We are on a mission to build a network of empowered communities to protect Sulawesi wildlife

As Sulawesi natives, Shera and Mba Anim both have a passion for nature and wildlife on the island. Together they decided to establish a female-led NGO in 2018: PROGRES (Prakarsa Konservasi Ekologi Regional Sulawesi)

It all started with supporting one community in Central Sulawesi to protect flying foxes with only $150 a month from a single donor. Since then, PROGRES has expanded to five different projects and, thanks to our supports, can now employ and support a team of seven.

Together, we are empowering communities across Sulawesi.

Vision

We dream of a future where our natural resources in Sulawesi are managed wisely for nature to thrive and people to stay happy

Missions

Conserving threatened yet overlooked wildlife

Nurturing the sense of pride and affection for Sulawesi wildlife and nature

Supporting natural resource management in a wise and just way to strengthen local livelihood and protect people well-being and happines

Core values

(1) Compassion

Doing science and conservation with compassion means understanding environmental issues through the perspectives of the communities. Listening to people empathically without judgment has been a fundamental part of our approach. This allows us to understand the conservation challenges holistically and build initiatives that accommodate the needs of wildlife and match with the aspiration of the people. Compassion becomes the key to our relationship and trust with the community.

(2) Integrity

Taking full responsibility and being committed to the protection of nature and the well-being of the communities. Being honest in daily life, financial accountability, and program implementation

(3) Collaborative

To support research activities and monitor the kalong population on the island, we built an observation tower. This eight-meter high tower is also built for tourists who want to see the flying foxes and beautiful views of the island and the surrounding sea. People from the village worked together to transport materials by boat to the island and build towers together.

Meet our team

We are the core team members, who are involved in the day-to-day operations. Together, we share a passion for Sulawesi's ecosystem and human well-being.

Sheherazade

Co-Executive Director

Twitter

Shera, for short, leads the programs and strategies of PROGRES. She is in charge of the program planning, management, and evaluation, including research design, scientific capacity training, and publications.

Education

While co-leading PROGRES, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley USA

Notable

Conservation Science Specialist at WCS Indonesia (2019-2022)
Part of the Women Earth Alliance Grassroot Program 2020‍
Chair of Tambora Muda (2016-2021)
Peter Ashton Prize of Biotropica Editorial Board (2021)
Indonesian Woman Earth Guardian - Tempo magazine's (2020)

Anim, for short, leads the day-to-day operation of PROGRES. She is responsible of the finance, community engagement, and awareness campaign. She is also the author of PROGRES children story books about Sulawesi's exceptional wildlife.

Experience

20 years of experience in community-based conservation. The only woman who found the first nature enthusiast groups in Banggai in late 1990s. Founded the Alliance for Tompotika Conservation in 2006. Selected participant of prestigious leadership training program by United in Diversity

Notable

Founder of the Alliance for Tompotika Conservation (2006-2018)
Founder of the first Nature Lovers Group in Banggai Regency.
Participant who entered the 2021 Leaders' BEKAL Program by United in Diversity
The Maleo bird conservation that she initiated has been published in international journals.

Asnim Alyoihana Lanusi

Co-Executive Director

Titayanto Pieter

Advisory board

He advises PROGRES since its first establishment on our strategic approach and government relation. He has extensive experience in natural resource management, as a lecturer, scientist, and program manager at various donor agencies and philanthropist organizations.