Strengthening Conservation Efforts: A Month of Collaboration, Education, and Leadership

March 2024 was a month filled with pivotal events and significant advancements in our wildlife conservation efforts. The journey began on March 20, 2024, with a crucial meeting with Norden’s Ark. This renowned organization, dedicated to preserving biodiversity, welcomed us to discuss opportunities for supporting the continuation of conservation efforts for the critically endangered Malayan Giant Turtle (Orlitia borneensis), a freshwater turtle. The dialogue was fruitful, focusing on collaborative strategies and potential funding to bolster our initiatives. Norden’s Ark expressed strong interest in partnering with us, marking the beginning of a robust collaboration aimed at ensuring the survival of the Malayan Giant Turtle.

Immediately following this promising meeting, drh. Irhamna Putri (Conservation Programme Supervisor) had the honor of delivering a series of lectures on wildlife ethics from March 20 to 22, 2024, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya. These lectures delved into the complex moral considerations involved in wildlife conservation, addressing topics such as animal rights, habitat preservation, and the ethical dilemmas faced by conservationists. The interactive sessions stimulated thoughtful discussions among students and faculty, encouraging them to critically examine their roles and responsibilities in wildlife conservation. The enthusiastic participation and insightful questions from the attendees highlighted their dedication to ethical practices in veterinary medicine and conservation. On March 21, 2024, drh. Irhamna Putri presented our conservation efforts for the Orlitia borneensis to the Kelawar Wildlife Study Club, an engaged group of students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya. The presentation provided an overview of the challenges faced by this species, our ongoing projects, and the significant milestones we have achieved. The students showed great interest in our work, asking probing questions and expressing a keen desire to contribute to our initiatives. This interaction underscored the importance of involving young conservationists in our mission, fostering a new generation of advocates for endangered species.

The month concluded with an inspiring event on March 26, 2024, when Cisca Nurfi’aini (Operations Manager) participated in the introductory call for the ASAP Women in Conservation Visible Leadership Programme. This program, designed to empower women in the conservation field, aims to enhance leadership skills, provide mentorship, and create networking opportunities. The call introduced the program’s objectives and outlined the upcoming activities and support mechanisms available to participants and also meet the first cohort to share their experience. Engaging with other women leaders in conservation was inspiring, reinforcing the importance of visible leadership and gender diversity in our field.

Reflecting on these activities, it is evident that our efforts in collaboration, education, and leadership are paving the way for significant advancements in wildlife conservation. The partnership with Norden’s Ark is set to strengthen our conservation programs, while the lectures and presentations at Universitas Brawijaya have sparked enthusiasm and ethical awareness among future conservationists. Furthermore, the ASAP Women in Conservation Visible Leadership Programme offers an exciting opportunity to enhance leadership capacities and foster a supportive network of women in the field. Together, these experiences contribute to our mission of protecting endangered species and promoting sustainable conservation practices.