International Tiger Day Reflection
By Gordon Bell, Asian Tigers Group Chairman
As we celebrated International Tiger Day this week, I found myself reflecting on the amazing progress we at Asian Tigers Group have been able to achieve in the realm of wildlife conservation. We are steadfast in our commitment to protect the mighty wild tigers and their habitats throughout Asia. These magnificent creatures are not only behemoths of power and beauty but are also very essential in nature to keep the ecological balance intact. However, their survival has become increasingly threatened, which makes our efforts all the more important. Through continued dedication and productive partnerships, especially with WWF-Singapore since 2017, we have led numerous meaningful interventions toward addressing the disturbing decline in tiger populations.
One of the key conservation programs we have is the Tiger Action Fund, which was established in 2001. Over the years, this initiative has been instrumental in supporting the conservation of wild tigers. So far, the fund has raised more than $600,000 USD, a number still growing. These funds have been used to finance essential conservation activities, such as training and equipping rangers in Cambodia’s Eastern Plains Landscape, one of the most important protected areas in Southeast Asia. These rangers are vitally important in protecting wildlife through patrols across expansive and often difficult landscapes. Equipped with SMART technology, their ability to monitor wildlife, track illegal activities, and capture vital data has been greatly amplified. The impact of all these has empowered rangers to operate more precisely and effectively, turning in remarkable results.
The results of the work we are doing are evident in Cambodia. Rangers trained and supported through our initiatives have removed more than 1,200 snares, which are silent killers for many animals, including tigers. These indiscriminate traps set by poachers pose a serious threat not only to tigers but to the whole ecosystem as well. Our teams have also destroyed 13 illegal poaching and logging camps, thus disrupting operations that have upset the fragile balance of nature. These achievements are a testament to the power of targeted, well-resourced conservation strategies.
Beyond Cambodia, we’ve also been deeply involved in conservation initiatives across Asia. One program that excites us is the Citizen Action for Tigers (CAT Walks) initiative in Malaysia. Post-pandemic, this unique program has resumed, bringing with it renewed hope for the Malayan tiger, one of the most endangered tiger subspecies. CAT Walks are a model of conservation that can enable ordinary citizens to take direct action in saving tiger habitats. Volunteers join anti-poaching patrols, walking the forests to deter poaching and illegal logging. In so doing, it protects the tiger habitats and increases public awareness of the critical importance of conservation.
The success of the CAT Walks lies in creating ownership and responsibility amongst local communities, since people with a deeper interest in the environment will be automatically inclined towards greater involvement with its protection. This helps them foster a sustainable culture in order for the people to protect their wildlife as well. Demonstrating that it is not merely specialist work in conservation but a collective cause with the input of each part of human society is necessary.
The importance of saving tigers goes beyond their intrinsic value as a species. Tigers, as apex predators, play a very important role in maintaining the health and diversity of ecosystems. They regulate prey populations, which in turn affects vegetation growth and overall biodiversity. A healthy tiger population is often indicative of a healthy ecosystem. The loss of tigers, however, disrupts ecological balance, leading to cascading effects that can harm countless species, including humans.
At Asian Tigers Group, our concern for the environment is not an add-on in corporate operations but an integral part of our ethos. We realize that our business directly depends on healthy ecosystems, and we are deeply invested in preserving the environments in which we operate. This belief drives us to align our corporate strategies with sustainable practices and conservation goals.
While International Tiger Day provides a moment for the world to think about these magnificent creatures, we believe that conservation requires year-round dedication. Tigers are not just part of our heritage; they are vital to our future. Their survival is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. As such, we call upon leaders and organizations across industries to recognize the critical importance of biodiversity. The increased effort for conservation is urgent and overdue.
In SMART ranger training in Cambodia, in CAT Walks of Malaysia, the real tangible difference conservation programs can make was witnessed. These are just examples of what is achievable when businesses, conservation organizations, and communities all come together in pursuit of one objective. However, a lot remains to be done. Poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict continue to menace tiger populations. None of these challenges will be overcome with just financial resources but require innovation, collaboration, and an unshakeable resolve.
I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone at Asian Tigers Group and our partners who devote themselves to these vital efforts. Your passion and perseverance are the cornerstone of our success in conservation. From the rangers patrolling forests in Cambodia to the volunteers participating in CAT Walks in Malaysia, each contribution counts. We are all making a difference together to ensure that future generations can see wild tigers in their natural habitats and marvel at their beauty and power.
As we look to the future, our resolve remains undiminished. We pledge to continue the expansion of our conservation work, seek new ways of protecting tigers and their habitats, and inspire others to join with us in this mission. Only by continuing to lead in these efforts can we create a pathway to a sustainable future where wildlife and humans coexist in harmony.
Let this International Tiger Day remind us of the immediate actions that need to be done in order to save tigers, along with all life on Earth. Biodiversity is what keeps our planet healthy; preserving it is a task that each of us has a responsibility for. Here at Asian Tigers Group, we proudly contribute to the global efforts aimed at protecting our natural world. Let us continue to inspire and act so that wild tigers survive, and the health of the ecosystems of our planet is ensured for future generations.
