Aceh Wetland Foundation
Region
Asia
Country
Indonesia
Flyway
East Asian - Australasian flyway
Initiative
WLI Asia-Oceania
About
Name of organisation
Aceh Wetland Foundation
Funding support
Fund-raising
Number of staff
10
Number of visitors per year
1,000
Overall aims of the centre
Manage by Wetland Area in Aceh Sumatera-Indonesia
Description of the centre
The Paya Nie wetland habitat in Aceh, Sumatra covers 300.15 hectares. This habitat is home to hundreds of species of water birds. Species of grouse and blue coot are still found in this swamp. Since 2023, through the Paya Nie Festival, many tourists have visited to enjoy the swamp scenery while observing birds. This area has become a Wetland Conservation Center area.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
We have built the Paya Nie nature school with a wetland learning system and module. This school is a nature study location in Bireuen Regency, Aceh. In addition, we advocate for indigenous people to be able to manage the Paya Nie swamp and educate the general public not to hunt water birds.
Top three successes
Waterbird protection project
Together with the indigenous community, we have succeeded in creating customary rules that prohibit waterbird hunting activities in the Paya Nie wetland habitat.
Joint economic management project
The Paya Nie habitat is surrounded by 9 villages. We have succeeded in creating a financial institution that manages ecotourism locations in the Paya Nie swamp habitat.
Environmental Education Project for Elementary School Students
Together with academics, we have developed educational teaching modules for elementary school students in Bireuen Regency.
This project has had a positive impact on conservation education in Paya Nie.
Top three challenges
The struggle to gain recognition of customary law is a tough challenge that we have gone through. However, in 2024, we have received our first recognition from the Bireuen Regency Government.
The struggle to gain recognition of customary rights and laws is very tough, because it requires hard work involving all relevant stakeholders ranging from politicians, mayors, judges, and village governments must have the same perception.
We have gone through this challenge in 4 years to realize the ideal of strengthening and managing the Paya Nie swamp sustainably.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning.
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