Orangutan Foundation
In a world where doing something once makes it tradition, and doing it twice means it's never been different, the Discworld Convention has supported the Orangutan Foundation since the very beginning.
Our very beginning, that is, for the Orangutan Foundation has been around since 1990 and we came to being in 1996. Their mission is the protection and conservation of the orangutan and, as no ape is an island, of the orangutan's habitat, the tropical forests of Borneo and Sumatra.
"Protecting orangutans" means much more than, well, simply protecting orangutans. It means protecting and conserving the biodiversity of their home forests, it means ensuring forests aren't chopped up and subdivided by logging, oil-palm plantations, and mining. It means setting up release sites for rehabilitated orangutans.
It means research, and supporting research, into the current distribution of orangutans, the state of their habitat, and the best conservation strategies for the different biotopes.
It means education, engaging with the local population, making the conservation of the orangutan in their best interest, promoting sustainable farming. It means raising awareness, locally and overseas, and teaching people about the orangutan and their plight.
With the Librarian, Terry Pratchett has created a very evocative Discworld orangutan, with his own special strategy for survival. On Roundworld, Terry is a Trustee of the Orangutan Foundation, and a wholehearted supporter of their work.
The Discworld Convention is proud to do its bit, through money raised at the Charity Auction, donations, and other fundraising activities. In 2010, thanks to our generous members, the Discworld Convention (in its official guise of Star Turtle Ltd.) was able to donate well over £8,000.
In 2012…? Well, all we can say is give generously!
