Marissa Haque: Ambassador for Rhino Conservation (Rhinoceros sondaicus

Marisa Haque with the Ujung Kulon staff, sharing the information about rhino conservation

21 Juni 2006

What is the relation between Marisa Haque and endangered Java Rhino? The question also pop up in the head of visitors of Supermall Karawaci, Tangerang, Banten. This curiosity finnaly answered in interactive discussion session “Fun Talk with WWF and Marisa Haque about Java Rhino Conservation” participated by 200 participants. This activity held by WWF-Indonesia with Supermall Karawaci last April 16th 2006.

Besides being member of DPR Commission IV, responsible for environmental issues, Marissa Haque, a celebrity and film producer who is very concerned for Java Rhino conservation manifest her concern as Ambassador for Java Rhino, that is now only 50-60 rhinos. .

As ambassador, Marissa also involved in communicating the information about the importance of Rhino conservation, she even involved directly in making documentary film about Java rhino which now still in progress. Marissa always relates many social economy issues with rhino conservation because those are inseparable. “I will help to find export market for rhino statuettes made by local community” said Marissa. .

Fun Discussion in food court area not only discussed about Java Rhino, but laso many aspects related that can’t be ignored to assure it’s conservation, starting from small-medium business to woman power issue. WWF-Ujung Kulon team shared story about action done to preserve Java Rhino in the middle of forest restriction violation situation and illegal logging currently happen surround Ujung Kulon National Park. .

Iwan 'Podol', WWF-Indonesia researcher in Ujungkulon discuss condition of the animal that restricted for hunting in 1990s. Daily experience on field when implementing conservation and protection action for Java Rhino, fluently told by Pak Uus, member of Rhino Patrol Unit from Balai Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon. Meanwhile Bapak Warca, head of Koperasi Kagum and Pak Komar from Community representative Ujung Kulon told how community economy program through handcraft creation, especially rhino statue, eco-tourism, and credit union allowance surround National Park positively influence the whole environment. .

Another activity held is demonstration the making of rhino statuettes, rhino T-shirt, traps camera photo exhibition and certainly door prize. Ask & Question session between keynote speaker and participants flow very well, it seems besides the excellence of moderator in triggering participant interest, community start to realize the importance of being involved in environmental conservation action. Hopefully, in the future, not only Marissa Haque who is willing to be ambassador, but there will be other ambassadors with their persistence and determination to conserve environment...

Sumber: www.wwf.or.id