What We Do

We are an Indigenous woman-led effort in Sumatra to decolonize and indigenize the conservation space in Sumatra, Indonesia.

 

Our Mission

We are an Indigenous women-led initiative based in Sumatra that helps Indigenous women engage in forest conservation safely. Our heritage is the forest. We believe it is our obligation and our birthright as Indigenous women to live in reciprocity with our relatives who are the forest, the water, the animals, human beings, the sun, the moon and the soil. We envision an indigenized, inclusive and equal world that values Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous ways of being, and Indigenous guardianship in addressing conservation and climate issues. Through our various programs, we are providing opportunities, experiences, and education that empower Indigenous women to be active participants in conservation, and to help make their own paths and contributions in protecting Mother Earth.

 

“I believe that conservation is one of the responsibilities that needs to be carried by all humans on earth. As Indigenous woman I am continuing my ancestors’ fight to protect and care for our land. I see myself as a bridge to better solutions. We are a people who lost some of our identity to colonialism, but by keeping the land intact, and rediscovering our roles as humans, we can reclaim our knowledge and our ways of being that make us natural stewards of the land.”

— Nayla Azmi, Founder

About the Founder

Nayla Azmi is a Batak woman born and raised on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Nayla is a storyteller, educator, translator and conservationist. She has been active in the conservation space for the past 7 years, mainly in elephant and orangutan conservation. She holds a Master of English literature. She is passionate about reclaiming her Indigenous roots and culture, and about sharing her knowledge with others.

 

What We Hope to Achieve

  • Raise $ to support our Caring for the Earth class

  • Raise $ to support our Ranger Program

  • Raise $ to support our Lopian Initiative

  • Raise $ to support our Srikandi Fellowship

  • 1 class/week (20 max) in Medan & Bukit Lawang

  • 4-weeks annually to support 7 women

  • Bi-weekly program to support 7 women

  • 2-week annual incubator to support 7 women