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JAAN and the Fight for Animal Rights
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Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) cofounder Femke den Haas. (@America/-)
R
aising awareness about environmental issues is a step in the right direction for a better future, but many tend to overlook one particular issue: defaunation.
Referring to the drastic decrease of wildlife found in the natural environment, defaunation causes imbalances in the natural food chain. It is also the main cause of extinction of several animal species, such as the Javanese tiger in Indonesia.
One of the few organizations working to address defaunation in Indonesia is the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN).
JAAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and rescuing wild animals from trade, smuggling and exploitation. Founded in 2002, JAAN works with various Indonesian government ministries as well as rescue centers across the archipelago.
JAAN cofounder Femke den Haas said the organization’s goal was more than just preventing defaunation, but also about respecting animal rights.
“I think it’s important to realize that we live on one Earth, and we have to protect each other in order to survive together,” Femke said recently after a presentation at the American cultural center @America in Jakarta.
“Every species and individual counts, they are born with their birthright to live in freedom, and they have a function on this Earth.”
