Written by Wild Asia on 4 Jun 2009 with 0 comments. Be the first!

Initiated in 2005, Seed Grants were are way for Wild Asia to share its profits to projects and initiatives in need. We have provided financial help to seven conservation projects. Their stories are inspirational: get to know the people behind the projects and the causes they work to preserve.

Be Inspired and Make a Difference!

Read on about some of the people and projects we have supported over the years through our Seed Grants programme.

Seed Grants (SG) is open to anyone and is not restricted to Malaysian nationals. We welcome proposals from anyone...including community support groups, NGOs and non-academics. Our grants are small, usually up to USD 1,000. Projects can be anywhere in Asia, and can be multi-media based or a field project. What you will have to demonstrate is how you will have an impact on the sustainability of natural resources.

For more information on how to apply click here.

2008

Osmose

Working with community development in Cambodia since 1999, Osmose, a recipient of Seed Grants 2008, utilized the grant in creating a waste management system in Peak Kantel Village. ERIC GUERIN writes an update.

Find out more.

Noah Jackson

A photographer and writer, Noah has been familiarized with the forest communities in Sabah and Sarawak through his initial project that involved documenting local ecological knowledge as part of a US Fullbright project.Through his lens, he uncovered stories and a series of images which he documented in a book titled, "A Dinner with Forest Friends." With the help of Seed Grants, Noah continues to work on producing two more books as well as manifesting documentation into action research.

Find out more.

2007

Helen Brunt

Helen Brunt was the project officer awarded a Wild Asia Seed Grant for her work the Sea Gypsy communities in East Malaysia. Located in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Sabah, this outreach programme will facilitate a two-way communication between the Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsy) community and the park management to promote better understanding of the needs of each group. One of several aims is to end destructive practices such as fish blasting by increasing awareness among the Bajau Laut of conservation issues, park rules and alternative livelihoods.

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2006

Jaime Castillo Garcia

Researcher Jaime Castillo Garcia was awarded a Wild Asia Seed Grant for his work with the slow loris. The slow loris' nocturnal lifestyle means that little research has been done on this small creature. This project studies the behavioral ecology of the slow loris and aims to provide valuable data which can be used in developing effective conservation measures.

Regen Jamieson

Regen Jamieson was awarded a Wild Asia Seed Grant for her project on wild Asian elephants. Her project aims to monitor the post-release movements of crop-raiding elephants as they are translocated from areas of conflict to Taman Negara using GPS satellite collars. The results aim to provide data on a flagship endangered species, and increase the capacity of local wildlife managers.

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2005

Jaringan Ekowisata Desa (JED)

In 2005, Wild Asia awarded Seed Grants to the Jaringan Ekowisata Desa (JED), or Village Ecotourism Network. This cooperative involving four villages in Bali organizes and runs trips for tourists to learn about village life and the environment from a local perspective. They also aim to supplement village livelihoods, support environmental education and strengthen pride in customs and traditions. With funds from Seed Grants fund, among other monies sourced, JED was able to launch its website, print brochures and embark on building relationships with hotels to promote its excursions.

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Edutree Services

Edutree Services received a Seed Grant from Wild Asia in 2005 for the communities of the Klias Peninsula in Sabah, who are developing interpretive trails and accompanying guidebooks. The Seed Grant was used to buy the books and field guides needed to enhance the villagers own knowledge in relation to the interpretive trail. They can then create brochures and guide books that relate to their area and be tourist guides for the trail.