Employee Spotlight: Imam Basuki, Wildlife Works Indonesia Senior Wetland Specialist
- Wildlife Works
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Our global conservation work would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and passion of our team members. Each month, get to know our team members and what they do through our Employee Spotlight Series.
In this month’s spotlight meet Imam Basuki PhD, Wildlife Works Senior Wetland Specialist for Indonesia. With over 2 years of experience with Wildlife Works, Imam is key to quantifying and mapping the carbon stored in Wildlife Works horizon projects in Indonesia.
Q: How would you describe what you do at Wildlife Works?
A: At Wildlife Works, I am responsible for supporting the Indonesian team and the Global Carbon Development team on quantifying carbon sequestration and emissions from wetlands, and creating geospatial maps.
I lead peatland field measurement techniques, develop field protocols, provide trainings for GIS/remote sensing and land cover monitoring.
Q: Tell a story of a wildlife sighting that deeply inspired you
A: I once saw a small group of Orangutans living in a village forest that was surrounded by oil palm plantation. Conserved forests are the ultimate refuge for orangutans to survive the changing landscape.
Q: What message would you convey to someone skeptical about carbon markets?
A: Carbon markets are the only working mechanism that provide opportunities for the local communities to earn their livelihoods from protecting and restoring forests ecosystem.
Q: Share an experience crucial to building trust with community partners
A: Having conducted training on peat survey and successful collection of initial peat data and samples, we rely on local people to conduct the activities by themselves. Success in fulfilling tasks is important in building trust between us and the community.
Q: Share your favorite memory of working with communities
A: I love walking through the landscapes with the communities, who have so many stories and knowledge on the different features.
Q: What made you want to join Wildlife Works?
A: Wildlife Works' reputation and innovation in supporting forest communities and at the same time conserving the forest ecosystem, especially the threatened wildlife such as elephants and bonobos.
Q: What challenge in nature conservation do you believe is commonly misunderstood?
A: Nature conservation is believed by many as a barrier for development, rather than as a life support system.
