For over two decades, the annual Field Course in Conservation Biology & Global Health at Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, has been shaping generations of conservationists. This year, the course marked a significant milestone— its 25th anniversary— reinforcing the importance of long-term collaboration in global conservation efforts.
Led by Randy Kyes (research professor in psychology and chief of the GCEO unit at UW’s WaNPRC) along with dedicated partners from the Faculty of Animal Science (Fapet) at Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT) and the Primate Research Center (PSSP) at IPB University (IPB), this field course has offered hands-on training to local university students and professionals for years, equipping them with the skills to understand and protect biodiversity. Historically, it stands alongside another long-running program in Indonesia— the 30th-anniversary field course on Tinjil Island, Banten, Java, conducted in partnership with PSSP-IPB in 2022.
Beyond fieldwork and research, the program has fostered lasting connections with local communities. Since 2001, the annual outreach education program has brought conservation awareness to elementary school children from Batu Putih, a village bordering the reserve. Guided by field course participants, the children learn about Sulawesi black macaques, participate in an art contest promoting conservation, and enjoy a reception to celebrate their efforts.
The program’s impact extends far beyond its immediate goals. Over time, many of these schoolchildren have returned to participate in the field course as young adults, eager to continue their conservation journey. To date, 30 former outreach students have joined the field course, some pursuing university degrees in conservation, others working with NGOs or leading ecotourism efforts in Tangkoko.
This initiative thrives because of the dedicated participation and support of our many collaborators notes Randy, including Fapet-UNSRAT, PSSP-IPB, the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) and the Center for Global Field Study (CGFS) at the University of Washington (UW), Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam, Department of Forestry (SULUT), Center for Southeast Asia and its Diasporas at UW, One Earth Institute, Selamatkan Yaki, and the community of Batu Putih. “It’s difficult to express how gratifying it is to witness firsthand the growth and success of our field course alumni and outreach participants. Listening to their words of appreciation for the opportunity to have participated in this field training program is the validation of our years of effort,” Kyes shared.
As Randy and his collaborators celebrate this milestone, they’re looking forward to many more years of educating, inspiring, and working together to protect the fragile ecosystems of Indonesia. The WaNPRC’s GCEO outreach and field course alumni are continuing to play key roles in shaping the future of conservation in the region.
Learn more about Kyes, his field work, and the Global Conservation, Education and Outreach unit:
- International field course held in Indonesia and led by UW professor ends after 30 years (UW News)
- From crop-raiding monkeys to political unrest: UW’s Randy Kyes embarks on 100th field course (UW News)
- Conservation Leaders of Tomorrow Look to Yesterday: 20 Years of Community Outreach Education at the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia (WaNPRC)