Mission Statement
R.O.C.K.E.T. (Rainforest Orangutan Conservation Knowledge and Education with Technology) is dedicated to empowering students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to leverage technology for the conservation and protection of orangutans and other species. This unique initiative integrates advanced tools like AI, drones, LOTEK, and robotics with environmental science, equipping the next generation of conservationists with the practical expertise to address the complex challenges threatening our planet’s most vital ecosystems. Through hands-on learning and innovative problem-solving, R.O.C.K.E.T. fosters a future of informed and engaged conservation leaders.
R.O.C.K.E.T. is a collaborative program between Lord of the Trees (LOTT) and the Orang Utan Republik Foundation (OURF). This unique scholarship initiative is designed for select students within the Orangutan Caring Scholarship (OCS) program, engaging them in multi-year projects that align with OURF's mission. Scholars participating in R.O.C.K.E.T. will play a pivotal role in LOTT’s technology-driven research, contributing to cutting-edge innovation and legacy building in the field of orangutan conservation. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to be directly involved in groundbreaking work that merges conservation efforts with technological advancements, setting the stage for the future of wildlife protection.
Participants in R.O.C.K.E.T. will have the opportunity to:
R.O.C.K.E.T. responds to the critical need for innovative solutions in orangutan and forest conservation by harnessing the power of technology to increase the effectiveness of preservation efforts. Orangutans, as keystone species, are vital to the health of their ecosystems, contributing to forest regeneration and biodiversity. However, they face significant threats from deforestation, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict.
The program incorporates AI, drones, and other advanced technologies to revolutionize how conservationists monitor and protect wildlife. By using drones, students will improve data collection in otherwise inaccessible areas, such as surveying wildlife through infrared technology. AI models will enhance conservation strategies, providing predictive analytics for species identification and habitat protection. Camera traps and other technological tools further aid in capturing essential wildlife data, enabling timely interventions that can mitigate threats to orangutans and their ecosystems.
Through this forward-thinking curriculum, students will be well-prepared to tackle complex environmental challenges, promote sustainable practices, and collaborate with local communities and global conservation organizations. The program's technological focus ensures that conservation efforts will continue to evolve and remain impactful in the face of growing environmental pressures.
R.O.C.K.E.T. is open primarily to recipients of the Orangutan Caring Scholarship (OCS). However, applications are also welcomed from university students outside the OCS program, subject to an assessment process due to limited program capacity. This inclusive approach allows a diverse range of students to access cutting-edge education and contribute meaningfully to orangutan conservation.
With its unique combination of technology and environmental science, R.O.C.K.E.T. is at the forefront of conservation education, offering students the tools they need to protect orangutans and preserve our planet's vital ecosystems. The collaborative nature of the program between LOTT and OURF ensures that scholars are involved in legacy-building initiatives, making real-world contributions to wildlife conservation.