Alain Compost "40 Years in Indonesia"

Summary

Alen, a passionate conservation photographer, reflects on his 40-year journey in Indonesia, documenting the beauty of its wildlife and landscapes. His adventure began in 1975, leaving France for Indonesia, where he first encountered orangutans and explored the country's diverse ecosystems. Over the years, Alen has captured images that have been used in international magazines and documentaries. He highlights the challenges of illegal hunting, deforestation, and the lack of environmental awareness. As he celebrates his milestone, Alen aims to inspire future generations to support conservation efforts and protect Indonesia's rich natural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alen has dedicated 40 years to capturing the beauty of Indonesia's wildlife and landscapes through photography and documentary filmmaking.
• 😀 In 1975, Alen moved from France to Indonesia, with Medan in Sumatra being the first stop on a journey that would ignite their passion for wildlife and conservation.
• 😀 Alen's work focuses on documenting the natural world and advocating for conservation, starting with interactions with orangutans in Bukit Lawang, Sumatra.
• 😀 Over the years, Alen's photos and documentaries have been featured internationally, contributing to awareness about Indonesia's biodiversity and the importance of conservation.
• 😀 Despite Indonesia's rich biodiversity, Alen is concerned about the degradation of the environment due to illegal logging, poaching, and deforestation.
• 😀 Alen highlights the alarming low awareness of environmental issues in local communities, which leads to unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
• 😀 Illegal hunting traps and deforestation for palm oil plantations and other agricultural purposes continue to threaten endangered species and ecosystems in Indonesia.
• 😀 Alen warns that environmental exploitation could lead to a future where natural resources, such as clean air, water, and forest products, are no longer available.
• 😀 To promote environmental sustainability, Alen is embarking on a journey across Indonesia using an electric motorcycle to raise awareness about eco-friendly transport and conservation.
• 😀 Alen urges local communities to embrace conservation efforts, stressing that their support is crucial for the long-term preservation of Indonesia’s natural heritage.
• 😀 Alen's goal is to inspire young people to join the conservation movement, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in preserving Indonesia’s ecosystems for future generations.

Q & A

Who is Alen Kompost and what has he been dedicated to for the past 40 years?

Alen Kompost is a French photographer and filmmaker who has spent the past 40 years capturing the beauty of Indonesia's nature and wildlife, with a particular focus on environmental conservation and documenting biodiversity.

What motivated Alen to move to Indonesia in 1975?

Alen was driven by a strong desire to explore and document the wildlife in its natural habitat. His fascination with the wildlife of Southeast Asia, especially orangutans, led him to leave his life in France and embark on an adventure in Indonesia.

Where did Alen first start his conservation work in Indonesia?

Alen’s conservation journey began in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra, at an orangutan rehabilitation center, where he spent nearly a year interacting with orangutans and learning about the forests and the local communities.

How did Alen's photography contribute to global conservation efforts?

Alen's photographs were featured in international magazines and used by local and international conservation organizations to raise awareness about Indonesia's biodiversity and the need for environmental protection.

What environmental issues does Alen highlight in his work?

Alen points out significant issues such as illegal hunting, poaching, deforestation, and the lack of public awareness regarding the importance of conservation. He emphasizes the detrimental effects these practices have on Indonesia's ecosystems.

What role do local communities play in the conservation of Indonesia’s nature, according to Alen?

Alen believes that local communities are crucial to conservation efforts. He stresses the importance of educating and involving them in sustainable practices, as they live closest to the ecosystems that need protection.

What recent initiative is Alen undertaking to raise awareness about conservation?

Alen is currently planning a journey across Indonesia using an electric motorbike, a sustainable mode of transport, to engage with local populations and raise awareness about conservation and sustainable practices.

Why is Alen concerned about the future of Indonesia's natural resources?

Alen is concerned that if current trends of deforestation and exploitation continue, future generations may only experience the beauty of Indonesia’s nature through photos and videos, as many ecosystems could be destroyed beyond repair.

What message does Alen hope to convey to the younger generation of Indonesians?

Alen hopes to inspire the younger generation to embrace conservation, become stewards of the environment, and take an active role in preserving Indonesia’s natural heritage through sustainable practices and community involvement.

What is the ultimate goal of Alen’s work and travels across Indonesia?

Alen’s ultimate goal is to spark a movement that empowers local communities to protect their ecosystems, ensuring that Indonesia's rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations, and to foster a deeper appreciation for the country's natural resources.