CONSERVATION
I’ve always been a conservationist at heart, but for many years I was just one of the millions of ‘quiet sympathizers’. I was deeply concerned about what was happening to the earth but wasn’t sure how I could make a tangible difference. That’s when I decided that I would use my skills as a filmmaker to bring about change.
Notwithstanding the fact that frustrations and disappointments are many and successes are few and far between in conservation, finding a way to make a direct contribution has given me a purpose in life and an immense sense of satisfaction. I have several friends and colleagues who have found their own way of making a significant difference despite holding down conventional jobs, and what I’ve learned from them is this: it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living; if you are determined to make a difference you can.
Here are some practical pointers:
If you are a TEACHER,
you can inculcate a love for nature among your students
If you are a STUDENT,
you can help convert your teachers and fellow students, as well as your parents and relatives, to the cause of conservation.
If you are a LAWYER,
you can help cash-strapped NGOs fight legal battles to save wildlife and habitats.
If you are a JOURNALIST,
you can make a huge contribution through well-researched stories on nature and conservation.
If you are the CEO of a company,
you can deploy your company's CSR funds towards conservation projects.
If you have a 9-5 JOB,
you can volunteer your time on weekends and holidays to NGOs and conservation organizations.
If you are a SOFTWARE professional,
you can use your skills to help set up and manage websites for conservation NGOs.
If you are a GOVERNMENT worker or a POLITICIAN, you can help influence the right policies.
These are just a few examples of how anyone can be involved in conservation. As in your own profession however, remember that knowledge is power. Being ‘well meaning’ is not enough if you want to be effective. Conservation is a complex discipline and only works when it is based on sound knowledge rather than purely on emotion. So the more experience you gain in the field and the more conservation professionals you interact with, the more you will learn.
If you have no idea how to start, find out if there is a nature club, naturalist society or a similar organization in your town or city and join up. If there isn’t one where you live, perhaps you can start one! An important point to remember is that being involved with Animal Rights is not exactly the same as being a conservationist. Conservation is about saving wild landscapes and wildlife species. Animal Rights is more about taking care of the rights and well being of individual (and usually, domesticated) animals.
Most important of all, conservation is no longer an option. It is not enough to have just a handful of people fighting to save life on earth. We need armies of professionals and volunteers. That means you and me and everyone we know!
To learn more about conservation, visit www.conservationindia.org
Notwithstanding the fact that frustrations and disappointments are many and successes are few and far between in conservation, finding a way to make a direct contribution has given me a purpose in life and an immense sense of satisfaction. I have several friends and colleagues who have found their own way of making a significant difference despite holding down conventional jobs, and what I’ve learned from them is this: it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living; if you are determined to make a difference you can.
Here are some practical pointers:
If you are a TEACHER,
you can inculcate a love for nature among your students
If you are a STUDENT,
you can help convert your teachers and fellow students, as well as your parents and relatives, to the cause of conservation.
If you are a LAWYER,
you can help cash-strapped NGOs fight legal battles to save wildlife and habitats.
If you are a JOURNALIST,
you can make a huge contribution through well-researched stories on nature and conservation.
If you are the CEO of a company,
you can deploy your company's CSR funds towards conservation projects.
If you have a 9-5 JOB,
you can volunteer your time on weekends and holidays to NGOs and conservation organizations.
If you are a SOFTWARE professional,
you can use your skills to help set up and manage websites for conservation NGOs.
If you are a GOVERNMENT worker or a POLITICIAN, you can help influence the right policies.
These are just a few examples of how anyone can be involved in conservation. As in your own profession however, remember that knowledge is power. Being ‘well meaning’ is not enough if you want to be effective. Conservation is a complex discipline and only works when it is based on sound knowledge rather than purely on emotion. So the more experience you gain in the field and the more conservation professionals you interact with, the more you will learn.
If you have no idea how to start, find out if there is a nature club, naturalist society or a similar organization in your town or city and join up. If there isn’t one where you live, perhaps you can start one! An important point to remember is that being involved with Animal Rights is not exactly the same as being a conservationist. Conservation is about saving wild landscapes and wildlife species. Animal Rights is more about taking care of the rights and well being of individual (and usually, domesticated) animals.
Most important of all, conservation is no longer an option. It is not enough to have just a handful of people fighting to save life on earth. We need armies of professionals and volunteers. That means you and me and everyone we know!
To learn more about conservation, visit www.conservationindia.org
