NewsHarry Kurniawan – Junior Research Assistant of Tiger Research TeamHarry started his work in WWF as a volunteer for the Tiger Patrol Unit in May 2005. After the unit branched out into Tiger Patrol Unit and Tiger Research Team in 2006, Harry joined as member of the research team. He studied civil engineering for his bachelor, but his true passions are adventure and forest conservation. “I was inspired by Sir David Attenborough, the famous naturalist and natural history film-maker.” Before joining WWF-Indonesia, he volunteered for several non profit organizations specializing in conservations and joined Mapala –student association for environment and outdoor activities—as well as search and rescue team, specializing in navigation. This skill comes in handy when he and the team go deep into the forest, to locate Sumatran tiger’s home range. Tiger has always been his muse and had it tattooed in his arm. He believes the majestic species embodies adventure and wisdom. “I was always impressed by the tiger, the king of the jungle. Therefore when I heard about WWF’s Tiger Patrol Unit, I tried to find my way to get into the unit.” Joining the team has proven to be rewarding for Harry. “I never knew how severe the threats before I joined WWF. Knowing the factual truth about tiger conservation motivates me to protect the nature even more.” Luckily, his family supports him. “My family supports me, because they know I gain knowledge everyday and I work for a good cause.” Harry hoped for a cohesive campaign in Year of Tiger campaign. Furthermore, he believes that effective campaign should involve local communities whose lives are directly affected by the tiger. Often these communities feel discriminated against, that authorities and organizations only care for the tiger but not their safety. Harry frequently finds the communities do not understand the significance of tiger protection and how that relates to their life. Therefore to help people understand the importance of tiger protection, Harry choose to befriend locals in conflict potential area. Although it takes times, it deciphers his message effectively than directly tells people to protect tiger. “It is important that they trust WWF and the team as their friend or partner. Once we gain their trust, it will be easier for the team to share conservation messages.” People help the team conducting the research by sharing tiger tracks whereabouts. “Another point from gaining community’s trust is that they are more willing to tell you about tiger tracks. This is very valuable for us, because the information will help us identifies the best location for camera trap installations.” On the contrary, once a community labeled the team as trespassers, it would be hard for the team to do their work. Harry often finds rejection from communities, in which they prohibit the team conducting research in the area. “Sometime people reject us, because they are afraid our finding reciprocates negative effects to their everyday life.” Even though sometime people give him hard time, it is news of dead tiger that become Harry’s worst nightmare. “It disappoints me because it makes me feel I did not do my job well. That is why I am so happy when I found the fact that the tiger was breeding in Riau.” He was referring to the new images and video of tigress and her cubs in Rimbang Baling-Bukit Tigapuluh corridor in Riau Province, captured in the last quarter of 2009. The documentations serve as new hope for Harry and the tiger research team. |
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