Animal Rescue Training In Disaster Hotspot

Animal Rescue Training In Disaster Hotspot

(9 December, Malang, Indonesia) A first of its kind training workshop on rescuing animals affected by disasters conducted by IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) opens today in Malang, Indonesia.

During the five day workshop participants, including vets, students, university, NGO and government representatives from across Indonesia and the Philippines, will undergo rigorous training including practical exercises on how to rescue animals from disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Indonesia is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It also has an extraordinary biodiversity including many unique and endangered species of birds and mammals. Throughout Indonesia, animals are important for food, culture, transport and recreation.

Indonesia is also a natural disaster hotspot – coming fourth in the top ten around the globe and so the need to be prepared is essential.

“IFAW works to get people on the ground helping animals immediately following disasters. We get to save animals and help local communities. Rescuing, feeding and inoculating pets and livestock helps people get back on their feet and also helps to stop the spread of disease,” said Tania Duratovic, IFAW Asia Pacific’s Emergency Relief Responder.

The Australian and Indonesian governments recently announced the establishment of a joint disaster relief coordination centre in Indonesia highlighting the need for the region to plan for disasters and to help recovery.

“When disaster strikes it is often the animals that get left behind,” said Ms Duratovic. “IFAW’s animal rescue training will help Indonesians to be better prepared for future disasters. We are pleased to be able to provide training in the practical skills needed to alleviate suffering and save animals lives,” Ms Duratovic said.

The training program is being conducted by internationally renowned emergency response expert Dr. Dick Green. Dr. Green has responded to over 100 disasters and was involved in efforts at hurricane Katrina, the 2008 earthquake in China, as well as disasters in South East Asia, including the tsunami in 2005. Dick is currently the Emergency Response Manager for Disasters for IFAW, based in the United States, and has travelled to Indonesia especially to share his expertise and provide this essential training.

IFAW’s emergency relief teams are internationally recognised as leaders in directing disaster operations. When disasters strike IFAW has teams on the ground carrying out search and rescue, vaccination and feeding programs.

ENDS

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