Siapa Sosok Farwiza Farhan? #PerempuanUntukPerubahan

Summary

Fariza Farhan, a conservationist known as Wizard, shares her journey from growing up in rural Aceh to working in the Loiser Ecosystem area in Sumatra. Her childhood memories of playing in nature and encountering elephants reflect her deep connection to the environment. Through her work, she highlights the efforts of many dedicated individuals in protecting Sumatra’s endangered ecosystems, which are home to orangutans and other wildlife. Fariza’s role, as highlighted in Time magazine, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in conservation, underscoring the fragility of natural habitats and the ongoing conflict between humans and animals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fariza Farhan, also known as Wizard, is a conservationist working in the Loiser Ecosystem Area in Sumatra, where Sumatran orangutans still live naturally.
• 😀 Fariza's love for nature began in childhood, growing up in Aceh, where she spent time outdoors, climbing trees, running on hills, and swimming in the sea.
• 😀 She recalls traveling from Banda Aceh to Medan with her family, a dangerous journey during the conflict period, where they encountered a herd of elephants crossing the road.
• 😀 The moment of stopping for elephants marked an early memory that would later connect to her conservation efforts, as the elephant population in Aceh is now in decline due to habitat loss and human-animal conflict.
• 😀 Fariza's childhood in a rural setting allowed her to play outside and develop a strong connection to nature, with memories of a clear river near her grandmother's house.
• 😀 The once pristine Bateli River near her childhood home is now polluted due to deforestation in its upper reaches, which has led to a decline in water clarity.
• 😀 Fariza reflects on her childhood without access to modern gadgets, which shaped her deep connection to the environment and how nature became her main source of enjoyment.
• 😀 The Loiser Ecosystem Area spans 2.7 million hectares, three times the size of Yellowstone National Park, and is one of Indonesia's many protected areas.
• 😀 Despite the vast size and significance of the Loiser Ecosystem, the people working to protect it are often overlooked, though their dedication is vital to its conservation.
• 😀 Fariza's appearance on the cover of Time magazine highlights the efforts of many individuals working to protect the Loiser Ecosystem, rather than being a personal achievement for her alone.

Q & A

Who is Fariza Farhan, and what is her role in conservation?

Fariza Farhan, often called 'Wizard,' is a conservationist working in the Loiser Ecosystem Area in Sumatra. She is involved in preserving the natural habitat, particularly for Sumatran orangutans and other species living in the region.

What sparked Fariza Farhan's interest in nature and conservation?

Fariza's interest in nature began during her childhood in Aceh, where she spent her time playing outdoors—climbing trees, swimming in the sea, and running on hills. These experiences ignited her passion for preserving the natural world.

How did Fariza's childhood in Aceh shape her views on nature?

Growing up in Aceh during a time of conflict, Fariza had close interactions with nature, such as playing outside and observing wildlife. The freedom she had in her village environment fostered a deep connection with nature, which influenced her later work in conservation.

What memorable experience with elephants did Fariza have during her childhood?

While traveling with her family from Banda Aceh to Medan, Fariza encountered a herd of elephants crossing the road at night. Her father stopped the car, turning off the engine and lights to allow the elephants to pass. This moment marked a respectful coexistence between humans and wildlife, which Fariza later reflected upon in her work.

What challenges have led to the decline of elephant populations in Aceh?

The decline of elephant populations in Aceh is primarily due to habitat loss, conflicts between humans and wildlife, and issues related to spatial planning. These challenges have led to incidents of elephants being poisoned and dying.

What is the Loiser Ecosystem Area, and why is it important?

The Loiser Ecosystem Area is a vast, 2.7-million-hectare region in Sumatra that is crucial for the survival of diverse species, including Sumatran orangutans. It is one of the largest protected landscapes in Indonesia, larger than Yellowstone National Park, and plays a key role in biodiversity conservation.

How did Fariza become involved in the Loiser Ecosystem Area's conservation efforts?

Fariza's deep connection with nature, formed during her childhood, led her to pursue conservation efforts. She became involved in protecting the Loiser Ecosystem Area as part of her commitment to preserving wildlife and natural landscapes.

What role did the people behind the conservation efforts play in the Loiser Ecosystem's protection?

The protection of the Loiser Ecosystem Area is a collective effort of many individuals working behind the scenes. Fariza acknowledges that her recognition in *Time* magazine is not her achievement alone, but rather a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the people who support conservation in the region.

What was Fariza's reaction to being featured in *Time* magazine?

Fariza viewed her inclusion in *Time* magazine as a testament to the collective work of many conservationists. While she was honored, she emphasized that the recognition was for the entire group of people dedicated to protecting the Loiser Ecosystem.

What significant environmental change did Fariza observe in her childhood river?

The river near her grandmother's house in Samalanga, which was once clear and pristine, has been affected by deforestation upstream. The water is no longer as clear as it once was, serving as a reminder of the environmental destruction occurring in the region.