In North Sumatra, forest-edge communities are the custodians of the island’s rich biodiversity. They possess invaluable knowledge and unique insight into the deep and complex relationship between communities, culture, land and wildlife. By empowering local people with social media skills, we’re enabling them to share stories that cultivate wellbeing and community ownership – strengthening the relationship between conservationists and communities.
The Darwin Initiative, a UK government grants scheme, has generously funded a project to build the capacity and capabilities of our frontline partners. A key component of this is introducing the fundamentals of social media communication, providing our partners with the skills needed to leverage digital platforms. This means that every story shared becomes a powerful tool for environmental protection.
We hosted a workshop focused on promoting community-driven ecotourism in the Pakpak Bharat region, showcasing the unique landscapes and rich biodiversity, while championing environmental conservation. Guided by our masterful storyteller, Juang Solala Laiya, attendees learned the art of digital storytelling – transforming local knowledge into captivating content.
Although the workshop focused on the practical application of social media; its impact goes far beyond that. This training wasn’t merely about technical skills – it was about building confidence, fostering collaboration and unlocking the power of social media for conservation. Second to this, the workshop aimed to give forest-edge communities a platform to connect with the world and showcase the incredible ecosystem they call home.
This is just the beginning of a vibrant digital journey for our frontline partners and communities – and you can be part of it! Simply follow their accounts below, and donate to support community-centred conservation.
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