Known by her nickname, Ega is one of 15 women selected to participate in the UN Development Program that supports Perempuan Inspiratif Mitra Polhut (Inspiring Women to Partner with Forest Rangers), which aims to protect Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and offers opportunities from the surrounding area.
Fadlun Arrayan Bonde (Ega)
“I have always been passionate about nature and conservation. I grew up in a village surrounded by forests. Both my grandfathers supported me by sharing local and traditional wisdom and encouraged me to know the forest and plant trees. They told me about the power of nature and explained that nature’s language is the oldest language on earth, so we must listen to it.
It’s kind of a little bit mystical. For example, according to the stories, if you see many insects coming out of the ground, it means that it will rain soon.
The message from my ancestors is that the power and language of nature should be appreciated and respected.
‘My life changed’
Since high school, I have been active in environmental activities, and I studied international relations at university to keep my mind open to what is happening in the world. I always want to go back to my village after I graduate.
My life changed in November 2020 when I joined the initiative, the first of its kind in Indonesia.
We are given basic police training and education on communication, negotiation, and business skills.
They also taught us how to give the local villagers the opportunity to live a different life and to work with the authorities of the country.
I learned what the supervisors did and I felt more passionate about the work. Now I am really proud to serve the community.
Conservationists help protect endangered species. There are mammals, reptiles, and more than 100 species of birds that make their home in the park.
Working with national park rangers, we also play a role in stopping crime and fighting illegal wildlife and wildlife trade.
I work at least 10 days a month, but in fact, because of the nature of the work, it takes longer to invest in terms of getting commitment or “buy in” from the community. Part of it is home connections.
Perempuan Inspiratif Mitra Polhut conservation group in Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park.
‘care woman’
It is very satisfying to know that our efforts can change someone’s life for the better. Like when we can facilitate local groups to get certificates, enabling them to access sustainable markets for their products. I think there is much more that I can do for nature, but for improving myself and my environment for better opportunities.
I am motivated to talk about care and do more with my community. I like to talk to people. It’s funny, but people in my village now think of me not only as Ega but as a “conservation woman”, or the person you need to contact when you see suspicious illegal wildlife trade activities. durable.
I’m proud of that.
Cross generation inspiration
Sharing wildlife knowledge with younger generations makes me feel useful. The most important and meaningful thing about my job is to share knowledge about the conservation and importance of wildlife.
If we talk about a tree, we are not only talking about the leaves, but also the roots.
If they are well prepared from an early age, they will carry knowledge about care and animals into the future.
Women conservationists are helping to eradicate animal cruelty in Indonesia by working with local communities.
‘Keeping quiet won’t change anything’
Our world is old and overcrowded. Crying out loud may not help, but being quiet won’t change anything either. Women can raise our voices more and make the Earth a better place.
I have a great message for young women: be brave. Don’t be afraid to start working for conservation. You need to encourage yourself to take the first steps because the first step is very important. It’s not as scary as you think.”
Empowerment managers
- Although women play an important role in managing natural resources and biodiversity loss affects inequality, they are often excluded from decision-making and leadership opportunities, so the UN Development Program (UNDP) launched a series of new projects in the Asia- Pacific to change that.
- Women conservationists are also working to protect the land and empower their communities in China, India, Viet Nam, and other countries.
- In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, conservation projects help combat climate change, empower women, and help them transform their communities.
