The role of women in safeguarding nature and biodiversity

Women as guardians of biodiversity: Empowering voices for sustainable future

In megadiverse countries like Indonesia, biodiversity is not just a feature of the landscape; it's a way of life. From the verdant rainforests of Sumatra to the vibrant coral reefs of Raja Ampat, Indonesia's natural treasures are as diverse as its people. Yet, amidst the lush biodiversity lies a hidden force – women, who have long been the unsung heroes in safeguarding nature and biodiversity.

Statistics from Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry¹, highlight Indonesia's status as one of the most biodiverse countries globally, with approximately 17 percent of the world's bird species, 16 percent of reptile and amphibian species, and 12 percent of mammal species found within its borders. Yet, beyond the numbers lies a deeper narrative – a profound connection between women and the natural world.

Indonesian women, deeply rooted in their local environments, often serve as guardians of nature, managing forests, farmlands, and marine ecosystems with reverence and care. They are the primary caregivers and resource managers, responsible for activities such as fuelwood collection, water gathering, and tending to household gardens. Their intimate relationship with the land endows them with unique insights into local ecosystems, enabling them to adopt sustainable practices that promote biodiversity conservation and community resilience.

Moreover, research indicates that women's empowerment and participation in decision-making processes are correlated with enhanced environmental stewardship². When women have access to resources and education, they are more likely to prioritize conservation and advocate for sustainable land use practices within their communities. Moreover, women can be pivotal stakeholders in community-based conservation initiatives, contributing valuable knowledge and skills to sustainable resource management efforts. Through practices such as agroforestry, medicinal plant cultivation, and non-timber forest product harvesting, women can not only help preserve biodiversity but also foster alternative livelihoods within forest-dependent communities.

In essence, the dual significance of biodiversity and the role of women in safeguarding it in Indonesia underscores the need for comprehensive conservation strategies that recognize the interdependence of ecological and social factors. By amplifying women's voices and harnessing their contributions, Indonesia can strengthen its commitment to biodiversity conservation and foster sustainable, resilient communities for generations to come.

My journey in this field

My journey into the realm of biodiversity conservation was inspired by deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and a sense of responsibility to protect our planet for future generations.

Initially, I grappled with the fear of failure in this field that I have chosen, a fear that once held me back from venturing into unfamiliar territories. However, a defeat in a national chemistry competition taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and leadership. It showed me that failure is not a roadblock but a steppingstone toward growth and development.

This lesson was put to the test when I found myself at COP21 in Paris, representing my country on the global stage. Despite being the youngest member of the negotiation team, I embraced the challenge, drawing upon my past experiences to navigate through uncertainty and doubt. By fostering trust and collaboration within my team, we were able to contribute to the monumental achievement of reaching a consensus on the Paris Agreement—an experience that reinforced my belief in the power of effective leadership.

Since then, my journey has taken me on a path of building connections and fostering meaningful relationships with diverse individuals. Whether it's engaging in candid conversations with a factory owner about eco-friendly practices or immersing myself in the lives of indigenous communities affected by environmental projects, I've learned the importance of empathy and understanding in driving positive change.

A story of the women forest rangers in Sulawesi that went beyond merely protecting the park's wildlife; they serve as crucial conduits for bringing conservation awareness directly to local communities. Inspired by the resilience and dedication of these individuals, as highlighted by UNDP³, I founded Motion For Nature. This non-profit organization is dedicated to conservation and habitat preservation. Through partnerships and collective efforts, we aim to elevate the voices of frontline conservationists and catalyze action towards a sustainable future.

My inspiration to work in sustainability field has always stemmed from the belief that every individual has the power to make a difference, and it is through genuine connections and shared experiences that we can drive meaningful change. As I continue on this journey with KPMG, I am committed to leveraging my skills and networks to advocate for environmental protection and empower communities to become stewards of their natural heritage.

Inspiring young women in this field

To young women considering a career in biodiversity conservation, embrace your connection to nature and recognize the power you hold as stewards of the Earth. Your voice matters, your confidence and your actions can make a difference in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for all living beings.

Never underestimate the impact of your actions, no matter how small they may seem. Every tree planted, every species protected, and every voice raised in defense of nature contributes to the greater cause of biodiversity conservation.

Women are not just beneficiaries of biodiversity; they are its custodians and champions. Their invaluable contributions to conservation efforts in Indonesia and beyond underscore the importance of recognizing and amplifying women's voices in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Biodiversity flourishes with equity: A Brazilian perspective

While environmental considerations are essential for biodiversity conservation, social dimensions, like gender, are equally important. Recognizing and addressing gender disparities can enhance the resilience, equitable sharing, and success of biodiversity conservation initiatives¹. Integrating gender equality into national biodiversity strategies and action plans has a positive impact on broader societal metrics, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets 5.a and 15.6, as well as the goals set out by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)²,³

There is a gender gap at a global level⁴,⁵, and Brazil is no exception. As of 2022, women are the primary income generators in approximately half of all family budgets⁶, yet paradoxically, they also face higher unemployment rates⁷. This inequality is also reflected in terms of owning and managing natural resources, including land, as according to government data from 2017, women only own 19% of the establishments identified and manage only 8.5% of the total area occupied by rural establishments in the country⁸. This highlights the need for further efforts to promote gender equality and ensure that women have equal access to resources and decision-making processes.

Despite the structural challenges, there have been some advances in environmental policies with a focus on gender-related aspects. The Brazilian government's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) includes gender-sensitive measures to ensure full respect for human rights, particularly for vulnerable communities⁹. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), an important public policy for biodiversity in Brazil, explicitly aims to promote conservation and sustainable use of components with equitable sharing of benefits, while also respecting gender and generation equality⁹.

Taking into account the points mentioned earlier, I feel privileged as a young professional to have the opportunity to offer technical support to clients. This experience serves as a genuine source of motivation for me to continually strive for excellence. Furthermore, I would like to share a fun fact: Women make up 55 percent of the ESG team in Brazil and have one of the highest representations of women in managerial and leadership positions in KPMG in (RC) Brazil, including our leading partners. Yes, we can!

Nature as a global asset: the role of women in the care and preservation of biodiversity.

Colombia is the first country in diversity of birds, orchids, and butterflies, the second country in plants, amphibians, freshwater fish, reptiles, palms, and bats and the fifth country in mammals¹, which positions us as a megadiverse country. We face great challenges such as the fight against deforestation in the Amazon, the energy transition, and the implementation of different international frameworks in our national policy.

In Colombia, women play a crucial role in safeguarding nature and biodiversity through various means². Traditionally, women have been stewards of the land, particularly in rural areas where they are often responsible for farming, gardening, and preserving natural resources. Their deep connection to the land and environment has led to the development of sustainable practices that help protect biodiversity. Women-led conservation efforts often focus on empowering local communities to engage in sustainable livelihoods while preserving the environment for future generations.

Furthermore, women in Colombia are increasingly taking on leadership roles in environmental conservation initiatives and organizations. Currently, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development is led by Susana Muhamad, an inspiring woman who has been in the role since the end of 2022 and is the fifth woman to hold this position (and the first since 2014)³. The Ministry is advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the protection of ecosystems and wildlife.
Moreover, women's involvement in education and awareness campaigns is instrumental in promoting environmental conservation and biodiversity protection. By imparting knowledge about the importance of preserving natural habitats and ecosystems, women empower communities to take proactive measures to mitigate threats such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution. Their efforts contribute not only to the conservation of Colombia's rich biodiversity but also to the overall well-being of society.

Additionally, we must highlight that this year Colombia is hosting COP16⁴. We hope important announcements will be made for biodiversity conservation at regional and global level. Our Climate Change and Sustainability team will have an active role to show our leadership in issues related to nature and biodiversity in the region.

For all young women readers who are interested in working on issues related to sustainability, climate change and nature, I would like to encourage you to take the plunge and embark on this adventure, there are many opportunities to contribute, generate impact and connect with an incredible network of committed women who are convinced that change is possible!