ProFauna’s Parrot Campaign Progress: Engaging Local and Religious Leaders

(ProFauna Indonesia, 31st March 2009) In their latest report, "PIRATED PARROTS" , launched in May 2008, the Indonesian wildlife protection NGO ProFauna Indonesia, revealed the evidence on the smuggling of wild caught parrots in Sulawesi and North Halmahera in Indonesia to Philippines during their investigation. About 10,000 parrots including white Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), chattering Lory (Lorius garrulus), Eclectus Roratus (Eclectus roratus), and violet-necked Lory (Eos squamata) were smuggled to supply both domestic and international markets.

To tackle this trade, ProFauna has urged the government to enforce the law and held workshops to reinforce their awareness. Last 16th to 26th March 2009, ProFauna has visited Halmahera and Maluku Islands to meet the Sultan of Ternate (the Capital City of North Maluku), Head of Indonesian Moslem Scholars Forum (MUI) of North Maluku, and Head of North Maluku Churches Forum, as well as to carry out school visits in Ternate and Halmahera. All leaders welcomed ProFauna and were ready to support the organization to spread the information to their people and followers about parrot protection and conservation in their region.

ProFauna beleives it is important to involve any part of Maluku and Halmahera people because parrots are endemic to the regions and become natural treasures as well as indicate the sustainability of the nature there. In the area where religious conflicts once happened between 1999 and 2000, ProFauna reached the religious leaders to better deliver the message to the followers so they can understand better. Similarly, approaching the Sultanate of Ternate is chosen by ProFauna because in addition to the regional government, the people also consider the Sultan as their honorable King they can have faith in. His fatwa is very effective to rule over the people. Not only is the Sultan powerful towards the people, but he can also influence the government to produce official regulation. The good news is that ProFauna and the Sultan is in communication to produce one fatwa to protect parrots in the regions and forward it to the regional government.

Like the old expression that there are many ways to Rome, ProFauna also does many ways and involves many parts of the country to protect and save parrots and other wild animals in Indonesia.

© 2003 - ProFauna Indonesia

ProFauna Indonesia is an Indonesian society for the protection of
wild animals and their habitats