Principles

Be As One Foundation was founded on a firm set of beliefs that drives our passion, our empathy and are desire to take action. We have strongly stated opinions, for which we do not apologise but we are also open-minded and encourage dialogue, intelligence gathering and the value of teamwork and will happily alter our opinions and strategies were warranted.

1. 1. A commitment to networking, information sharing, research sharing, promoting a spirit of co-operation between other NGOs, scientists, researchers and activists both local and international. Especially in nurturing 100% involvements with local groups through education and awareness workshops.

1. 1. Sensitivity to local, social, financial and political issues by working together with local organizations, tribes, communities and individuals as they are the ones who understand the often complex issues we are helping to address.

1. 1. Encourage a spirit of corporation and teamwork in problem solving, decision making and in formative actions between staff members, volunteers, organizations and governments, and especially within communities we serve.

1. To remain open and non-judgemental to all other individuals, groups or organisations in a manner which will encourage open discussion and sharing of information, resources and research.

1. 1. Instill a sense that, aside from biological and sometimes behavioural differences, animals in many ways are really no different to us, with the same inherent and universal rights.

1. 1. All animals are sentient beings and deserve to be treated with compassion and consideration; with equal rights to the resources of the planet.

1. 1. People do not have the right to encroach on the freedom of animals. This encroachment can take the form of denying  food, water, company and the ability for an animals to display their natural behaviours;  imprisoning animals to be used for entertainment or other commercial activities; destroying habitat and ecosystems; pushing animals out of their habitat due to extensive and often inefficient farming practices and ill conceived tourism.

1. 1. Wherever possible and where it is safe to do so work to returning captive wild animals back to the wild.  In some cases this may take many years, but it is never acceptable to become complacent about captivity.

Interested to find out more, read about defining good  Animal Welfare Standards.

1. 1. Minimize our impact on the environment and the cultural integrity of local communities by contibiously reviewing and improving how er optimie the use of resources.

1. 1. Working to cultivate tradional methods of livingand expand that server to protect the planet’s wilderness and biodiversity. Whlst understanding the envrionmental benifits of and therefore  embracing new technologies and ideas.

1. A commitment to finding win-win solutions that provides long term sustainability for animals, their habitat, and local communities. Promotion and application in our own projects of true environmentally conscious living;  including initiating green businesses with local partners.

Conscious action is the result of a set of ideas or beliefs inherent in an individual or an organisation. These beliefs and ideas are the result of our upbringing and our environment; our family, our friends, our teachers, our religion, the media, the books we read and so on. Collectively, we can call this our education.  Education is central to how we interact with our environment and everything in  it.

1. 1. Believe that while outward action is invaluable and desperately needed, it will be through education that we will be able to raise a consciousness within the global community that will look at every aspect of the world around us - be it a tree, a dog, a child or an ocean - as having equal value and as much innate right as the next to its place in the world.

1. 1. Ensure that 'two-way' education and the transfer of inate knowledge and skills remains a key focus of our endeavours.

1. 1. To initiate or support existing educational programs that agrees with our principles, or have principles which we are in agreement with.

1. Promote and developed education and awareness programs on wildlife protection and sustainable living – working in harmony with the environment.

1. 1. We believe that the cause will always be bigger than our organisation and any individual in it.

1. 1. Open and transparent in all our activities, both in financial accountability and in project deliverance – continuously develop and encourage internal and independent audit to critically ensure we continuously operate to best practice.

1. Operate in an efficient and cost effective manner, strife to work with an all-inclusive volunteer work force, employing only local staff and keeping non-filed costs to an absolute minimum, at the very least below 10%.