2010 Innovation Award Finalist: Jessica McKelson
Innovation Leader: Jessica McKelson, Director, Raw Wildlife Encounters
Nominated by Jacquie O’Brien, Zoo Victoria (Individual Category)
Project Description
Raw Wildlife Encounters was born out Jessica McKelson’s passion for, and dedication to the conservation of Indonesia. One of the earth’s few remaining biodiversity hotspots, Tangkahan is home to some of the world’s most endangered wildlife including Sumatran Tigers, Orang-utans, Asia Rhinos and Asian Elephants.
The region is perched on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, an area that has been disseminated by illegal logging for timber and to make way for oil palm plantations. Jess created the business out of a desire to share the natural beauty of the place with others, provide a more lucrative and sustainable livelihood for many communities impacted by illegal logging and to save the remarkable wildlife of this region.
The boutique tour company takes small groups of up to 6 people on tours of the North Sumatran Region. Its grass-roots involvement with communities and conservation projects within Indonesia has enabled it to develop a co-operative partnership with the world’s oldest international conservation organisation, Fauna and Flora International (FFI) in particular with their Sumatran Elephant Conservation Project and Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Project (SOCP). Spending time with these important conservation projects is at the core of the tours offered by Jess and her team.
The tours are headed by experienced Zookeepers from Melbourne Zoo who have dedicated many years to working with endangered species both in captivity and in the wild. They are all considered experts in their field. On first meeting them, their passion for the protection of the region and the animals and their plight is instantly recognisable.
Raw Wildlife actively supports local communities in their objective to preserve the forest for future generations. To help achieve these goals, a percentage of the tour fees are donated to both community and conservation programs including forest protection programs, forest rehabilitation work, research and wildlife protection programs. Just as conservation is important to help protect the region, so to is the engagement, education and sustained livelihoods of the local community. This is why a percentage of the tour price also goes to providing grants for education in ecotourism and sustainable agriculture, developing alternative livelihoods, sustainable tourism development and local employment opportunities.
Raw Wildlife Encounters is an experience that not only make guests feel good about being part of them, they also empower people to do something about the threats to the region and its wildlife. Many go home as outspoken advocates for the resolution of issues such as deforestation caused by the world’s consumption of palm oil.
The company also provides alternative and more lucrative livelihoods for communities who would otherwise have little choice but to work in illegal logging. While the business is only in its second year, it already employs six full time staff. The staff receive above the average local wage and are given the necessary training to ensure they can progress their careers within the company or the broader ecotourism industry. The business also provides supporting livelihoods for more than 100 local people.
Nelson Mandela once said “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” It is this approach that is at the core of Raw Wildlife Encounters philosophy and Jess’ approach to managing the business. Through the business, Jess is currently supporting one of her staff to undertake a Diploma of Ecotourism and Tourism Management at STIM, Sukma, Medan. The staff member has since won a Government scholarship to continue her studies. Raw Wildlife Encounters has also forged a partnership with the University and helped form a working youth group called MAPALA. This groups consists of 25 students and introduces city students to the natural beauty of the region of Tangkahan and supports them to participate in the conservation programs within the field.
From education also comes empowerment and this is why Raw Wildlife Encounters also supports local communities to not only be involved in conservation and sustainability projects but also to develop these projects in the most cultural and socially appropriate way. This includes the development of a local litter Education program to curb that amount of rubbish ending up in the river, that provides life for local communities and wildlife. The money to implement this litter program was supported financially by a former guest of Raw Wildlife Encounters and has already helped to draw local tourism back to the region.
Raw Wildlife Encounters Employees
Raw Wildlife Local Guide and Tour Group
Elephant Tour
Testimonials
“Since conception of Raw Wildlife Encounters (RWE), we have been pleased with the limited guests for each tour, consisting of only 6 per tour, which ensure the natural habitat is not spoilt by uncontrolled tourism. RWE has helped encourage the local community to increase the cost for activities in the area which limits the tourist total, and also provides enough money for alternative livelihood programs, which would help supplement the local communities’ salaries, rather than illegal damaging processes like illegal logging. Jess has been a great advocate and role model to the local community of Tangkahan and has been able to set-up a number of different community programs with FFI support. She has been able to conduct Ranger Training Programs to the local youth of the region and also has been able to financially support the re-development of the visitor information centre. This provides the local community members with ranger skills which assist in educating the guests that visit this region. By employing key members for her group of guests, they have been able to transfer their lives from illegal practices into securing a healthy and sustainable income. FFI is looking forward to working further with RWE into the future to further develop sustainable ecotourism initiatives and also implement key conservation strategies.” – Wahdi Azmi, FFI Sumatra
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[...] 2010 Innovation Award Finalist: Jessica McKelson | Your Travel … [...]
As Founder of Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation UK and Director of Orangutan Land Trust, I have known and worked with Jessica McKelson in orangutan conservation and welfare for a number of years, and know her to be singularly and passionately devoted to preserving biodiversity in Indonesia. She has spent many years travelling to Indonesia, and knows the people and culture intimately. This gives her a unique insight into the issues facing this country and the needs of its people. Combining alternative livelihoods with education and awareness is a critical part of achieving environmental conservation goals. RAW Wildlife Encounters embraces this concept in the delivery of its services.
Michelle Desilets
Executive Director
Orangutan Land Trust
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Michelle Desilets, Lou Pardi. Lou Pardi said: RT @orangutans: 2010 Innovation Award Finalist: Jessica McKelson: http://bit.ly/dsDseG RAW Wildlife Encounters #orangutans #Sumatra [...]
Having known Jessica through my work at Zoos Victoria, I am excited to see her dedication and hard work recognised through her nomination for this award.
Sharing Jessica’s vision for the future of wild places and their communities, I participated in the first RAW Wildlife Encounters tour to enjoy the Tangkahan area of the beautiful Gunung Leuser National Park in the company of expert locals.
I was more than happy to contribute to community development through Jessica’s business. It is a pleasure to find a young business so committed to ensuring local communities develop the skills and knowledge to protect their own environment & culture from exploitation & degradation.
In July 2010 my family and I were privileged to travel to Tangkahan and Bukit Lawang with Raw wildlife Encounters. Our children are 13 and 11 years old and they have travelled all over the world seeing many of the great and famous sights but unanimously we all felt the Sumatran wildlife experience was our family favourite (the kids said it was even better than Disneyland, better than the pyramids and better than the great wall of China). Jess from Raw customised an 8 day tour for us and teamed us up with some fantastic local guides (Ika and Bim Bim). They and all the staff and local people we met made our adventure both special and safe. It was relaxing, exhilerating and amazing to trek through pristine jungle with the mahouts on the elephants, to quietly float down the crystal clear rivers on tyre tubes, swim beneath huge waterfalls and to camp in a cave. The wildlife ranged from various types of monkeys, to jungle squirrels, frogs, butterflys…and leeches and we were taught about many plant and food species.
We were very taken by how proud everyone was of their village environment, their jungle and the animals in the jungle. Great care was taken to educate us on the history, the present and the future and to ensure our visit was not only fun but environmentally friendly.
It was clear to us that the local villages greatly benefited from the small number of tourists allowed into the area. Not only was there employment opportunities but the chance for everyone to share parts of their customs and culture and build some longer term friendships.
The whole experience was fantastic and it was a credit to Raw how well organised our travel itinery was planned and executed. It was also a credit to the guides and local staff how they looked after us and catered for the different needs of a family group.
We would strongly recommend Raw to first time travellers in this area and give our absolute support to their nomination for the 2010 Innovation Award.
Graham family, Melbourne, Australia
Having just returned from a 2 week trip to Tangkahan with Jess and her team, I was left with a commitment to be involved in the education and preservation of an area that needs international awareness, of the plight of all endanged species that live in Gunnug Leuser National Park and surrounding areas. Jessica passion and commitment that she shares with her guests and the community leave you in awe of someone who has seen a need and actually done something about it. This involves education, and promotion of sustainable projects, such as the introduction of a Litter program, teaching english and echo-tourism ideas to the local community and assisting to implement them. Jessica is always looking for new ways and ideas to improve current projects and is open to any suggestions of new projects, such as a scholarship program to improve the education of local children, to ways to improve the health and well being of the local community’s. Jessica has not only seen a need to find alternative ways for the local community to achieve independence but also to educate them in the sustainable aspect of Echo-Tourism and the benefits in saving the endangered species.
Joy Duncan
Vic Aust.
As Manager of Conservation Partnerships for Zoos Victoria, I have worked with Jessica McKelson to support wildlife conservation in Sumatra. Jess continually demonstrates a deep commitment to this issue and through RAW Wildlife Encounters is finding new ways to provide meaningful onground support for the wildlife and people in Sumatra. I welcome this opportunity to support the nomination of RAW Wildlife Encounters for the 2010 Innovation Award through the International Ecotourism Society.
Chris Banks
Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Australia.
Jess McKelson’s commitment, passion and vision to protect, enhance and conserve the many rare and threatened wildlife and ecosystems in Indonesia’s biodiversity hotspot has borne this wonderful boutique travel experience. Educating others through first-hand experience is truly the best way that people can grasp the urgency and necessity of the area’s ongoing protection and provide the local people with additional income.
Jess’ innovative and engaging ideas have created a sustainable alternative for local communities, combining them with an amazing, educational experience to empower and inspire overseas travelers towards ongoing conservation.
As the World Conservation Programs Manager for Conservation Volunteers Australia, I know the dedication, innovation, vision, commitment, and passion that it takes to create, strengthen and make successful these engaging experiences and support the nomination of Jess McKelson for the 2010 Innovation Award through the International Ecotourism Society.
Prue Simmons
Conservation Volunteers
Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan (LPT) supports the nomination of Jessica McKelson, Raw Wildlife Encounters (RWE) Innovation Award 2010. LPT is the local community eco-tourism organisation that is supported by RWE. We have worked in collaboration with each other for a number of years to implement key eco-strategies to help protect a part of the Gunung Leuser National Park and also develop alternative livelihood programs for the local community. Jessica has been a great support to our community and our local developments and we are working together in collaboration to develop a Litter Waste Management Program which supports our eco strategy, employs our local community members and educates guests about litter and the environment. We have also worked with Jessica to train our local guides in conservation and environment initiatives through a Ranger Training Program and Jessica has supported the re-development of our Visitor Centre.
Jessica also supports our community by helping to encourage her guests to continue to support our community through education and conservation initiatives. We have been able to send our Manager of Marketing, Kristin Sitepu, to University so she can develop further skills in eco-tourism and management. A education initiative which would not be able to achieve due to lack of financial support. RWE has also been extremely supportive in encouraging one of our local families to develop a Green Lodge for guest accommodation and facilities. This has been able to provide additional employment to our local community. We look forward to working with Raw in the future and are extremely supportive of Jessica’s commitment to our local community. We wish her all the luck in this Award.
I am very supportive of the nomination of Jessica McKelson RWE in the TIES award. As Manager of Marketing for Lembaga Pariwisata Tangkahan (LPT) I have been fortunate to manage RWE groups and programs within Indonesia.
I have only known Jessica for two years when I had to manage her first group to Tangkahan. She has encouraged limited number of guests to participate in our environment, culture and activities within our local community. This has been able to encourage a positive attitude towards conservation of our natural assets, rather than illegal damaging processes. As a result eco-strategies have been supported by RWE and our knowledge and services towards gusts have been developed.
Since our initial meeting Jessica has been extremely supportive of my personal development in an eco-tourism career. Jessica has been able to send me to University at STIM SUKMA Medan, where my family could not financially support me to go. I am currently studying Tourism Management for the next 4 years. This opportunity has enabled me to gain a scholarship from the Indonesian Government to continue my education support. Raw also has been able to develop my skills in providing key environmental services to the guests and the importance of these strategies for the environment. Jessica continues to support my work and develop my career in eco-tourism and I congratulate her for being nominated. Jess thank you for all your support and commitment to my personal development, our local community and conservation of our Natural Environment.
Dont forget the tremendous work Jess has done in assisting the Mahouts of the Sumatran Elephant Conservation Project to learn to speak and read English. These Mahouts now have the capacity to engange with international visitors on a new level. Jess’ passion for education of course does not stop there with the implementation of a teacher training manual for school teachers in the Tangkahan region to ensure environmental education is adopted in these local schools and teachers are armed with pedagocical techniques in experiential learning.
As an Education Officer with Zoos Victoria I am proud to attach my name to the nomination for Raw Wildlife Encounters 2010 Innovation Award through the Ecotourism Society.
I wish you every success Jessica, an inspirational wildlife warrior!
I work with Jess at Melbourne Zoo as both a volunteer guide and a communications specialist - and I am delighted to support Jess’ nomination for the Innovation 2010 Award through the International Ecotourism Society.
Jess is tireless in her efforts to create understanding and awareness of the need for the conservation of the wildlife and their habitats in Sumatra - that she can blend this into magical and inspirational tourism is a gift. She is also willing to do what it takes to really make a positive and lasting difference by facilitating and supporting work on the ground in the form of training, education opportunities and local community involvement. And I know what we have seen so far is only the beginning.
survived successfully to the lady who mnembus jesica Mckelson ties Innovation Award finalist in 2010. ambition may be realized with time.
Our executive body of the student organization (BEM) Stim Sukma sumatra MEDAN – Indonesia supports with all his heart for the program that has been in the run up to the achievement of jesica mckelson lady today, and we also thank very much for your cooperation undertaken preformance and environmental conservation bailout garbage on the mountain national parks lowser (TNGL) north sumatra. among high school in management science and raw soul. we think that the success of the program to do so was the lady jesika Mckelson deserve the attention of all human beings on this earth, because the program is a noble thing and very useful for the continuity of life of all beings in this world, and opened my eyes about the meaning of the chain of survival that human beings are living in this beloved earth.
for us as a high school student in management science field soul (Stim) is a very significant learning experience and great for the program given to us so we know the positive and negative impacts on the environment in this Duna, and we also invite all elements of society in this world for contributing to the program in jalakan jesika Mckelson lady.
if not we who take care of this earth so should anyone else ….????
miss you jesika:
outrigger must not lose your passion for this earth
there to keep the earth and all its contents
exsecutive student body (BEM) soul will still support you
by. mustafa kamal Nasution
Board chairman exsecutiv high school student in management science soul
I’ve just spent two weeks with Jessica on the Raw Wildlife Encounter trip to Sumatra. This provided an excellent insight into village life and the environmental issukes in Sumatra. Jessica displays a deep commitment to the welfare of the both the animals and the people of this area and is helping both in very practical ways. I am in awe of all she has achieved so far and I know she will go on to do even more. She has an excellent understanding of eco tourism and how operating tours in a responsible manner deepens understanding by the tourists of the environmental issues and also assists the local communities by providing sustainable employment. I am delighted to be able to support her nomination for this award.
Elisabeth Jackson. Melbourne
I know Jessica McKelson since 2008, she has very important role in helping our Sumatran Elephant Conservation Programme (SECP), especiallly in developing carrying capacity in term of Conservation Response Unit (CRU) program for staffs and local communities at Tangkahan during her work.
She was good in touch our mahouts to build their capacity in english interpretation program of elephant trekking and she dedicated to accompany them in practise for several months at the project site. As the result of her training, many of mahouts who were lack in interpretation skill before and become very skillful recently and also some local community participants especially ranger more knowledgeable of ecotourism. Further, I highly apreciate for her innitiative and support to education program and her concern to promote ecotourism development in Tangkahan by engaging local counterpart in solving the real problem of rubbish by organizing Litter Program. For all her effort and dedication in conservation activities, I’m no doubt with her nomination in Innovation Award 2010. Hopefully, you get the best Jess.
Pindi Patana
Program Assistant of SECP
On behalf of Princess Emma and myself (Queen Maurine) I would like to say how wonderful, exhilarating, enchanting and enthralling our recent trip to Sumatra with RAW Wildlife Encounters has been.
For a pair of lazy Sydney-siders we experienced an educational and enthralling adventure we would never have otherwise experienced.
My respect for the local people and appreciation of the beauty and needs of the area has sky rocketed!
Thank you Jess for showing and teaching us so much. If only we could have sneaked TAO the elephant on the plane with us?
We will encourage others to also go to Sumatra and together we can build a network of support for the endagered species of the Sumatran jungle…..
Maurine Gibbons (Trekking horizontaly!!!)
I have had the pleasure of working with Jess at Zoos Victoria for a number of years now and have been consistently inspired by her professionalism and dedication both to her work at the zoo and her work in Indonesia. Jessica is a true leader who has succeeded in motivating the people she works with to achieve beyond even their own expectations. She does this with her positive ‘can do’ attitude, clear direction and vision.
I am very excited by the opportunity to support the nomination of Jessica McKelson and RAW Wildlife Encounters for the 2010 Innovation Award through the International Tourism Society. This nomination and the success of Raw Wildlife Encounters is a testament to Jessica’s passion for the wildlife and people of Sumatra and her determination to make a difference.
I am proud of what has been done RWE continuous attention to the preservation of nature by doing one of cooperation with educational institutions in the city of Medan (Medan Sukma Stim) of Indonesia. Success is always to Rawildlife & Stim-Sukma
RAW is an organization tirelessly not actively involved in the development of environment-based tourism in Tangkahan, North Sumatra, we really appreciate everything that has been done by miss jessica, RAW and other parties that can not be called one by one. May God bless the good efforts of RAW, Aamiin …
Raw, is an organization that works with Stim Sukma Medan in their actions, give hope to the world by carrying out activities without fatigue, so that future generations can look to the miracle in Tangkahan, this need we preserve, with the RAW I’m proud, hopefully can Tangkahan become familiar objects in foreign countries, “amen”
Our company needs to take pride in working with the High School of Science in Management (Stim) – Sukma Medan, North Sumatra. Thanks to RWE who give credence to the Stim-Sukma to cooperate in environmental conservation. We salute for what the RWE.
I have had the special true experience with Jessica McKelson and Raw Wildlife Encounters team on last March 2 week guided tour in Tankahan, Gunung Leuser National Park,to see,to be involved and be shown the beautiful enviroment which Jess has been involved in protecting along with the local communities.The culture is protected and held with great pride as you exeerience with hands on local practises using raw material from their rain forests for local and medicinal purposes.The wildlife in the national Parks in amazing and fragile, And Jessica and her team are constantley working closley with the communities and abroad,to help create understanding and awareness for the need of conservation in Sumatra’s wildlife and enviroment. The Mahoots and their Elephants are special and have a special piece of my heart, so well looked after, well done.I encourage anybody to experience this special place through Raw Wildlife Encounters.Well done one the nomination and I am very excited and thoroughly support Jessica McKelson Raw Wildlife Ecounters on the innovation award on Ecco Tourism.”Someone who gives tirelessly on a much needed area for our future concerns.”
I joined Jess on a RWE tour to Northern Sumatra in March 2010. The experience of being immersed in an area of such natural beauty and the opportunity to interact with the local community was very special. I was not only impressed by the professional way in which the tour was organised and conducted, but also by the genuine respect Jess has for the people of Tangkahan and they for her. Jess’s passion for, and commitment to,the local people and wildlife is obvious. During the time of my visit, Jess identified a need for a local litter project, initiated discussions with the local community, and upon her return, developed and sucessfully implemented a program involving employment of local people; just one example of the fantastic work she does!
I am very happy to be able to add my support to Jessica’s nomination for the TIES Innovation Award 2010.
I travelled with Jess to Tangahan in March 2010. Jess was an exemplary tour leader and guide, whose knowledge of and enthusiasm for the area, the wildlife, the local culture and people were instantly contagious.
Through Jess’s care and support, the people living in this stunning, remote area at the edge of the jungle, have learnt alternate ways to earn income to support their families. This has enabled many of them to cease their previous involvement in pine oil plantations and illegal logging, activities which are so detrimental to wildlife and their environment.
It was a joy to see the respect, admiration and affection with which Jess is held. Her visits to Tangahan are anticipated with great enthusiasm and between visits, she maintains frequent contact with her staff and the community. It is a privilege to be able to support the nomination of Jess and RAW Wildlife Encounters for the 2010 Innovation award. I can not imagine a more worthy recipient!
I had the pleasure of spending the most amazing 2 weeks with Jess and her RWE team only recently, and was left in awe of the dedication and commitment given by all staff involved – especially Jess. Visiting Tangkahan and Gunung Leuser National Park, experiencing first hand the local hospitality and their loyalty to the many local conservation programs implemented by Jess, was inspirational.
Jess’s tireless efforts in ensuring these areas of natural beauty remain just that, is obvious. RWE assist in providing the local communities with an income from eco-tourism and many sustainable environmental practices, while at the same time help to increase awareness for the need to preserve the remarkable wildlife within this region so it can be enjoyed by many for generations to come.
I am proud to be giving my support to Jess’s nomination for the TIES Innovation award.
Nerida Taylor
Melbourne
I have travelled with RWE to Sumatra on two occasions and each has been an adventure. It is not often that one is able to interact with the local people and be accepted into their lives. Jess is held in such regard by the local Karonese villagers that they have welcomed her tour groups into their house and shown them how to prepare different herbs and rainforest plants for medicinal use. She has empowered the Karonese people to see that there are alternative ways by which income can be derived other than working for industries such as Palm Oil and illegal logging. She has given them a brighter future if they chose to follow. Her preparedness to financially support them by providing employment to the locals as guides, rangers and cooks when her visitors are there is very apparent. At all times she is looking at ways to further support them as well as keeping the focus on the preservation of such a beautiful environment.
Previous people have commented on the implementation of the Litter Program, her commitment to ensuring that the mahouts were able to speak english in order to enhance the experience that international visitors have as well her commitment to assisting in the education of some of the local people.
Her tours cater for a number of levels of fitness and lengths of stay. All of them have been developed with the care of the environment in mind. Filtered water dispensers have been installed to lessen the use of bottled water. The welfare of the elephants is always considered. With this in mind she has rented a plot of land and planted a garden with plants which will supplement their diet and enhance their well being.
The chance to see wild orangutans ,gliding squirrels, sleep in a cave and hear the call of the tiger, trekking through primary rain forest, the exquisite butterflies and the diversity of invertebrates are all there for us to experience.
What also is a bonus is to travel with a person who is deeply passionate about her concerns for the orangutan and its habitat. She knows that for them to have a chance of survival not only the local people need to be become involved but also the international communities – hence the vision of RWE! It is only by experiencing that we can fully appreciate the need to conserve these regions that are of significance to the people, the animals and to the world climate!
I have travelled with RWE to Sumatra on two occasions and each has been an adventure. It is not often that one is able to interact with the local people and be accepted into their lives. Jess is held in such regard by the local Karonese villagers that they have welcomed her tour groups into their house and shown them how to prepare different herbs and rainforest plants for medicinal use. She has empowered the Karonese people to see that there are alternative ways by which income can be derived other than working for industries such as Palm Oil and illegal logging. She has given them a brighter future if they chose to follow. Her preparedness to financially support them by providing employment to the locals as guides, rangers and cooks when her visitors are there is very apparent. At all times she is looking at ways to further support them as well as keeping the focus on the preservation of such a beautiful environment.
Previous people have commented on the implementation of the Litter Program, her commitment to ensuring that the mahouts were able to speak english in order to enhance the experience that international visitors have as well her commitment to assisting in the education of some of the local people.
Her tours cater for a number of levels of fitness and lengths of stay. All of them have been developed with the care of the environment in mind. Filtered water dispensers have been installed to lessen the use of bottled water. The welfare of the elephants is always considered. With this in mind she has rented a plot of land and planted a garden with plants which will supplement their diet and enhance their well being.
The chance to see wild orangutans ,gliding squirrels, sleep in a cave and hear the call of the tiger, trekking through primary rain forest, the exquisite butterflies and the diversity of invertebrates are all there for us to experience.
What also is a bonus is to travel with a person who is deeply passionate about her concerns for the orangutan and its habitat. She knows that for them to have a chance of survival not only the local people need to be become involved but also the international communities – hence the vision of RWE! It is only by experiencing that we can fully appreciate the need to conserve these regions that are of significance to the people, the animals and to the world climate!
I had the absolute pleasure of travelling to Sumatra with Jess in April 2009 and it was the experience of a lifetime. I have travelled all my life to many places all over the world and hands down my trip to Sumatra with Jess was the best experience I have had. The insight Jess has into the culture, conservation and sanctity of the Tangkahan environment, and indeed the community, was astounding and made my Journey the special and eye opening one it was. I could not recommend a better or more ‘real’ eco-tourism experience than that I had with Jess and the RAW wildlife encounters team.
Over the past year and a half I have remained in contact with Jess and have closely followed the works she has been undertaking in Sumatra. As a final year student of Community Development and Environmental sustainability I have been simply amazed at the progress and obvious dedication she has to developing and implementing strategies to further develop sustainable tourism in Tangkahan. Jess holds an insightful ability to understand and work with members of the community on implementation and design of eco-tourism strategies appropriate for this little slice of paradise. Her approach, inclusive practices and attitude ensures the development of eco-tourism in the area will remain Sustainable and community based into the future; building confidence, motivation and awareness to not only members within the community but also to those tourists that travel to the area.
On a more personal note, I have never in my life come across someone who works so unbelievably hard, with such sheer determination, and with such a selfless love for her work as Jess. She truly is a remarkable young woman and an inspiration to all whom are lucky enough to share the pleasure of her company. I am certainly a better (and more motivated) person for knowing Jessica and I look very much forward to many more travel experiences and involvement with Jess and the RAW wildlife encounter team in the future.
In my opinion you will not find anyone more deserving of this award than Jess and I wish her the best of luck, not only for this nomination but also for the future of RAW wildlife encounters and all their amazing projects.
In would like to add my own support the the many other comments posted here. Jess’ passion and dedication to conservation in Indonesia is clear for all to see, but what is less clear, is the very practical, no fuss approach she takes to the work, and the development of RAW Wildlife Encounters. I have met quite some people over the years with big ambitions in tourism here in Sumatra, and big stories, but Jess’ approach is refreshingly low key, and because of that, much more likely to achieve long-term results. She understands the people and the job at hand, has a realistic outlook, and as such gains the trust and respect of the local communities living around the forest edge. It is a pleasure to help and assist her in anyway I can, and I very much hope she is successful with the 2010 Innovation Award.
Having only known Jess a few short months through my volunteer work at the Melbourne Zoo. I certainly have admired her dedication in making sure future generations will be able to go on RAW Wildlife Adventures. and see for them selves Wild Orangutans, Tigers, Elephants
ect. in their natural environment.. Knowing you must educate people before you can expect them to change age old pratices, getting them involved. This shows how this outstanding young women has achieved so much in such a short time..I would certainly agree she deserves recognition for her wonderful work in Tangkahan
ACTION SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
After just spending 2 weeks with Jessica and her well trained RWE Team and the most gentle team of Mahouts in the most beautifull remote part of Tangkahan. You only have to be there to experience and witness it all. This has been achieved through ACTIONS of Jessica and her team. I am very honoured to be able to share all of what Jessica and her team have set out to achieve..WELL DONE..JESSICA AND THANKYOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART for allowing me to experience first hand all of your tireless hard work towards this program. Which if I may say so has TOUCHED MANY MANY LIVES IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.
I am only to happy to give my whole support to the nomination for the 2010 Innovation award.
Bangga rasanya jika indonesia menjadi salah satu negara yang memiliki hutan yang didalamnya memiliki beraneka ragam flora dan fauna. RWE sebagai wadah bagi para pencinta alam yang ingin melestarikan ekosistem sebagai warisan bagi anak cucu kita dimasa mendatang. Terima kasih untuk organisasi RWE.
Proud of it if Indonesia becomes one of the countries that have forests which also contains a wide variety of flora and fauna. RWE as a place for nature lovers who want to preserve the ecosystems as a legacy for our grandchildren in the future. Thank you for RWE organization.
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