Women’s Journey in Promoting Sustainable Resource Management in the Coral Triangle
Part 3 | Exploring Local Wisdom: Women From The Coral Triangle
At 8:30 a.m. local time, while Bogor was still damp from the previous night’s rain, the mamas participating in the REX had already filled the room to begin the second day of activities. The morning opened with an engaging session facilitated by Nanda Riska from TNC Asia Pacific and Noorhaslina, a representative from Malaysia who shared her experiences supporting the Peros Village to develop and market ecotourism in their community.
Read: Synergy in Preserving the Biodiversity of Wehea-Kelay
This session explored various opportunities in ecotourism, including the development of tourism villages as well as local arts and handicraft products. It also discussed the enabling conditions that support the success of such initiatives, such as effective marketing strategies to promote tourism villages and local products, digital communication approaches, and the application of environmentally friendly practices. Peros Village was highlighted as a practical example of how communities can strengthen tourism by leveraging creative promotion, local storytelling, digital outreach, and engaging visitor materials. The mamas listened with great interest to the story of this tourism village, acknowledging that many of the ideas shared could one day be applied in their own communities.
The participants grew even more enthusiastic when they learned that the next session would focus on making traditional Indonesian jamu, a health tonic that supports the immune system and can be made from ingredients that are mostly available in the different Coral Triangle countries. The session was delivered in an engaging and immersive way by Djamoe Workshop, part of the well-known women-led Indonesian herbal brand Nyonya Meneer. Participants were not only taught how to prepare jamu, but were also invited to reconnect with nature and appreciate its beauty—learning to respect, value, and preserve Mother Earth and the richness of the natural environment. More broadly, the session encouraged participants to embrace a way of life that is harmonious with all living beings.
After lunch, the next session focused on community complaints and grievances related to conservation programs. This session created a safe and participatory space for the mamas, as women leaders, to reflect on their experiences in voicing concerns, sharing feedback, and taking part in decision-making processes within conservation efforts.
Through storytelling and role-playing activities, participants explored how grievances arise in real-life situations, what makes it difficult to speak up, and what helps them feel safe, respected, and truly heard. The session also introduced the Feedback and Grievance Redress Mechanism as a practical tool—not only for resolving complaints, but also for strengthening trust, transparency, and meaningful participation in conservation initiatives.
The day concluded with a cultural and arts performance held in the evening. Watching the mamas dance and sing in their traditional attire added a unique and vibrant dimension to the gathering. A sense of joy, intertwined with pride, was unmistakable as they confidently shared and celebrated the cultures and values they hold dear.
Heartwarming, isn’t it? Curious about what happened on the final day? Let’s continue their story here.
Read This Next
Strengthening Wakatobi community business management through BMC
The role of the community in Wakatobi National Park is to conserve nature and improve the economy with the Business Model Canvas (BMC) introduced by Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) in 2023.
Muara Siran, Home of the Deep Peatland which Continues to Grow
Muara Siran Village has peatlands consisting of lakes and forests. Muara Siran residents no longer cut down peat forests, which can help maintain the peat's natural condition.
19 years of partnership with the tribal council & religious institutions in Kapatcol Village
Since 2009, YKAN has provided assistance in Kapatcol Village, Raja Ampat, which has had positive impacts on the community and the environment.