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COMMENTARY: A Conservation Health Program in Indonesian Borneo: Lessons Learned

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2008

Lorraine B. Shamalla-Hannah ,
Sonja M. Likumahuwa  and
Robbie Ali
Lorraine B. Shamalla-Hannah
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sonja M. Likumahuwa
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Robbie Ali*
Affiliation:
Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
*
Address correspondence to: Robbie Ali, Director, Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, A226A Crabtree Hall, 130 DeSoto St., Pittsburgh, PA 15261; (e-mail)rali@pitt.edu
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Abstract

This commentary provides a synopsis and evaluation of the Kelay Conservation Health Program (KCHP) and “lessons learned” through the program that may be applicable to other conservation projects. The KCHP is an example of a collaboration of multiple stakeholders (university, non-governmental organization, and local government) that uses medicine in the service of conservation. The program site in Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) is noted for its exceptionally high biodiversity value, with a human population whose health and well-being are deeply linked to the rainforest ecosystem. The KCHP has a dual agenda: (1) to improve health for local people, and (2) to allow more effective conservation of critical rainforest habitat. As such, it is a unique example of a conservation agency collaborating with a government health department to improve health and healthcare for people living in a conservation target area. A comprehensive evaluation indicated that the program has had significant positive impacts on both health and conservation in the area it serves, at a total cost of about $62,500 (USD). The KCHP has allowed an international conservation organization to further its orangutan conservation goals while addressing human needs in the conservation area.

Environmental Practice 10:20–28 (2008)

Type
FEATURES
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 10 , Issue 1 , March 2008 , pp. 20 - 28
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 2008

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