Cahaya Ramadhani
About yourself
I am a conservation policy advisor and stakeholder engagement specialist with nearly 10 years of experience as a journalist, gender specialist, and researcher. I have a strong interest in ensuring that conservation efforts are inclusive and considerate of diverse perspectives. Since 2023, I have been the Indonesia Programme Coordinator for IUCN SSC ASAP, providing bespoke support to ASAP Partners in Indonesia to conserve ASAP species and enhance the impact of ASAP's work in Indonesia.
What inspired you to start working in the field of conservation?
What inspired me was a journey through diverse roles before I landed in the conservation field. As a journalist, I travelled extensively, capturing the wonders of nature and the challenges it faces. Volunteering as a teacher in remote areas during a gap year further exposed me to the development challenges and equality issues in Indonesia. Working in research and gender studies made me realise the importance of inclusivity and diverse perspectives in creating effective solutions. Although I don't have a direct background in conservation or biology, and at first I got into conservation accidentally, I discovered that conservation is where I can apply all my diverse backgrounds, feel fulfilled, and make a meaningful impact. I am content now to pursue a career in conservation that merges environmental advocacy with inclusive, context-focused approaches.
What are some of the rewards and challenges working in conservation?
Witnessing our ASAP Partners empowered to create meaningful change in conservation through my support, no matter how small, fills me with deep satisfaction. Yet, the true challenge lies in assisting Partners from diverse backgrounds and understanding not only their work but also their socio-cultural contexts. Effectively bridging these contexts to communicate with international colleagues and secure funding or other support can be particularly challenging. Nevertheless, navigating these challenges reaffirms my belief that this path is where I can make a significant impact.
Why does being part of the ASAP Women in Conservation Leadership network mean to you?
Being part of the ASAP Women in Conservation Leadership network is both personally fulfilling and professionally enriching. Personally, it provides a sense of camaraderie in a field that can often feel lonely and challenging. Having peers who share similar experiences and understand the complexities of conservation work creates a supportive community where I can relate and find encouragement. Especially when I often feel inadequate due to not having a conservation background. Professionally, this network is invaluable. It exposes me to diverse perspectives and insights from other women leaders in conservation. Understanding their challenges and successes, and hearing about different ways to navigate complex conservation issues and implement effective strategies, enables me to improve how I approach my role, better assisting and supporting our ASAP Partners.