APRI SUSANTO ASTRA
IBRAHIMA SADIO FOFANA
COORDINATOR NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS PROGRAMME
ADVOCACY OFFICER FOR THE BLUE LIFELINES FOR A SECURE SAHEL (BLISS) INITIATIVE
My name is Apri Susanto Astra. I am currently working at Wetlands International Indonesia as the Coordinator of the Nature-based Solutions Programme. This is part of Building with Nature Indonesia, which has been ongoing since 2015, bringing about various proud achievements as well as invaluable challenges and lessons for future improvement. I think going forward, to make our voices heard at big conferences, such as COPs, we need more cutting-edge communication products to explain our work and tell our story. It would be even better if community representatives could speak directly at the conferences. To reach our 2030 targets, my team and I will continue to work with communities, while carrying out our respective roles. Collectively, we should attempt to invite more parties to be involved in wetland conservation activities, especially in Indonesia, and at global level. On a personal level, I like outdoor activities, such as going to the sea, or camping in the mountains; this is complemented by my desire to be involved in preserving nature. Working with Wetlands International has given me that opportunity, and I discovered my passion for working with communities on nature conservation.
I’m Ibrahima Sadio Fofana – a trained socio-anthropologist. Since March 2021, I have been an advocacy officer for the Blue Lifelines for a Secure Sahel (BLiSS) initiative. I have 15 years of experience working with local and international NGOs and have worked in many regions in Mali: Mopti, Gao, Koulikoro, Kayes, and Bamako. I joined Wetlands International in 2011 as a Field Coordinator, in charge of dialogue and strengthening projects for CSOs in Mali and West Africa. My ambition is to aid in the challenges of rural development, conservation, and restoration of natural resources to benefit wetland communities and their ecosystems. The field of work within Wetlands International is precise – it is all about “wetlands”. This is unique because it gives a clear orientation and has motivated me to stay within the network and share my experience and skills. The work of Wetlands International is different because it promotes all aspects of biodiversity. We mobilise resources to enable people to become resilient in the face of climate challenges. Wetlands International also advocates for better conservation of nature and continues to provide services for the benefit of all. My greatest success in 2021 was the opening of the agencies with the Great Green Wall of Mali, Chad, Niger and the coordination of the Commission of the Great Green Wall to accompany the BLiSS initiative; with the African climate week as a highlight to this commitment: I co-organised a virtual side event for promoting BLiSS and generated supportive pledges. The advocacy work I do influences policy, practice, and investments in wetlands and will help to keep healthy wetlands for future generations. I will continue to contribute to the mobilisation of financial resources and work with key players for the implementation of the BLiSS objectives by making visible what we are doing during forums, conferences, bilateral meetings, and advocacy events.
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Wetlands International Annual Review 2021
Wetlands International Annual Review 2021
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