As one of its commitments to support efforts to preserve biodiversity, Burung Indonesia honored the Birdlife Indonesia Association (BIA) Award 2019 to inspirational figures which had contributed in conservation efforts, particularly in the Wallacea area.
The first three awardees were Benediktus Bedil, Ir. Adolf Binilang M.E, dan Persada Agussetia Sitepu. This conferment was part of 'Celebrating Conservation Achievements in Wallacea' on October 2, 2019 at the Four Points Hotel, Makassar.
The recipient of the first award, Benediktus Bedil, is the Director of the Lembata Community Development Institute or BARAKAT. Fisheries practices that damage the ecosystems drove him to make a series of efforts to develop awareness and understanding of the people living in Hadekewa Bay, Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara.
His aim was the communities cease to conduct all fishery activities which lead to environmental destruction. He was striving to preserve the Lembata coastal ecosystem by developing awareness and garnering support from various parties, including the Government of Lembata Regency and the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government.
Another inspiring figure is Persada Agussetia Sitepu who provides an example of how to work with indigenous peoples in managing national parks. While serving as the Head of Kelimutu National Park, he sought to increase the understanding of the community and stakeholders about the endemic bird species that inhabit the area, such as Bare-throated Whistler (Pachycephala nudigula) and Flores Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus floris).
He also facilitated the establishment of the Flores Hawk-eagle observer group, JATABARA. The success of developing ecotourism in Kelimutu earned him the Gold Winner at the Planet Tourism award.
Support for biodiversity conservation was also carried out by the Daily Executive (Plh) of the Talaud Islands Regent, Ir. Adolf Binilang M.E. He issued a regulation concerning protection of Red-and-blue Lory (Eos histrio) and designated the bird as the regency’s mascot. Furthermore, to support the sustainable organic agriculture which is practiced by the communities, issued a policy to reduce pesticides and synthetic chemical fertilizers.
He utilized the potentials of the areas by carrying out land clearing movements, salting the coconut trees—the area’s main commodity, and promoting the Talaud Islands Regency as an ecotourism destination.
“We are delighted, even though (the award) was not our main goal. These are manifestations of our efforts as local governments in siding with the potential of natural resources, especially endemic animals that we must protect and preserve. But the most important thing in the future, considering this award is our big responsibility, how to improve performance related to the preservation of endemic animals, especially the Red-and-blue Lory, the bird we are pride of,” said Binilang when receiving the award in a separate place, Jakarta, October 25, 2019.
This award is expected to encourage various parties to carry out conservation efforts, not only in Wallacea but also in other areas. BIA Awards will be a challenge for Burung Indonesia to present new inspirational figures in the future. (ARI)