Anis Suratin defies the gender norms entrenched in the conservation sector, emerging as a trailblazer in her role as the first female Head of the Bogani Nani Wartabone (BNW) National Park Management Office, the largest terrestrial national park in Sulawesi. For over three decades since joining Ministry of Environment and Forestry, she has stood steadfast in her commitment to safeguard nature despite the male-dominated conservation sector.

Covering a vast expanse of Sulawesi Island, the BNW National Park spans 282,009 hectares, encompassing 190 villages. Anis highlights a stark reality: forestry violations, including hunting and illegal land clearing, predominantly involve men, perpetuating their dominance in frontline park protection.

Yet, Anis champions inclusivity, stressing that gender should not be a barrier to conservation. She underscores the importance of shared vision and operational protocols, emphasizing that effective leadership should be gender inclusive.

Read more at: https://www.undp.org/indonesia/stories/pioneering-conservation-womens-leadership-unveiled