Disney Conservation Fund and World Hope are working together to protect the magic of nature for future generations to enjoy.
Together with the Disney Conservation Fund, we are committed to saving wildlife, including endangered gibbons.
Disney Conservation Fund Helps World Hope International Support People, Southern Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbons, and the Habitats They Need to Thrive.
We are excited to announce that World Hope is a Disney Conservation Fund grant recipient, selected for our work to save wildlife, protect habitats and inspire community conservation action in Cambodia…
WASHINGTON D.C. (SEPTEMBER 25, 2020) — World Hope International has been awarded a grant by the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) for work supporting the indigenous Bunong people in both sustainable development and conservation goals through Jahoo, an ecotourism and research center in Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia. During its 25th anniversary year, the Disney Conservation Fund is proud to continue providing critical support to community-led conservation efforts globally. The fund has been supporting local efforts around the world aimed at saving wildlife, inspiring action and protecting the planet with more than $100 million distributed to nonprofit organizations since 1995.
At Jahoo, WHI works with the Bunong to protect the many endangered or threatened species from poaching and the forest against illegal logging, which endangers both the wildlife and the future of the community. On a recent trek through the forest, the Jahoo team came across illegal loggers on indigenous land and contacted the community leaders, who rapidly responded to put a stop to it with the aid of rangers. The ancient trees in the region are owned by the Bunong, who have used them sustainably for centuries – and their tall canopy and fruit are a favorite of the endangered Southern Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbons, for whom the region is not only the best place on earth in which to spot them, but also their final refuge… Keep reading
“In Cambodia, the economic impacts of COVID-19 have resulted in reduced ecotourism and increased threats to endangered gibbons. Support from the Disney Conservation Fund will be critical in improving community attitudes and increasing conservation action for gibbon conservation.”
Kyle Winney
Conservation Specialist, World Hope International
“This is really terrific news – we thank Disney for this award that strengthens our work in both conservation and community development, and for Disney’s recognition that conservation and community development efforts can and should go hand-in-hand. Real conservation can only happen when communities are engaged.”
John Lyon
Former President & CEO, World Hope International
DCF grant recipients are selected based on their efforts to implement comprehensive community wildlife conservation programs, stabilize and increase populations of at-risk animals and engage communities in conservation in critical ecosystems around the world.
For information on Disney’s commitment to conserve nature and a complete list of grant recipients, visit www.disney.com/conservation.
For more information about World Hope’s work at Jahoo among the Bunong, visit worldhope.org/jahoo.
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For media queries, please contact:
Heather Hill
WHI Director, Communications & Marketing
