A Quiet Revolution: Bali’s Community-Led Conservation Movement

A quiet revolution is taking place in Bali. Not led by political protests or loud declarations, but by the gentle rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the silent determination of local communities working in harmony with nature. At the forefront of this movement is Friends of Nature, People and Forests (FNPF), formerly known as the Friends of National Parks Foundation. A grassroots organization that has redefined conservation in Indonesia.

The Spark Behind a Conservation Movement

Founded by Dr. I Gede Nyoman Bayu Wirayudha, a Balinese wildlife veterinarian, FNPF emerged from a deeply personal encounter. In the early 1990s, Bayu saw a Bali Starling (Jalak Bali)—a bird native to Bali—trapped in captivity. That moment didn’t just stir compassion; it sparked a lifelong mission. He realized that true conservation must go beyond protecting animals, it must also uplift the people who share their land with those animals.

Watch also: The Bali Starling, Back From The Brink – Nusa Penida | FNPF Indonesia

Roots in Kalimantan’s Forests

Though today based in Bali, FNPF’s origins lie in the forests of Central Kalimantan, where Bayu first began his conservation work in 1997. At that time, the region faced severe ecological threats from illegal logging and poaching, while tourism brought money but little support for long-term sustainability. Bayu started by channeling tourism profits into reforestation and wildlife protection. Without institutional backing or formal funding, he gathered a small team of veterinarians, students, and local volunteers to begin the work.

In 1998, these efforts were formalized into the Friends of National Parks Foundation. The name later evolved into Friends of Nature, People and Forests, a reflection of their core philosophy: that protecting nature must include empowering communities.

Transforming Nusa Penida into a Sanctuary

The organization’s most transformative project began in 2004 on the island of Nusa Penida, off the coast of Bali. Once lush with vegetation, the island had suffered from deforestation and unsustainable farming practices. Its ecosystem was nearly barren. Bayu, however, saw potential. He envisioned the island as a safe haven for the Bali Starling, whose wild population had almost vanished.

Rather than seek government intervention, FNPF took a culturally sensitive approach. They engaged Bali’s desa adat (customary village councils) and religious leaders, encouraging them to protect their land through their own traditions. Through ongoing dialogue, community meetings, and even speaking at temple ceremonies and weddings, FNPF asked each village to declare their land a bird sanctuary. Slowly but surely, the idea spread. Eventually, all villages on Nusa Penida agreed, making it the world’s first community-declared sanctuary for the Bali Starling.

Conservation That Centers People

This success marked a turning point. FNPF had proven that conservation rooted in respect, education, and community empowerment could be more effective than external mandates. It also showed that people would care for their environment when they felt a shared sense of ownership.

Today, the Bali Starling has made a stunning comeback. After the first releases of captive-bred birds, the species adapted, bred in the wild, and now boasts several generations living freely. The revival of this iconic bird has earned international recognition, including features in National Geographic, and stands as a global model for community-driven conservation.

But FNPF’s work goes far beyond a single species. In Kalimantan, they continue to work closely with Dayak communities, helping them manage nurseries, replant forests, and act as guardians of the land. Over 200 hectares of degraded land have been restored. In Bali, FNPF supports sustainable agriculture, offers free seedlings, and integrates environmental education into local schools to foster a culture of stewardship from a young age.

Their “people-first” approach avoids one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they listen to each community’s needs, adapting their strategies to support long-term, locally-led efforts.

Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

FNPF also manages the Bali Wildlife Rescue Centre in Tabanan, operates the Besikalung Wildlife Sanctuary, and supports projects near Padang Bai. In Kalimantan, they continue to rehabilitate orangutans, ensuring they achieve full independence before being released back into the wild.

Despite their accomplishments, FNPF faces ongoing challenges, including limited funding and a shortage of conservation workers. Bayu acknowledges that conservation is often unglamorous work—difficult, underpaid, and behind the scenes. To address this, FNPF runs ecotourism programs, community farms, and social enterprises that support both people and the environment.

They also invest in the next generation of conservationists, offering internships, volunteer opportunities, and training for young Indonesians and international supporters alike. From tree planting to education and communications, volunteers contribute vital support to FNPF’s growing network.

Support for conservation can begin in simple ways—by raising awareness, contributing financially, or volunteering time and skills. Small, consistent efforts, such as planting a single tree, are widely recognized by environmental groups as meaningful contributions to larger restoration goals.

Read also: Bali Commits to Becoming Trash-Free by 2027: A Bold Step Toward a Cleaner Future

In the coming years, FNPF plans to scale up community ecotourism, expand conservation-based livelihoods, and nurture a future where working in conservation is seen not as sacrifice, but as a respected and valued career.

From the temples of Bali to the rainforests of Kalimantan, this quiet revolution continues—rooted in tradition, fueled by hope, and led by people who believe that protecting nature begins at home.