KEHATI collaborates with Accenture Indonesia to carry out water bird observations
During this event, KEHATI successfully documented 14 species of water birds.
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Date:
23 May 2019 -
Author:
KEHATI
JAKARTA – On the occasion of World Bird Migration Day, the KEHATI Foundation (KEHATI) and Accenture Indonesia collaborated to conduct an observation of water birds in the Angke Kapuk Protected Forest in Jakarta on November 5th. This noteworthy activity was attended by Accenture employees and bird observers from the KEHATI Foundation’s biodiversity warriors community.
It is worth mentioning that this marks the first time Accenture in Indonesia has engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities that specifically focus on biodiversity. Previous CSR initiatives primarily aimed at entrepreneurship, work readiness, health, and women’s empowerment.
According to internal research conducted on our employees, they exhibit higher levels of engagement when the company demonstrates its care for the environment. Hence, this event not only benefits the environment but also enhances the well-being of Accenture employees. These sentiments were echoed by Leonard Nugroho, the Managing Director of Accenture Indonesia, who served as the sponsor of these CSR activities.
This is the second observation activity conducted by KEHATI in 2019, following the Asian Waterbird Census in January. During this event, KEHATI successfully documented 14 species of water birds. However, this figure reflects a decline compared to the 15 species recorded during the observation in 2016.
KEHATI consistently strives to engage as many stakeholders as possible in various significant environmental events. The foundation aims to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation among all parties, including the private sector. Riki Frindos, Executive Director of the KEHATI Foundation, stated, “We aspire to promote a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity conservation activities.”
The theme for this year’s celebration is Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution! It is notable that Indonesia is receiving attention due to its crucial role as a new migration crossing country in the East Asian-Australian flyway. Furthermore, Indonesia holds the title of being the second-largest contributor of waste globally, according to the 2015 Jambeck Research Group data. Specifically, Jakarta, as the capital city, generates an astonishing 1,900-2,400 tons of plastic waste per day. The situation worsens with the ongoing extensive infrastructure development in protected forest areas, including housing and office buildings.
Recent observations indicate that the Angke Kapuk Protected Forest continues to face challenges concerning plastic waste and unpleasant odors. Household waste remains a significant source of plastic waste, resulting in pitch black seawater with strong odors. If this issue persists, it will increasingly disrupt the existing ecosystem, threatening the habitat of fish, which serves as a crucial food source for water birds.
“The deterioration of ecosystem quality in the Angke Kapuk Protected Forest is evident through the declining number of species, said Riki”. He further emphasized the importance of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government in promptly resolving this issue, recognizing the crucial role protected forests play in maintaining ecological balance.
In efforts to combat plastic waste, KEHATI actively engages in campaigning and advocating for stakeholders to minimize the use of plastic. One impactful initiative is the substitution of plastic packaging with bamboo baskets, known as the ‘back to besek’ program. Continuing for a year now, this program not only promotes environmental sustainability but also successfully integrates initiatives for upstream land restoration and community empowerment with downstream environmental programs.