Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF) is an Indonesian conservation nonprofit organization working to protect wildlife and their habitat, at the same time as supporting local communities.

FNPF runs projects in Bali and Kalimantan, including wildlife rehabilitation, the breeding and release of critically endangered birds, habitat protection, reforestation and agroforestry – agriculture integrated with the cultivation and conservation of trees. Our community development work includes environmental education, teaching sustainable ways to make a living such as ecotourism and organic farming, and reducing reliance on illegal logging and palm oil plantations, major factors in deforestation.

Our projects are holistic and sustainable, respecting respect the interdependence of wildlife, habitat and these communities. Using its holistic approach, FNPF transformed the Balinese island of Nusa Penida into a bird sanctuary and brought the Bali starling, the island’s emblem and one of the world’s rarest birds, back from the brink of extinction. We have relocated dozens of orangutans to safety from palm oil plantations in Kalimantan. FNPF has also improved the well-being of hundreds of people – thorough education scholarships, agroforestry and ecotourism co-operatives – while motivating them to protect wildlife and restore the natural habitat.

Our programs are designed and led by founding director and Chief Executive Officer I Gede Nyoman Bayu Wirayudha, who has twice been nominated for the Kalpataru Award, Indonesia’s highest award for environmentalists. Doctor Wirayudha was named an Environment Pioneer by the Governor of Bali. We work in co-operation with groups and individuals including NGOs, researchers, the global conservation community, government, local communities, and customary and cultural groups. Our work has been recognized by global organizations including the United Nations Development Programme, the Whitley Fund for Nature, and the Rainforest Action Network.

Our goals for the future is to continue protecting Indonesian nature and all it offers, as well as educating the local people about living sustainably in union with the environment. We are looking for volunteers of any ages who are willing to immerse themselves in local Indonesian culture and help the local people while caring for the environment. Our projects will offer a wonderful experience to anyone who decides to embark on this journey with us.