Last month, I had the privilege of attending the ‘Asia for Animals Conference 2023’, held in Kuching, Sarawak. Spanning over 3 days, the conference focused on the theme of ‘Education and Engagement Brings Change’, bringing together professionals, advocates and educators in the fields of animal welfare and conservation from around the world. It was an incredibly inspiring event, during which I experienced significant personal growth. Here are my key takeaways.
The Power of Empathy and Kindness
On day one, we heard from Jill Robinson, CEO of the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF). In her keynote, Jill shed light on the significance of empathy and kindness in driving positive, permanent change. It was this sentiment that was echoed throughout not only her presentation, but the entire conference.
Empathy and kindness are two distinct qualities that are fundamental in our everyday lives. Empathy refers to the capacity to understand the feelings of others, while kindness is the practical application of one’s actions and behaviours through being friendly, generous and compassionate. In the context of animal welfare and conservation, these qualities work together to recognise the needs and suffering of animals, and subsequently taking actions that combat this suffering, promote their welfare and protect their natural environments. Many of the sessions highlighted the fact that numerous global issues, such as the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and even many of our pandemics, are rooted in a lack of these core attributes. This emphasises the importance of a shift towards more compassionate and ethical practices.
Jill’s account of the recent ‘Every Minute Rescue’ in Vietnam, where the AAF rescued five Asiatic bears who had been confined to a bear bile farm for over 20 years, particularly left an impact on me. She told us about Dawn, one of the rescued bears, who especially struggled despite the immense care and love of the team. Her identity, symbolised by the crescent-shaped golden fur on her chest, had faded, stripped away by years of captivity. However, over the following months, they noticed a remarkable shift in her behaviour. Dawn had begun to learn to be happy, content and unafraid of the future. This story served as a powerful reminder of the impact compassion can have on lives long deprived of freedom and joy.
Cooperation over Conflict
These qualities lay the foundations for another significant theme, ‘Cooperation over Conflict’. The conference highlighted the importance of working closely with those who may hold differing views and practices, instead of against them. One example presented during the conference was the efforts of AAF in addressing the issues of bear bile farming. Instead of approaching the bear bile farmers as enemies, they instead sought to understand the reasons behind their practices, and make efforts to change the narrative. This approach has already seen success across Vietnam, providing both education to the farmers and aiding them in the transition to other profitable (sustainable) businesses.
This cooperation extends very importantly to working with local communities, as Adam Miller from Planet Indonesia passionately discussed during his presentation. Historically, many conservation initiatives have, and continue, to ignore and marginalise Indigenous communities. From forcibly removing people from their ancestral lands to create protected areas, to the exclusion in decision-making and criminalisation of traditional practices. ‘Colonial conservation’ is founded on the racist misconception that Indigenous people lack the capability to responsibly manage their own land and the wildlife inhabiting it. This was something I had never properly taken into account before, and really underscored the significance of reshaping our approach to conservation.
Indigenous communities worldwide often possess a wealth of knowledge about local ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable practices passed down through generations. This traditional knowledge is invaluable for understanding the planet, and their profound spiritual connection to the land offers lessons for the modern society that has, in many ways, become disconnected. We have SO much to learn.
This reflection prompted thoughts about the First Nations people of Australia, and the recent (devastating) referendum result. The proposed establishment of a constitutional representative body, as represented by ‘the voice’, aimed to provide a vital platform for the interests and perspectives of Indigenous Australians. This platform would not only be a step towards recognising the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first inhabitants with an ongoing connection to the land, but also help rectify the ongoing injustices and structural inequalities. The resulting ‘no’ emphasises the ongoing struggles for recognition, rights, and justice that many Indigenous people continue to face. Respecting and working hand-in-hand with these communities is essential for shaping a more holistic and effective approach to environmental stewardship.
Youth as Change Agents
In several presentations, speakers focused on and emphasised the role of youth in driving change and shaping the future of animal welfare and conservation. Empowerment and education must be a deliberate focus moving forward. Young minds, especially those aged between 7 and 12, possess incredible potential, and their capacity to comprehend these complex concepts should not be underestimated.
To harness this potential, it’s essential to engage these individuals actively and creatively. We must provide the tools, knowledge and resources necessary so they can take action and inspire others. Learning is a continuous journey, and we must be engaged with these young advocates, observing their interests, facilitating conservations, and taking action. It doesn’t stop there. Celebrating the achievements of these young people is crucial. There are countless initiatives across the world that serve as inspiring examples of nurturing these advocates:
- Youth ambassador and experiential learning programs to reduce animal cruelty in Singapore, led by SPCA.
- The BAWA education program, designed to help children to respect animals in the midst of Bali’s rabies epidemic.
- The Indonesia COP school where students learn about and develop their skills in wildlife conservation, preparing them for potential future careers.
- ‘The Everything Explorers’, one of many roots and shoots programs, bringing together youth to work on environmental issues.
Wellbeing is a Priority
The final takeaway, and one of the most important lessons from the conference was centred on wellbeing. It was a reminder that in order to be effective advocates, we must prioritise our own self-care. One particularly emotional presentation that highlighted this message was delivered by Heidi Quine from the AAF, titled ‘Happy People, Happy Bears’. People, as the driving force behind change, must be provided with the necessary support, resources and care to ensure their resilience and dedication.
Her words resonated deeply with me as I’ve often struggled with pessimism about the state of our planet, and wondered if my efforts would ever truly make a meaningful impact. Heidi’s presentation reminded me of all the good in the world, and the special people, like myself, who are dedicated to making a meaningful difference. We all have a role to play, and that gave me hope.
This environmental and animal welfare field comes with high levels of stress and emotional challenges, and the positive outcomes are often not immediately visible. The journey is long and demanding, but it’s those small victories that affirm our work really matters. Heidi expressed that nobody embarks on this journey to get rich; rather, it’s a shared commitment rooted in a deep care for the planet and its beings. By nurturing the mental, emotional and physical health of ourselves and others, we empower individuals to overcome challenges and foster lasting positive change.
Personal Growth
Attending the AfA conference marked my very first experience at a professional conference. In the days leading up to the event, I was filled with anxiety. The prospect of networking and engaging with professionals, all passionately devoted to their causes, was both exciting and daunting. What if I said something wrong? What if I can’t make any meaningful connections? What if I am just wasting time? However, the moment I stepped into the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) for the first time, something shifted. The atmosphere was exciting, and the buzz of anticipation and enthusiasm around me started to dispel those initial anxieties. The remaining unease, however, did mean I was unable to speak to anyone on the first day. That night, I made myself a promise to push past this, and engage in conversations. On the second day, I found myself not only keeping my promise, but exceeding it. With an initial goal of three connections, I successfully ended the day with six – a massive accomplishment for me.
In conclusion, my first conference was one of growth and inspiration. It was amazing to be surrounded by such a passionate group of diverse individuals who all share a common interest: a better future for animals and the planet. The conference served as a powerful reminder that change is possible when we work together to educate and engage others on the importance of the environment. As I reflect on this experience, I am more determined than ever to continue working hard in my studies and to further seek out opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, communities and organisations. The ‘Asia for Animals Conference 2023’ has not only enhanced my knowledge and expanded my network, but filled me with a renewed sense of purpose.
The journey ahead will be difficult, but important. I am determined to be part of the transformative change needed to protect our incredibly beautiful planet.
“Every individual makes a difference everyday.” – Jane Goodall
What kind of difference will you make?
A big thankyou to the people and organisations who made this conference a reality. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed.
