forever. Makes
simple sense. The foundation has expanded into conservation with a huge nursery
for many varieties of trees and ferns. I loved to watch the locals come and
take their pickings at no charge to plant near roadsides or improve a wildlife
corridor. This is a great example of community education. This is a true example of harmony with nature
and the programs on the foundation are expanding all the time. The whole island
I hope will remain a sanctuary. If tourism remains a low with no hotels and
bars etc and traditional methods are retained I see great hope in the island
being a prime example of the importance local knowledge across the world. Have a look at the website here
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| Bali Starling named Lucky who fell from a tree and injured his wing, not sure if he will make a full recovery though he will always have a home at the fopundation. |
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| Mallee in the garden |
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| Mallee and his pal Blackie the dog |
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| Collecting shells to put into the newley tiled outdoor shower blocks. |
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| Add caption |
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| Rec time with Mallee and Nengah quite a little footballer |
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| The Nusery |
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| Mallee helping Nick choose shells, Nick is a tiler from Australia and his father kindley donated tiles and cement and Nick's time was much appreciated. |
