Champions of the Forest
Tetra Tech’s Ufroz Ayyub, on behalf of the USAID Indonesia LESTARI project published this photo book, Champions of the Forest. The book compiles photos and perspectives of 40 Champions who have partnered with LESTARI. This project partners with the Government of Indonesia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity in carbon rich and biologically significant forest and mangrove ecosystems. This is achieved through improved land use governance, enhanced protected areas management and protection of key species, sustainable private sector and industry practices, and expanded constituencies for conservation among various stakeholders.
Over the course of this five-year project (July 2015 – July 2020), LESTARI has identified and empowered a host of Champions—individuals who demonstrate leadership, passion, and commitment toward forest conservation and sustainable development for local communities in their region. These Champions appreciate the immeasurable benefits and services provided by Indonesia’s forests—freshwater, clean air, food and fuel, protection from landslides, cultural and spiritual value—and understand the threats they face from unsustainable exploitation. This underscores the important role Champions play in building awareness, serving as role models, and sharing the values of conservation for the benefit of both current and future generations.
- Author
- Ufroz Ayyub
- Date
- March 16, 2020