Begawan Foundation Looking Forward to 2021

The year 2020 has been challenging to say the least, but Begawan Foundation has survived. Thank you for all the support from the many individuals and communities who have provided encouragement and support

During 2020, the conservation team color-tagged F1 birds and other unpaired birds in the socialization enclosures at Begawan Foundation Breeding and Release Center. It was good news for the Madhusuara Breeders Association, the community-based conservation project for the Bali Starling in Melinggih Kelod Village. In total, there are 15 F1 birds and now in early 2021, they are all near adulthood and ready to find a mate and pair.

Unfortunately, our wild chicks were eaten by snakes on April 30, August 24, November 26 and 29, and most recently on January 9. In December last year, we moved the nest box from near the trees to the top of a high pole. We are working to find the solution to this problem soon and we wish the best for the birds at the Breeding Center.

In 2020, we were unable to organize School Presentations and  offer the 10-week School Programs due to the pandemic. Students also had to do online learning for several months. We had the “Eco-Warriors at Home” series from March 16 to November 18 to include many active and interesting activities. We reopened the Learning Centre in mid-December, strictly implementing health protocols. We began by accepting a maximum of 6 children in each learning session at the Learning Center, which we are increasing to 12 in January with permission from the Melinggih Kelod village authorities. Masks and hand sanitizer are essential, as is washing hands. Social distancing is also a must. The education staff thoroughly clean and disinfect the Learning Center before and after each session. We all hope the pandemic will be over soon, but for now, we are all doing our best to maintain health and safety, as well as giving our students the opportunity to work with their friends, even if at a distance! (Nitya Swastika)