LocationsPioneering Conservation: Women's Leadership Unveiled
April 23, 2024
Anis with the young scouts of the Saka Wanabakti Scout movement
Anis Suratin defies the gender norms entrenched in the conservation sector, emerging as a trailblazer in her role as the first female Head of the Bogani Nani Wartabone (BNW) National Park Management Office, the largest terrestrial national park in Sulawesi. For over three decades since joining Ministry of Environment and Forestry, she has stood steadfast in her commitment to safeguard nature despite the male-dominated conservation sector.
Covering a vast expanse of Sulawesi Island, the BNW National Park spans 282,009 hectares, encompassing 190 villages. Anis highlights a stark reality: forestry violations, including hunting and illegal land clearing, predominantly involve men, perpetuating their dominance in frontline park protection.
Yet, Anis champions inclusivity, stressing that gender should not be a barrier to conservation. She underscores the importance of shared vision and operational protocols, emphasizing that effective leadership should be gender inclusive.
Anis Suratin, Head of the Bogani Nani Wartabone (BNW) National Park Management Office.
"Women Must Play a Greater Role"
"In response to the evolving trend, we witness a growing female presence in forestry. Furthermore, park protection no longer relies solely on enforcement but adopts a proactive stance toward community livelihood," Anis emphasized. She highlighted the integral role of BNW National Park's female rangers in fostering dialogue, particularly with housewives, to successfully convey conservation messages.
"Through a holistic approach, we've observed the pivotal role women play in community empowerment," Anis continued. Recognizing women as agents of sustainable change, she underscored their significance in shaping future generations' conservation ethos.
Collaboration lies at the heart of Anis's strategy. Through a partnership with Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade (CIWT) project, a GEF funded project managed by MoEF in collaboration with UNDP, she fosters initiatives like the Inspiring Women Partners of Forest Rangers (IWPFR). This initiative amplifies conservation messaging and extends outreach efforts, particularly targeting women within communities.
Inspiring Women Partners of Forest Rangers (IWPFR) personnel shared conservation messages to the scouts.
By providing training in alternative income-generating activities like traditional snack production and eco-print batik, she seeks to alleviate reliance on forest resources. Anis believes that by bolstering family economies, the pressure on national park areas will diminish gradually.
Furthermore, Anis emphasizes the indispensable role of women as stewards of nature's legacy. Their influence within families positions them as educators, imparting values of conservation to future generations.
“Educating Youth for Future Conservation”
Conservation camps organized by BNW National Park Management Office in collaboration with the Saka Wanabakti Scout movement and CIWT Project.
Anis recognizes youth as a catalyst for change. "Investing in youth education is paramount for long-term conservation," Anis affirmed. She outlined initiatives such as conservation camps organized in collaboration with the Saka Wanabakti Scout movement and CIWT Project, which empower young scouts as ambassadors for change. Anis emphasized the need for educational material to go beyond traditional methods, advocating for IT-oriented content to reach broader audiences, including through social media. Through educational campaigns and leveraging technology, she aims to cultivate a generation committed to environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, Anis remains resolute in her commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. She envisions a future where all stakeholders, irrespective of gender or age, unite in championing nature's preservation. For her, the vitality of the planet hinges on our collective action, reminding us that by protecting nature, we can help create a more sustainable future.