This past February the seven operating Conservation Response Units (CRUs) in Aceh, Sumatra were notified that a restructuring of the forestry department would leave them without funds for up to six months. The change in governance to provincial forestry officials will take several months. This has left the mahouts in some areas without their basic needs being met. Unfortunately, as we all know, money matters can take an eternity within a bureaucracy.
Monitoring migration of wild elephants
When AES heard of the emergency situation we were able to provide funds within a 24 hour period after having received the news. Because we are a small, close-knit board of directors we were able to respond in the knick of time. Thankfully, due to our dedicated supporters, we had the funds available for the CRUs to continue their mission to mitigate human-elephant conflict around Way Kambas National Park. We couldn’t have done it without your support. So on behalf of the elephants and mahouts in the CRUs, we say thank you.