In 2015, we initiated an adult educational program offered as a series of workshops in seven communities. These workshops are focused on topics linking human well-being with environmental practices. Deforestation and pollution threaten biodiversity, watershed integrity, soil productivity, and climate, which in turn negatively impact human health and livelihoods. Our workshops cover special topics, including wildlife conservation, clean water, and waste management. We utilize an interactive and hands-on format and integrate local staff from TORS into these programs as lecturers and activity leaders to increase the interest and engagement of community members.
Furthermore, in these remote areas where education is poor and access and access to information limited, there is often little awareness and understanding of environmental laws, and locals are often misinformed and unsupportive of conservation policy and the establishment and management of protected areas. Our education and outreach programs provide community members with a better understanding of the consequences of destroying peatlands and increase their support for local and national laws that promote the conservation of forests and orangutans.
CORE BORNEO 