CHAIR'S MESSAGE
Hello everyone,
100 days is a headline at the moment as the new UK Government is being held to account as it passes this milestone. I find myself in the same position as the Chair of this great Chamber and only hope that I do not elicit the same degree of vitriol for my performance thus far. Once you read this, please, as our valued membership, do not hesitate to let me know!
Within in a week of my appointment I took a few weeks off to celebrate a birthday, spend time with my family and friends As mentioned in my first letter to the Chamber, I got to see my son represent Hong Kong in Scotland It occurred to me that as the boys battled hard, showing huge determination, there were lessons for Hong Kong as a whole in their efforts - a sense of purpose, single mindedness and “never give up” attitude to what at times felt like insurmountable odds!
So, in the last 100 days I have been invited to attend, meet and speak at more events than I can count. These have been with senior government ministers, the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, the China Liaison Office, business leaders; I have been able to speak at events such as “ReThink HK 2024”, the London Doorknock and the BritCham Hong Kong Summit: Innovate-Thrive My overwhelming sense has been of a desire to bring the best of Hong Kong “together” to move the city forward, an alignment not seen so focused in my time here
The Government have given generously of their time to meet and discuss the business world’s concern Our policy submission was often mentioned in subsequent meetings and was reflected on, as you will see in the upcoming webinar. The Government meetings were candid and constructive, with ongoing efforts including the all important branding of our city.
The Summit, according to all, was a success. The team outdid themselves. The Government representation, the speakers and the audience felt the event was “on point” and we hope that it provided everyone with food for thought Please do let us know if you have any ideas on how to improve it The format: one day, a mid-morning start and social finish was well received We are already looking to a 2025 program
Paul McComb, Paul McSheaffrey our Vice Chair, along with colleagues from Standard Chartered, HSBC, PwC, WPP, and myself left for London the night of the Summit for a series of meetings with the new Government and the Chinese ambassador, as well as holding a couple of business forums. Paul McComb comments in this edition on the visit My enduring impression is how prepared everyone was to listen to us The quality of all the meetings and results will be seen this coming year
I meet many members, look to committees and attend a whirlwind of events The access the Chamber secures surprises me; the speakers at our events always impress; and creativity continues to build We will continue to improve the offering, work hard on as modern, forward-looking chamber and continue to find ways to create more value for you, our members
All the very best,
Jeremy Sheldon, FRICS Chair
The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
The BritCham Hong Kong Summit is one of the largest and most important events for the international business community in Hong Kong, bringing together senior leaders and leading experts from all sectors.
Taking place on 24 September 2024, a diverse range of Government officials, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers explored how technology and innovation play a critical role in shaping a successful future for Hong Kong. The Summit covered practical strategies surrounding FinTech and digital banking to maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a global financial hub, sustainable developments in real estate, and innovations in emerging sectors including HealthTech and biotechnology The Summit also highlighted cross-border collaboration and growing opportunities in innovation and new technology in the Greater Bay Area
V I S I T T O L O N D O N
The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has successfully concluded its annual UK Doorknock visit to London. The ‘Doorknock’ is a pivotal visit aimed at strengthening business ties between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom and involves high-level meetings and strategic discussions with key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in London
Building Bridges for Future Growth
Fresh from the Chamber’s Annual Summit: Innovate-Thrive, the delegation arrived in the UK, meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, and his team This meeting provided a valuable platform to deepen understanding of UK-China relations and explore areas for mutual economic growth Ambassador Zheng reaffirmed China’s commitment to ‘one country, two systems’ and the opening up of the mainland market to drive prosperity for its people Chamber Chair, Jeremy Sheldon, emphasized the Chamber's forward-looking approach and its commitment to contributing positively to the growth agendas of the UK, China, and Hong Kong, particularly through the Chamber Policy Address Submission.
Engaging with the New UK Government
The Chamber is grateful to Mr Brian Davidson CMG, British Consul General to Hong Kong and his team for facilitating meetings with Ministers and Senior Officials from the new UK Government. Discussions with Minister Gareth Thomas MP, Permanent Secretary Mr Gareth Davies CB from the Department for Business and Trade, and Minister Catherine West MP from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office highlighted the UK Government’s sharp focus on growth The Chamber delegation shared key economic indicators and underscored new business opportunities in Hong Kong and China, while also celebrating the strong historical connections between UK and Hong Kong professions, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, the Institute of Civil Engineers, and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The Chamber welcomed the opportunity to input to the UK Government’s policy development for the region and looked forward to carrying on the conversation when UK Ministers and officials visit Hong Kong in the near future.
Driving Collaboration in Key Sectors
The Chamber organised several impactful events during the UK Doorknock. HSBC hosted a roundtable with City of London Sheriff, Alderman Bronek Masojoda, focusing on collaboration in insurance market development and addressing challenges in both the UK and Hong Kong As Hong Kong aims to become an international insurance hub, industry reforms and advocacy are essential, and the UK’s expertise offers valuable insights, particularly in human resource development
A second event centered on UK-HK Innovation Collaboration was generously supported by the ICAEW at the Chartered Accountants Hall in the City of London Esteemed speakers and panelists, including Russ Shaw CBE from Global Tech Advocates, Irene Graham OBE from the ScaleUp Institute, Eric Or from Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Mark Billington from ICAEW, Eric Chan from Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Richard Lowe from Tech West England Advocates and Mark Hedley from InvestHK, discussed how Hong Kong and the UK are driving technological advancements. The speakers addressed the major challenges faced by startups and tech companies and explored opportunities for collaboration.
Strengthening Bonds Over Shared Experiences
The highlight of the visit was the Annual Hong Kong Dinner at the new Peninsula Hotel in Mayfair, hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council with guest of honour, Financial Secretary Mr Paul Chan. This was followed later in the week by a delightful lunch at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, hosted by the Hong Kong Association, featuring speeches from Financial Secretary Mr Paul Chan and Association Chair Adrian Cartwright The delegation held in-depth market briefing sessions with Shevaun Haviland and her team at the British Chamber of Commerce Headquarters and, separately, with members of the Hong Kong Association, kindly hosted by Clifford Chance
Conclusion
In summary, the UK Doorknock visit was a resounding success, well-supported by delegates and hosts, and marked by productive engagements that promise to strengthen the economic relationship between Hong Kong and the UK. The Chamber remains committed to driving forward-looking initiatives and fostering international collaboration for mutual growth. Watch this space…
CHAMBER POLICY WORK
MARCH 2024 - OCTOBER 2024
The Chamber works closely with business organisations and government bodies to create valuable business opportunities on behalf of our members Our mission is to enhance Hong Kong’s global prominence as an international business centre To this end, our committees drive and inform our policy positions as well as the policy work we undertake as a Chamber.
Every summer we release our annual Policy Address Submission, outlining critical policy recommendations for the Chief Executive and their administration. Additionally, on behalf of our wider membership, the Chamber submits yearly pre-budget recommendations to the Financial Secretary
As part of our policy work, we also regularly write and publish responses to consultation papers, whitepapers, and letters to the government
This is a collective effort by all our members and underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting business in Hong Kong We remain committed to working with our members, and through our diverse and well-connected community, furthering their business interests in Hong Kong thereby promoting Hong Kong as a place to live and do business
ByLizFisher,Journalist
Finance evolution: thriving in the AI era
How will the role of finance functions – and professional accountants generally – change as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the workplace? It is the most pressing (and often worrying) question that the profession has faced
ACCA has released a new report, in collaboration with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and with input from experts at PwC, providing a refreshingly dispassionate yet in-depth analysis of the challenges ahead The report outlines the steps that organisations and individuals can take to prepare effectively.
Trust and pre-emptive advice are at the centre of this new vision of the finance function.
The report, Finance evolution: thriving in the next decade does not hold back on the urgent need for action but stresses that accountants and finance functions have everything to gain from the AI revolution. Looking back and traditional forecasting is no longer enough. A failure to transform will see the finance function marginalised within the next five years.
But, the finance team could be essential in this new world if they stand as a beacon of trust in the information and analysis across their internal and external stakeholder communities Trust and pre-emptive advice are at the centre of this new vision of the finance function
All-pervasive
The report, which draws on contributions from more than 150 finance leaders worldwide and 2,300 respondents to a survey, discusses the key trends that will impact the world this decade, including the rise of AI and machine learning in every aspect of our lives
It goes on to look in detail at the specific drivers of change for the finance function – the macro trends affecting all organisations as well as the transformational trends that are more specific to each organisation
Drivers for change
The goal is an autonomous function that focuses on upcoming risks rather than the past.
The report argues that these changes make the continuing relevance of the finance function dependent on its ability to add value: 77% of respondents to the survey said they were already significantly or moderately including value-based concepts in developing the strategy for their finance function But the ultimate goal for the future should be autonomy – a pre-emptive, autonomous finance function that focuses on advising on responses to potential upcoming risks, rather than reporting on the past
This function uses AI to predict trends and analyse risks before they crystallise, ensuring the function adds value and remains at the strategic heart of the organisation As one Malaysia-based CFO says, ‘the autonomous finance function is a dream for every CFO’.
A Canada-based CFO says in the report that as organisations have become more reliant on data, so the finance team has taken on more responsibility beyond pure finance.
‘No matter what issue comes up, the buck stops at finance. Sales does not get involved. Commercial does not get involved. Finance is seen as the problem-solving entity within the business. And we are expected to be.’
Opportunities for the financial function
Key competencies
So what do organisations and finance professionals need to do to be ready for the future? The report describes six ‘domains’ – a series of competencies – the finance function needs to develop to reach the goal of autonomy
Transitioning from a responsive finance function to one that focuses on pre-emptive action, however, will require strategic skill and considerable investment in both skills and technology
The domains of the financial function
Time to strategise
The final section of the report looks at actions that can be taken to adapt the strategy of the finance function and develop the new skills and jobs that will be needed.
Two-thirds of participants surveyed said their own function already had in place a full or partial strategy for the next three to five years, which is encouraging. The report sets out clearly the scale of the transformational task and investment needed.
For finance functions that adapt, the future is bright
Some participants talked positively of individuals with a background in different areas – such as engineering –who later qualify with ACCA as bringing a valuable perspective The report suggests that bringing in complementary skills to help address new requirements could be the secret of success in the future
While the report stresses there will always be a need for finance, the future relevance of the finance function is at stake here ‘A successful function will embrace new, agile skillsets, career paths and capabilities to ensure it fulfils the broader role required of it by its stakeholders and continuously reinvents itself,’ says the report
For finance functions and finance professionals that adapt, the future is not only bright, but pre-emptive and autonomous.
Disclaimer: This article was first published in the September 2024 issue of ACCA's Accounting and Business, and has been modified for the readers of BritCham Hong Kong.
Three days of future-focused learning to embrace disruption
Disruptive technologies, the drive for sustainability and a demand for changing skills are transforming the world.
Join thousands of fellow ACCA members at Accounting for the Future 2024 on 26-28 November to gain the insights, resources and connections you need to lead your organisation through change.
The future is here – don’t get left behind. Secure your free spot to discover the critical trends shaping the business environment. Register now for free at: https://vshow on24 com/vshow/AFF2024/registration/18570? partnerref=britchamhk
About ACCA
We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.
Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we’ve long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries.
ACCA now has over 29,000 members and 125,000 future members in China, with representative offices and contact points in 11 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Shenyang, Qingdao, Wuhan, Changsha, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.
Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies.
Guided by our purpose and values, our vision is to develop the accountancy profession the world needs. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we’re strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all.
Find out more at accaglobal.com/hk or follow ACCA Hong Kong on social media: www.facebook.com/ACCA.HongKong www.instagram.com/acca_hk www.linkedin.com/showcase/acca-hong-kong WeChat ID: ACCA_China
Generational wealth is something which many families are starting to consider. In its simplest form, generational wealth involves passing assets down through the family in an optimal way. With more homeowners, rising property prices and stock market performances, a growing number of families are planning how to transfer their growing wealth to younger generations. But if you are keen to leave a financial legacy, how is it best to begin to build wealth for the benefit of future generations?
What is generational wealth?
Generational wealth refers to any assets which move from one generation to another – usually from parents to children or grandchildren. Generational wealth can include property, money or investments, and also encompasses more intangible items such as good financial literacy It’s now much more common for people to want their hard-earned wealth to be protected and passed down, and many are keen to leave a generous estate to their beneficiaries.
The importance of generational wealth
Providing a financial legacy can create an enviable situation for your children – the opportunity for financial security. This may mean they have more options available to them such as owning property, setting up their own business venture or travelling The concept of financial freedom can become a very tangible reality when generational wealth is a factor
The challenges of building generational wealth
Many people assume that to build wealth it’s vital to have the markets and the economy on your side But one of the key challenges is much simpler – and is the result of a lack of communication.
It’s well documented that generational wealth can be unstable, and easily lost within three generations For example, imagine working hard, saving and investing regularly and building wealth to pass on. The next generation then enjoy that wealth, relying on it to maintain a particular lifestyle and appreciating the work that’s gone into creating it But the third generation have little understanding of that initial focus on saving
and investing and have an expectation that their financial position is protected As a result, any wealth is eroded due to a lack of forethought to protect and build on what was originally created.
This reticence to talk about money, coupled with a lack of financial literacy, can throw generational wealth off course all too easily Therefore, it’s vital to have a financial plan, communicate it well to your family to ensure they understand your aims and ambitions, and help everyone stick to it
Thankfully there are some useful, and fairly simple solutions, that can help resolve these challenges. Setting up a trust, in which you, your children and grandchildren can be involved, will help protect family wealth by creating the right structure for your assets It’s no surprise that having an up-to-date Will in place is vital too – ensuring that the people who you want to inherit these assets will actually do so, and in a tax-efficient way.
Finding a good strategy to help build and maintain generational wealth is the key. To do so, it’s important to build good habits and teach powerful lessons about the value of money to younger generations
Investing in children’s education
As well as ensuring your child has a strong academic education, don’t forget to teach them financial literacy too so that they can become financially astute and independent as they grow up Having open conversations about money and teaching children the basics about saving and investing can stand them in good stead for the future, and ensure they properly appreciate wealth when it reaches them.
The stock market
Investing in the stock market offers the opportunity to build wealth and protect your money from inflation Investing is a long-term strategy, and over time can prove very effective. Getting started can be intimidating, but working with a good financial planner can help you to understand your objectives such as a desire to build wealth for your children and grandchildren and your attitude to risk
Property
Buying property can be a very effective way to build generational wealth Property prices in many parts of the world have risen over time, and as a tangible asset, property can also be passed down as part of your portfolio.
Generational business
A family-owned business can play a significant part in any generational wealth plan. Building a business which can be passed down and run by future generations creates valuable income and a strong family legacy which future generations could be eager to protect It’s not an uncommon approach; familyowned firms make up the majority of private sector businesses in the UK, employing 14.2 million people. There are some very practical advantages too –business relief can make these a very tax-efficient way of sharing family wealth
Life insurance
Life insurance can help ensure that generational wealth isn’t impacted if the worst should happen Making certain it’s in place means that younger generations have a safety net if something should happen to you, which could otherwise jeopardise family wealth.
Build generational wealth with Progeny
Our expert teams can support with all aspects of financial planning, including putting the right framework in place to help you build wealth and effectively share your assets with younger generations. Our dedicated financial planning and estate team provide support with the practicalities of setting up Wills and Trusts to help ensure the right structure is in place to protect generational wealth Contact us today to discover how we can help you and your family
Hong Kong T: + (852) 2526 9488 E: info-hk@theprogenygroup.com theprogenygroup com
The information in this article aims to provide information. However, this is not intended to form professional advice nor should it be relied upon as such and before taking any particular action, specific and personal advice should be obtained All levels and basis of, and relief from taxation illustrated here are subject to change
Progeny (Hong Kong) Limited (company no. 51255393) is registered in Hong Kong. Licensed to conduct investment advisory and asset management in Hong Kong by the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) under CE no ATY965, and as an insurance broker by the Insurance Authority (IA) under licence no. FB1207.
About Progeny
Progeny is a professional advisory firm established in 2016 to provide integrated financial, tax and legal services for private clients, businesses and family offices Progeny’s multi-disciplinary services model brings together financial planning, asset management, tax, HR, property, and private and corporate legal services into one independent business.
Matthew Curtis Director, Hong Kong Progeny
C R E A T I N G Y O U N G
For a few years now Kellett School has had lessons dedicated to Innovation on their timetables We explore how and why they chose to ‘teach’ Innovation
Kellett School, the British International School in Hong Kong has grown from a school of 44 in 1976 to a leading international school both in the region and beyond as it approaches its 50th anniversary The development of the School has been evident in more than just its increase in numbers. Its examination results in GCSEs and A Levels are consistently strong, their graduating students attend top notch universities around the world, all of which is achieved without losing sight of a commitment to equip students for life way beyond academia.
In 2020 the School introduced lessons dedicated to innovation Martin Davies, Head of Computer Science & Innovation explains why; ‘Our aim was to provide students with unique opportunities to develop transferable skills that will prepare them for the real world and future studies Through Innovation, students will enhance their problem-solving skills, dexterity, perseverance, and creativity, as well as being exposed to cutting-edge technologies’.
Unlike traditional subjects, failure is actively encouraged as it is core to building resilience and an ability to solve problems Similarly, projects span academic years and yeargroups to simulate the handing over of projects to colleagues in the real world
Innovation is deliberately different to other lessons both in content and in design. There are no fixed classrooms for Innovation lessons to encourage free thinking and creativity, with mobile ‘trolley’ classrooms enabling classes to take place wherever suits on campus.
Another important element of the Innovation lessons is that they are all linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, where problem-solving has never been more critical Kellett’s approach to sustainability is solution-focused They teach the issues, scary as they may be, with the aim of empowering students to be part of the solution
Students in Years 7 & 8 are assigned to diverse Innovation projects, ranging from an indoor hydroponic greenhouse to soft robotics, that are typically unfinished and picked up from previous groups. Whilst the hydroponic greenhouse was set up by previous innovators, newly assigned students will need to maintain and expand the system through propagating, planting, and harvesting, while tackling issues such as algae, nutrition, and pests along the way In soft robotics students explore robots powered by compressed air and controlled through the structure of the material they are built from
Seeing the benefits of the Innovation sessions which were initially rolled out to Years 7, 8 & 9, Kellett expanded them downwards into the Prep years where students most recently explored sustainable farming and water filtration, as well as upwards into Year 10 and beyond.
In 2022, unable to find a Sustainability GCSE appropriate to the Hong Kong context, Kellett created its own course for Years 10-11. Their bespoke twoyear course, is part Oceanography reflecting Hong Kong’s 263 islands and part Innovation Oceanography delves into the wider challenges facing our oceans and explores coral, once a major feature of Hong Kong’s coastline Pairs of students take responsibility for creating an eco-system in tanks, replicating local shorelines to determine how coral thrives, with the aim of returning coral to Hong Kong’s shores As part of this course, students undertake PADI certification as they will get a chance to dive in and explore the Hong Kong Coastline for their research.
In the Innovation component students explore a challenge of their choosing, learning critical skills like collaboration, project management, budgeting, failing and refining. Recognising that solutions cannot be impactful unless others are convinced to embrace them, there is also a focus on developing entrepreneurial skills including pitching
The exposure of Kellett students to innovation will undoubtedly shape their futures and contribute to a world where innovation thrives, solving seemingly insurmountable challenges
About Kellett School
Kellett School provides a high-quality British education for the English-speaking community in Hong Kong Founded in 1976, the School is known for its superb education and is recognised as one of the top British international schools globally, as evidenced by our 2023 BSO Inspection Kellett engenders "a love of learning and confidence for life" in students through an extensive curriculum, a wide repertoire of extra-curricular activities, and a forward-thinking pastoral care model.
Find out more at kellettschool.com .
Paul Tough Principal & CEO, Kellett, the British International School in Hong Kong
What do we do at TEF?
The Elephant Foundation is wildlife conservation charity based in Hong Kong with a particular interest in elephants and rhinos in Africa Formed in November 2014 to help raise awareness surrounding the poaching of elephants and rhinos, we campaigned for the implementation of the ivory trade ban and continue to educate people of the harm that poaching and the illegal wildlife trade has on both animals and communities An important part of this is demonstrating the part Hong Kong has in this, which shocks and surprises many What also surprises most is that Hong Kong is one of the largest trafficking centres of wildlife in the world
Many don’t release that an elephant has to die to obtain its ivory and once they do, generally they want nothing to do with ivory With this in mind we believe that education is the key to stopping demand, which in turn is the key to stopping poaching. By raising awareness and sharing facts among young people in Hong Kong we empower them to make informed choices regarding the purchase of ivory, rhino horn and other parts of endangered animals.
Throughout the year, we visit schools in Hong Kong, with a special focus during our Elephant Week in November. We collaborate with organisations like Big Life Foundation, Game Rangers Association of Africa and Game Rangers International. We also maintain regular contact with over 50 schools and conduct public and corporate talks to increase awareness.
Through our strong partnerships, we have wonderful opportunities to work with individuals closely connected to wildlife, such as Neville Kaugelo, a South African wildlife photographer, Richard Turere who invented Lion Lights at the age of 12 - now protecting over 2,000 farms though Kenya and Daniel Ole Sambu who is head of the Predator Protection Programme at Big Life in Kenya
Education Sponsorship
We believe education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Educating in Africa is crucial as it provides a future for youth, giving them opportunities that may not otherwise be open to them. Our initiatives include building a girls’ dormitory for 100 students near Amboseli National Park in Kenya, providing desks to schools to enhance students’ learning and scholarships funded by generous donations to TEF
Ranger accident insurance
How do we protect those who fight against the illegal wildlife trade on the ground?
Rangers are the front line of protection for wildlife, standing between the poacher and his victim. They are the unsung heroes of conservation and with wildlife crime and poaching at unsustainable levels, rangers are global wildlife's frontline of defence. At present there are approximately 40,000 rangers across the continent, of which only 1,600 have insurance It is estimated around 100 rangers are killed in the line of duty each year, with many more injured, preventing them from working Unlike most industries, there is no legally required compensation which means when the work stops the salary also stops, therefore as does the provision of food, education, and welfare for families
Our partner charity Game Rangers Association of Africa hosts a very established rangers accident insurance project To further improve global conservation efforts more emphasis on the wellbeing of rangers must be taken into account Increasing ranger job satisfaction will likely lead to higher commitment in protecting wildlife, communities and improved conservation performance Annual insurance cover is as little as USD$65 (HKD$~500) per ranger and will go a long way in giving many rangers the peace of mind they deserve.
“Rhino Man” Asia Premiere in November
In November The Elephant Foundation in Hong Kong will host the Asian premiere of the powerful documentary "Rhino Man." This will raise critical funds and awareness for the Foundation's ranger insurance program, which supports the brave men and women on the frontlines protecting rhinos and other wildlife. Through intimate interviews and breathtaking footage, the film captures the rangers' unwavering commitment to protecting rhinos, elephants, and other animals that are the heart and soul of the continent. The premiere will be followed by a Q&A session with Orlat Ndlovu, one of the rangers who participated in the film Orlat will be sharing insights from the making of "Rhino Man" and ongoing efforts to combat the poaching crisis As our community gathers to celebrate the vital work being done to protect the magnificent wildlife of Africa, we are thrilled to host the premiere of the powerful documentary
We have an elephant adoption programme
Our Orphan Elephant Adoption Programme is in collaboration with Game Rangers International (GRI). GRI is a Zambian non-profit organisation founded in 2008. They collaborate closely with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to equip rangers and local communities with the tools they need to protect the environment. Through this adoption programme, you can directly support the crucial work done to raise orphaned elephants. Far too often, elephant calves are orphaned due to poaching, habitat loss, or other tragic circumstances. Without the nurturing care of their herd, these young elephants face an uncertain future.
Most importantly, how do we sustain our work?
“Friends Of The Elephant Foundation”
The Friends of The Elephant Foundation is a programme that allows supporters of wildlife around the world to directly support the work of The Elephant Foundation and critical conservation work for endangered wildlife and communities in Africa The programme aims to build a network of committed supporters who can contribute to the cause through a monthly donation program By harnessing the collective power of these contributions the Foundation will be able to sustain and scale up its multifaceted efforts to protect elephants, rhinos and communities that share the land with these magnificent animals Monthly donations from Friends will enable the Foundation to continue its vital work on several fronts This includes ongoing public awareness campaigns to educate people about the threats facing elephant populations, such as poaching and habitat loss. The funds will also support the Foundation's participation in seminars, conferences and other collaborative activities to tackle these issues. As the programme continues to grow, the Foundation is excited to deepen its engagement with the global community of endangered wildlife advocates. Through educational resources, updates on conservation progress, and opportunities to participate in events, Friends will feel a strong connection to the vital work being done. In a world where the future of elephants hangs in the balance, "Friends of The Elephant Foundation" stands as a beacon of hope - a way for concerned citizens worldwide to come together and protect these iconic animals for generations to come. Through a monthly donation, a Friend of the Foundation will enjoy benefits such as free regular information bulletins about what’s happening in the world of wildlife protection, the ability to work with us in our campaigns to raise awareness, take part in various activities and seminars and at the same time support our partnered charities on the ground in Africa
By becoming a friend, you may also support our efforts with organisations on the ground in Africa such as –
Education Sponsorships in Africa
Ranger Accident Insurance Project
Orphan Elephant Adoption Programme
Stop Poaching
Raising awareness of the harm that poaching causes is one of The Elephant Foundation's key objectives. Recent surveys found that those on the consumer end of the illegal ivory trade, in particular final consumers across Asia, were not very knowledgeable about how their ivory was sourced. Less than a third of those surveyed in China knew that elephants were slaughtered for their tusks and 70% believed that an elephant's tusks will grow back naturally. Rhino horn and lion bones are still commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine despite it being proven to have no medicinal properties whatsoever. The only "use" of ivory is to create ornaments or artwork. No other part of the elephant is used or harvested by the poachers, who usually leave the carcass behind as waste Not possessing any tusks until the age of 6-12 months, young calves are tragically also left behind
Take Home Message
Even if you decided not to become part of The Elephant Foundation, as long as you remember our message then you're helping. Stop the ivory trade by stopping the demand, if those close to you are unsure about the damage that poaching causes, educate them or send them our way. If anyone you know is considering buying an ivory product persuade them not to. If you've been moved or feel that you can make a difference, find out how you can get involved in the campaign against the illegal ivory trade. And just remember:
“When the buying stops, the killing can too.”
About The Elephant Foundation
The Elephant Foundation is a not-forprofit organisation that is determined to end the illegal wildlife trade and to abolish acts of poaching. We hope to achieve this through education of the importance of conservation, informing of the harm that the illegal wildlife trade causes and fund raising for organisations working on the ground to protect endangered species
www theelephantsociety org
Coin Dawson Chairman & Founder
The Elephant Foundation Ltd.
