SAVING WILDLIFE STARTS WITH PEOPLE

ZSL is working with local communities in Nepal to help build sustainable futures – and protect the wildlife around them

The idea of people and animals living side by side is idyllic. You might imagine luscious forests with elephants munching on leaves as people walk past going about their business. But, in reality, life in the borderlands can be tough. In Nepal, communities living on the edge of national parks are doing just that: living on the edge – when a herd of elephants tramples precious crops or a tiger attacks livestock, families lose the little they have.

Poverty and unemployment force many people into the forests, risking their lives to gather firewood and graze cattle. In doing so, they damage the fragile habitats around them, and the relationship between people and animals is now being pushed to breaking point, with ecosystems left hanging in the balance.

It’s not the peaceful oasis you imagine but, with a helping hand, things can change. Families are ready to lift themselves out of poverty, build better lives, and cherish the forests they love.

CHANGE FOR GOOD

International conservation charity ZSL is working with communities to set up sustainable ways to make a living. By starting up dairies, tailor shops, beauty salons, guesthouses and eco-tours, people are no longer forced to rely on the forest’s resources, giving it space to regrow. And when the forest flourishes, local wildlife like elephants, rhinos and tigers return, helping the ecosystems to thrive.

What’s more, with starter loans, skill training and new fencing to protect cattle and crops, these communities are empowered to build better futures both for themselves and for the wildlife around them.

Your donations will help wildlife through science, education and conservation whilst matched funding from the UK government will help communities in Nepal and Kenya to build sustainable livelihoods, escape poverty and protect their wildlife.

FAMILIES ARE READY TO LIFT THEMSELVES OUT OF POVERTY, BUILD BETTER LIVES, AND CHERISH THE FORESTS THEY LOVE

With your support ZSL can help even more people create independent livelihoods and protect wildlife in Nepal – and extend this work to Kenya. Give before 31 December 2019 and the UK government will match every pound donated, up to £2million, doubling the difference you can make to people and endangered animals.