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Project Hiu – growing roots

Growing Roots: Project Hiu It can be hard to size people up in the conservation world these days. When I get involved I need ALL my questions answered. Are you in this for the right reasons? Where does the money go? Who are you when your Instagram followers aren’t looking? I knew in order to trust Pip’s work with Project Hiu, I would have to see it for myself. Project Hiu works with shark fisherman, children and local community members of Lombok Indonesia on Fisherman Island. Lead by Madison Stewart aka ‘pip’, she brings awareness and sustainable job opportunities focused on the beauty and intrigue of sharks living in their ocean rather than slaughtered on their docks. In just a year, Pip is developing roots among the people living on Fisherman Island. She has gained their trust by showing them how to use their boats and knowledge of the surrounding marine life to generate an income to support their families that doesn’t involve weeks are sea or the treacherous conditions that come with fishing sharks. She knows change is hard, so her approach is thoughtful and comprehensive. Her approach is respectful of the culture and shares her expertise in shark populations to help fisherman understand their livelihood is at stake. Killing sharks to satiate the wealthy appetite of shark fins has spiralled their existence to dismal numbers. Pip shows the people, the value in making a living from the sharks swimming free in their natural environment. Her approach is brilliant, she doesn’t just work with the fisherman, but with the children and women living within the community as well,... read more