YOUR COMMENTS
LETTERS
from across the NGO.
Hearing the stories of your
researchers, scientists, policy
workers, communicators and
facilitators would not only
help us to get a better idea
of which paths to take, but
would no doubt also inspire
us to stay on the track and
keep fighting to give our
planet the better future it
deserves.
Jessica Hobson
Dear Jessica,
I think it’s fantastic that you
and your peers have the
passion for the natural world
that is much needed in the
up and coming generations;
I too was inspired to turn my
attention to protecting the
planet after learning of the
incredible diversity of life and
the “sixth mass extinction”
during my Zoology degree
— and yes, it did require hard
graft and volunteering. But I
think it’s wrong, ethically —
perhaps fundamentally, that
it’s tough to get the foot in
the door of the conservation
sector, when it can be much
easier to get better-paid jobs
that may be more damaging
to the environment. The
“real world” you mention is
not geared to conservation:
imagine if NGOs did not
even need to exist because
the environment was
properly built into the
systems that oversee our
society. What message does
it give the world that young
people can be discouraged
from pursuing a wholesome
career that is for the benefit
of all life?
We’re thoroughly grateful for
any help we get. One thing
you’ve correctly realised
is that conservation is not
only a science, but a multi-
disciplinary sector, and
personally I became drawn
to communications to help
push nature more into the
mainstream. So we welcome
people from all arenas, and
we need more funds so that
young people don’t have
to sleep on sofas to start
working in conservation. But,
as the recent investigation
by Jeremy Hance on
Mongabay.com showed:
“the field of conservation
may be haemorrhaging
passionate, qualified, and
innovative young people.”
And so yes, we must do
more to inspire people to
become conservationists,
whether at home, through
financial support, or
professionally, especially in
regions of high biodiversity.
It’s all about people: so
thank you for your letter, we
plan to feature “conservation
heroes” from around the
BirdLife Partnership in future
issues. They’ve got some
great stories to tell.
(Also, check out
conservation-careers.com,
it’s a fantastic resource; and
come and visit, we’d
love to meet you.)
Shaun Hurrell,
Communications
ERRATUM
In the article “Gorilla Crossing” in the
previous issue (The Magazine, The Sex
Issue, pages 54-55) on the project to
build a road through sensitive forest
areas in Nigeria, it was erroneously
stated that the rainforest is saved
as the path of the superhighway
was changed to a less damaging
alternative. Unfortunately, these
statements are incorrect. The Federal
Ministry of Environment has recently
granted a provisional approval of
the latest, fourth version of the
Environmental Impact Assessment of
the original road proposal subject to
23 conditions that will have to be met
by the Cross River State Government.
The Nigerian Conservation
Foundation, the BirdLife Partner in
Nigeria, and other NGOs are closely
following the developments as the
threat still stands on the largest
rainforest ecosystem in Nigeria.
WHAT IS THE BEST BIRD YOU’VE SEEN... AND WHY?
From facebook
• Sri Lankan Frogmouth — a long trudge
through leach infested rainforest but well
worth it to find this exquisitely camou-
flaged bird on its nest.
Simon Tull • Hoopoe. When I saw one for the first time
when I was living in Morocco, it really lifted
my spirits. I saw it regularly after that and
they always gave me hope (!).
Carly Edwards
• I love a Long-tailed Tit; they’re always hav-
ing a party.
Josie Preece • Right now, probably Hoatzin, because
they’re such ridiculous, unique birds. They’re
essentially dinosaurs. They’re so unique.
Erika May
• I decided to hide, climbing a tree... A hum-
mingbird came and hovered... for about
30 seconds. His wings moved so fast it
was like his tiny body was wingless, float-
ing. Not a sound... right next to my face. I
was a kid, felt incredibly grateful to nature
for existing. Still feel that way.
Malundra CR
• Long-eared Owl. In an olive grove. At dusk.
Seeing it suddenly fly over me to check me
out (like a true predator) took me by sur-
prise and filled me with awe. I felt w