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Raleigh 09K Phase 3 and End of Expedition:

Having previously completed the trek and community phases, the final three weeks of my Raleigh 09K expedition was spent working with the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center (BSBCC) preparing the perimeter of the new enclosure before the bears are released in March. Located near the popular Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, the BSBCC will house up to 20 bears, teaching them the necessary skills needed to survive before releasing them back into the wild.

Sun bears are the world's smallest bear species and spend most of their solitary life in the high trees of the rainforest. As more and more primary jungle is being cultivated to meet the strong demand for palm oil and rosewood, the home of the sun bear is fast diminishing. To make matters worse, illegal pet trade has left many cubs orphaned and living in small cages with no access to the rainforest.

As well as providing a center for rescued bears to be rehabilitated before being released back into the wild, the BSBCC also aims to raise awareness of this unique and threatened animal. Over a period of three weeks, our team (Alpha 4) worked on the external and internal fences of the center, driving 3ft iron rods into the ground to prevent the bears digging under the perimeter and escaping. I personally felt that this was the most rewarding project as it is such a great cause, making the often repetitive work meaningful and spurring the group on to complete the challenging milestones set.

Now that phase three has finished, Raleigh expedition 09K has come to an end meaning the next adventure to New Zealand begins. In one month I will return to Sabah, Borneo, for the 10A expedition as a Project Manager, employing all the new skills I have picked up over the past ten weeks to empower individuals who step up as day leaders – hopefully they won't mind getting very muddy...
 

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Ali - sounds like you're having an incredible time and doing such valuable work. These blogs are making it real for me what Raleigh is all about - definitely helping to spur us on with the fundraising effort! Good luck with your Project Manager role, and perhaps see you in Borneo? # Posted By Dan | 12/28/09 3:05 AM