In a perfect world, we would not need to worry about animals being pushed to the brink of extinction, we would not need to worry about environmental threats such as climate change, ocean acidification or plastic pollution. In a perfect world we would not need to be concerned with issues such as the looming overpopulation of our planet and the concerns of how we are going to feed all of these people or where they are all going to live . . . in harmony.
No, our world is not perfect and that is just part of life and we are all going to have to somehow figure out how to make it all work. Now before you get too depressed, let me tell you some good news. My brother and I just met two of the most amazing people. They are not only genuinely nice people, but they are above all sincerely concerned with making a difference and they are doing everything in their power to ensure future generations will have the tools to tackle these and many other issues. Let me introduce you to Lars and Ragnhild (Rags) Jacobsson, founders of the amazing organization The Perfect World Foundation.
The Perfect World Foundation is a Scandinavia-based non-profit organization established in 2010 to take action together with animal- and nature-conservation projects around the world. The purpose of The Perfect World Foundation is to take action for, and increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of critical environmental and animal situations. Funds are raised through supporting memberships, donations and different events all over the world.
Lars and Rags believe in their independence and want to connect people, companies and organizations to unite and promote awareness through events, social media, press, TV, conferences, seminars, campaigns, dinners, etc. They want to become the platform for people and companies’ engagement. Many organizations do not include the public in their conservation work, but The Perfect World Foundation welcomes anyone who wants to be involved in future conservation.
With their background in business, Lars and Rags aim to keep down the administrative cost of the organization, and to make sure that funding and donations are allocated toward the actual causes, awareness campaigns or animal and nature projects in need. The Perfect World Foundation is an “independent” organization that works closely together with other “on-site” organizations to assist and unite with the ambition to reach common goals and to raise awareness and funding. They want to become the voice for the speechless—nature and animals.
What we here at OMG really like about The Perfect World Foundation is that their engagement in environmental and nature projects is truly hands-on, working close in cooperation with organizations, companies, and technologies that have the potential to create huge change. The Perfect World Foundation is the new generation conservation organization, acting dynamically on a global basis to always adopt new communication methods to unite and put an end to the ongoing silent extinction of our earthly paradise.
Now enough about the company and their goals, I want to introduce you to the Lars and Rags we got to know and love. Here are some of the interview questions I had for them—I think you are going to like their answers.
Does Angelo (the cute dog in the picture above) come on every trip with you?
Yes! as long as it’s not dangerous; we don’t want him to be eaten by a leopard 🙂
What is the craziest animal encounter that you have ever experienced?
Meeting with Sudan, one of the last northern white rhinos on this planet, it’s crazy because it is so sad.
What is the number one thing that you recommend people should do to get involved?
To spread awareness about what we are losing, our paradise, we don’t want to be the last generation to see wildlife.
What is your favorite part about going on the trip?
First, I would have to say meeting new and interesting people from whom we can learn, so we can spread our newfound knowledge in our network, trying to inspire other people to do the same. Second, I would have to say that there is nothing better than being in the jungle, or diving in the sea . . . being so close to nature.
What is your favorite animal?
Dogs…the best friend you can ever have.
What is your favorite part of the job?
To do what we love most of all, to be the voice for the voiceless.
Why is using solar helping animals?
To change away from fossil fuels and start using renewable energy 100% is probably the best way to save or animals. CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases are forcing global warming and are affecting just about everything. When the ice is melting the polar bears are starving, warmer water kills the corals and the fishes that live around them, global warming makes the water levels rise which is killing the mangroves and the fishes etc., etc. We all need to take this issue seriously and start changing our dependency on fossil fuels and look for ways we can harness renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and even harnessing the power of the waves in our oceans.
The reason I asked the solar question is because besides being the founders of this amazing conservation organization, Lars and Rags are also owners of a solar company called United Sun Systems International that is revolutionizing the solar industry. I hope you take the time to visit The Perfect World Foundation website and see all the amazing work Lars, Rags, and their team are doing around the world. If you get a chance, send them an email and tell them how much you appreciate what they are doing and make sure you tell them that Olivia sent you! 😉
Stay tuned for next week’s article titled “Can President Obama (with the help of TED) Save Sea Turtles?” where each one of you can help save sea turtles by sending us a letter which we will hand deliver to the White House in June! 😉
Olivia Ries is our National Geographic Society Youth Empowerment writer. Together with her brother Carter, she hopes to inspire others to realize that “Anybody can make a difference… if they can, you can too.” Make sure to check out their website at OneMoreGeneration.org.