EAZA Rhino Campaign Project M: Enhanced community outreach programme

Location: Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia
Species: Sumatran (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissoni)
Coordinator: Nan Schaffer and Edwin Bosi, Sos Rhino
Type: Community-based-conservation
Amount awarded: 8,600 euros

Abstract
To ensure survival of the Sumatran rhino in Malaysia, vigorous protection by traditional Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) is necessary, but insufficient. Although the RPUs contribute to a great extent to the conservation and protection of the rhinos, the units cannot be everywhere at once. Engaging surrounding villages and plantations to the conservation effort is vital, as they represent the first line of defence against poachers and encroachment into a Reserve. Engaging these stakeholders improves both the efficiency and effectiveness of protection efforts.

Accordingly, since 2000, Tabin Wildlife Reserve’s RPUs have directly engaged villagers and oil palm plantation owners and employees in the effort to protect the rhinos through SOS Rhino’s Community Outreach Programme (COP). This programme helps to secure Tabin Reserve boundaries by developing incentives for local communities to become involved by raising awareness and establishment of alternate income sources. Rangers are recruited from the villages and SOS Rhino is building the foundations for eco-tourism in the Reserve. The RPUs are responsible for various aspects of the Volunteer Programme, which generates funds for both the COP and the villages around the Reserve. Without advertising, the Volunteer Programme has captured the support and participation of individuals and organisations around the world. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds. Zoo staff, for example, are able to gain valuable conservation experience and return home with a greater appreciation for the global conservation perspective. They can become more effective in promoting the sustainable conservation message to both visitors and donors to their zoos.

Support
The COP has reached maximum capacity, and RPU rangers and programme staff are challenged to accommodate and manage additional volunteers. SOS Rhino intends to begin widespread promotion of the program, but needs to maintain the quality of the experience by upgrading the facilities and improving volunteer coordination. With a Grant from the EAZA Rhino Campaign, SOS Rhino plans to create additional facilities to accommodate more volunteers and visitors to Tabin.

Specifically, the funds will pay for the construction of two more chalets for volunteer accommodation, bedding, mosquito nets, cooking and eating utensils and equipment, five water tanks, two generators, two boats and four 15HP boat engines.