Goals
Raise awareness among local communities
Particularly youth, about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the threats facing endemic species in the Mentawai Islands.
Adoption of sustainable practices
Encourage the adoption of sustainable practices among residents to mitigate the impact of habitat destruction, hunting, and other activities threatening local fauna and flora.
Development of inclusive policies
Facilitate the development of inclusive policies through collaborative stakeholder meetings, ensuring that the interests and perspectives of all parties are considered in conservation efforts.
Dr. Rizaldi
Project-in-charge
As project-in-charge of this program, I am honored to share with you the mission and progress of our conservation education initiative, which is dedicated to safeguarding this region's extraordinary primates and ecosystems.
The Mentawai Islands are a globally significant conservation priority due to their exceptional biodiversity and endemism, often referred to as "the Galapagos of Asia". These islands, located off the west coast of Sumatra, are home to six endemic primate species, including Kloss’s gibbons (Hylobates klossii), Mentawai Langurs (Presbytis potenziani and Presbytis siberu), Mentawai macaques (Macaca pagensis and Macaca siberu), and Pig-tailed sub-nosed langurs (Simias concolor). Despite their ecological importance, the Mentawai Islands face increasing threats from habitat destruction, hunting, and the loss of traditional ecological knowledge. Compounding these challenges is the absence of formal conservation areas on three main islands -Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai—placing these species and their habitats at greater risk.
As a platform to connect you with our journey, here you can found:
-
Educational Resources: Lesson plans, activities, and multimedia materials used in our education programs.
-
Project Updates: Reports, success stories, and milestones from our work on Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai.
-
Research Insights: Findings from our community surveys, ecological studies, and pre- and post-education assessments.
-
Community Engagement: Highlights outreach activities, cultural integration efforts, and collaborations with local stakeholders.
-
How You Can Help: Opportunities to get involved, support our mission, or partner with us in expanding conservation impact.
Through this program, we envision a future where the Mentawai Islands, flourish as a global model for biodiversity conservation. With their extraordinary geological history and ecological and cultural richness, these islands hold the potential to inspire sustainable practices and meaningful action. Our program aims to empower local communities to lead conservation efforts, ensuring that the unique primates and ecosystems of the Mentawai thrive for generations to come. By working together, we can protect this natural treasure and preserve its role as a vital part of our planet's heritage.
I had the privilege of working on a deeply meaningful and challenging initiative. The project focused on raising awareness about health, conservation, and sustainable economic development among the local communities. In the Mentawai Islands, we experience limited infrastructure, including transportation, electricity, and internet access, making this work both demanding and rewarding.
Despite these challenges, we collaborated closely with the local people to empower them to make the most of their natural resources sustainably. By fostering a deeper understanding of conservation and its connection to their well-being and economic opportunities, we were able to see tangible positive feedback from the community. Their enthusiasm and willingness to engage in these efforts have been inspiring.
The program has proven to be a meaningful step forward for the communities. Together, we aim to create a future where conservation, health, and economic prosperity are intertwined, ensuring the well-being of both people and the remarkable biodiversity of the Mentawai Islands.
Wulan Fauzanna
Project Coordinator
During my five months in the field, working on primate conservation efforts, I directly witnessed the various challenges faced by primate protection activists in Mentawai. The tradition of hunting primates still persists, whether to meet food needs, address plant disturbances, or simply as a hobby.
On the other hand, the widespread presence of timber companies clears land on a massive scale, accelerating the loss of forests, which are the primary habitats for wildlife. Mentawai's lag in development further exacerbates the situation, forcing the local community to continue relying on natural resources as their main livelihood. Additionally, the increasing economic demands each year, coupled with the need for modern technology, further intensify the pressure on the environment.
I saw firsthand how environmental damage in Mentawai is occurring rapidly, with serious consequences, especially for primates that are losing their habitats. This situation requires urgent attention and concrete actions from various parties to prevent further destruction.