Developing Effective Models for Conservation

WCS Provides national and international agencies with and innovative models for conserving wildlife without sacrificing the needs of communities that rely on natural resources for sustenance and health.

Wildlife Crimes Unit

Rampant hunting and uncontrolled trade in wildlife are leading to what ecologists are calling the “empty forest syndrome”. WCS and partners have established Wildlife Crimes Units (WCU) in Sulawesi and Sumatra to curb uncontrolled hunting and sales of protected wildlife. Units are comprised of members from law enforcement agencies, local NGOs, and media, and work with prosecutors and judges to ensure  that protection laws are applied. Members are trained in specialized techniques; they work together to monitor and investigate illegal wildlife sales; apprehend violators; and facilitate the legal process to ensure that law enforcement is carried out from start to finish. Efforts through the WCU have led to the highest sentencing in Indonesian history for wildlife violations. Protected areas are monitored and patrolled in order to assess the effectiveness of the legal efforts. And, the Units work closely with the media to ensure that the public is better informed about wildlife and their protection.

Crop Protection Units

Human-elephant conflicts are not new to Sumatra. Conflicts, often resulting in extensive crop damage, and human injury, are a primary factor leading to wild elephant declines. After three years of field research on crop raiding and elephant movement patterns, WCS established Crop Protection Unit (CPU). The units work with farmers, authorities, and local NGOs to devise active and passive deterrents using watchtowers, chili-laced ropes, sirens, and tripwires. The Units also work with government and private sector to explore ways to compensate farmers for economic loss. Finding a win-win solution for both people and wildlife is essential to secure elephant population over a long run.

Keeping a Birds Eye View on the Forest

Using sophisticated remote sensing technology, WCS scientists have produced methods to detect changes to forest systems at a very fine scale and answer critical conservation questions. WCS provides information to park authorities and local governments about deforestation patterns in relation to human population changes, economic developments, and policies. WCS works hand-in-hand with partners to ensure that there is greater awareness on the value of forests for ecological services, informed decision-making, and plans and policies promote ecological health.

Establishing Presidential Decree concerning Collaborative Management in Protected Areas

Increasingly, protected areas have been the subject of much debate at the national level. The center of these debates relate to the roles and responsibilities of various levels of government and non-government sector. With a move to open up management input by others, the Minister of Forestry seeks to strengthen collaborative management of protected areas. As part of one of the first successful efforts at building collaborative management in Indonesia, WCS is a key member of the Ministeria Task Force on collaborative management, providing recommendations and input into future policies.