The LEAFA Program in Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia.

*Heri Tarmizi

The LEAFA (Locally-Led East Asian Flyway Acoustics) Program in Aceh, Sumatera, Indonesia, stands as a shining example of collaborative conservation efforts aimed at protecting migratory birds along the East Asian Flyway. Spearheaded by the local Civil Society Organization (CSO) KSLH-Aceh and supported by renowned institutions like Cornell University, K. Lisa Yang Center for conservation bioacoustics, Yayasan BISA Indonesia, and the University of Terengganu Malaysia, the program brings together participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. 

With 15 participants representing diverse backgrounds from NGOs, the private sector, and universities, the LEAFA Program embodies the spirit of international cooperation in conservation. The primary objective of the LEAFA Program is to collect valuable data on migratory birds using bioacoustics, focusing on both shorebirds and terrestrial birds.

By deploying bioacoustic monitoring techniques, the program aims to better understand the distribution, behavior, and migration patterns of these avian species along the East Asian Flyway. This data is instrumental in informing conservation strategies and management decisions to safeguard critical habitats and mitigate threats to migratory bird populations.

The program, which commenced in January 2024, operates on a one-year term, during which participants collaborate within specialized working groups to fulfill specific roles and responsibilities. These working groups include Scientific Publishing, Outreach and Engagement, Migratory Bird Identification, and Machine Learning. Each group plays a crucial role in contributing to the overall success of the program, leveraging their respective skills and expertise to achieve common objectives.

In Aceh, the LEAFA Program strategically deploys bioacoustics monitoring in key habitats such as the Alue Naga mangrove and paddy fields in Aceh Besar. 

These habitats serve as crucial stopover sites and breeding grounds for migratory birds, making them priority areas for conservation efforts. Moreover, KSLH-Aceh takes a proactive approach to engage with local communities, fostering collaboration through citizen science initiatives. 

By involving community members in monitoring activities and habitat protection efforts, the program strengthens grassroots conservation efforts and promotes a sense of stewardship among local residents. The collaboration with the local community is paramount to the success of the LEAFA Program. 

By building partnerships and fostering dialogue with stakeholders at the grassroots level, the program creates a sense of ownership and responsibility for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Through community engagement initiatives, such as workshops, outreach events, and capacity-building activities, the program empowers local communities to become active participants in conservation efforts, ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation initiatives in the region.

In conclusion, the LEAFA Program in Aceh, Indonesia, represents a collaborative endeavor to address the conservation challenges facing migratory birds along the East Asian Flyway. By harnessing the collective expertise of diverse stakeholders and engaging with local communities, the program strives to develop effective conservation strategies and safeguard the invaluable biodiversity of the region for generations to come.