Even before the forest patrols started, some women in the group were already trying their gentle diplomacy at home.
For years, Muhammad Saleh, 50, would light parts of the forest on fire, hunting tigers he could kill and sell to help feed his family. The then-raging civil war had hurt the local economy, and each tiger would fetch him about US$1,250. Other days he’d cut down trees for firewood or trap birds that could be sold at the market.
His wife, Rosita, 44, pleaded with him not to go. She reminded him about the animals that would be affected by his actions.
It took years, but eventually Saleh felt the message of his wife. He stopped poaching and cutting down trees and began joining his wife on patrols of the forest. He said he’s seen the improvement since he began patrols: the forest has more birds and tree cover is denser.
“Our forest is no longer deforested: the animals are awake and we’re more awake,” he said. “The whole world feels the impact, not just us.”
Now the rangers’ methods are being picked up elsewhere in Indonesia, as local organizations, nongovernmental organisations and international foundations help bring together other women-led forestry groups.
Members of the Aceh group have met women from provinces across Indonesia heavily affected by deforestation, sharing information about leading local forestry programs, teaching people how to participate in wilderness mapping, how to draft proposals and apply for permits for forestry management and how to better demand enforcement against illegal poaching, mining and logging.
“There’s now more connectivity between mothers, grandmothers and wives talking about how to navigate issues and being environmental champions,” said Farhan.
The centering of women in forest management is crucial for the success of social forestry programs, said Rahpriyanto Alam Surya Putra, The Asia Foundation’s program director for environmental governance in Indonesia, which has helped organize meetings between the women-led groups.
A survey of 1,865 households conducted by the foundation found that when women are involved in community forest management, it leads to increased household income and more sustainable forest governance.
But women-led forestry management still faces challenges in Indonesia, he concedes. Some traditionally patriarchal communities lack an understanding of the benefits of women’s participation. And even when women are empowered to engage in forestry, they’re still expected to take care of household chores and children.
But the women rangers of Damaran Baru say the positive impact they’ve already had has motivated them to continue their work for future generations.
“I invite other mothers to teach their children and community about the forest like we have … we want them to protect it,” she said. “Because when forests remain green, people remain prosperous.”
