Known by her nickname, Ega was one of 15 women selected to participate in the Perempuan Inspiratif Mitra Polhut (Inspire Women to Work with Rangers) initiative supported by the United Nations Development Program aid, aimed at protecting the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and creating opportunities for neighboring communities.
Fadlun Arrayan Bonde (Ega)
“I have always been passionate about nature and conservation. I grew up in a village surrounded by forest. Both of my grandfathers inspired me by sharing their local knowledge and traditions, and encouraged me to be knowledgeable about forests and tree planting. They told me about the power of nature and explained that the language of nature is the oldest language on Earth, so we must listen to it.
It’s a bit mystical. For example, according to the stories, if you see a lot of ants crawling out of the ground, it means that it is going to rain very quickly.
The message from my grandfathers was that the energy and language of nature should be appreciated and respected.
‘My life has changed’
Since high school, I have been actively involved in the environmental movement, and I studied international relations at university to stay open to what is happening in the world. I always wanted to return to my hometown after graduation.
My life changed in November 2020 when I joined this initiative, the first of its kind in Indonesia.
We have received basic police training and education in communication, negotiation and business skills.
We are also taught how to empower local villagers to create alternative sustainable livelihoods and work more closely with the national park authorities.
I learned what rangers do and became more passionate about the job. Now I am truly proud to serve the community.
Community rangers help protect endangered species. There are mammals, reptiles and more than 100 species of birds that live in the park.
Working with the park’s rangers, we also play a role in cracking down on crime and combating the illegal wildlife market and illegal wildlife trade.
I work at least 10 days a month, but in reality due to the nature of the job, it takes longer to get a commitment or “buy-in” from the community. Part of it is building connections.
Perempuan Inspiratif Mitra Polhut Community Ranger Team at Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park.
‘Preservation Lady’
I feel very gratified knowing that my efforts can change someone’s life for the better. Just like when we can facilitate community groups to achieve certification, allowing them sustainable market access for their products. I think there is so much more I can do for nature, as well as improve myself and my community for better opportunities.
I feel encouraged to talk about conservation and engage more with my community. I am motivated to talk to people. It’s funny, but people in my village now see me not only as Ega but also as a “conservator” or someone you need to contact when you spot illegal wildlife trade. suspect.
I feel proud of that.
Cross-generation inspiration
Sharing wildlife knowledge with the younger generation makes me feel useful. The most important and meaningful thing in my work is sharing awareness about conservation and the importance of wildlife.
If we talk about the tree, we are not only talking about the leaf, but also about the root.
If they are well prepared from an early age, they will carry with them their knowledge of conservation and wildlife into the future.
Forest rangers are helping to stamp out wildlife crime in Indonesia by partnering with local communities.
‘Silence doesn’t change anything’
Our earth is aging and overpopulated. Loud shouting may not help, but silence won’t change anything either. Women can speak out more and make the Earth a better place.
I have a big 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.”
Empowering forest rangers
- Although women play an important role in natural resource management and are more affected by biodiversity loss, they are often excluded from decision-making and leadership opportunities, so the Chapter United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has launched a series of innovative projects in the Asia-Pacific region to change that.
- Female rangers are also working to protect the land and empower their communities in China, India, Vietnam and other countries.
- suitable for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable DevelopmentThese conservation projects are helping fight climate change, empowering women and helping them transform their communities.
