Hidden away in a tranquil corner of Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia, a group of women is turning nature into wearable art. Known as Kaya Ecoprint, the community-led brand uses natural dyes extracted from leaves and flowers to create unique designs on shirts, shawls, bags, wallets, and other fabrics.
By harnessing ecoprinting techniques, these women entrepreneurs are not only earning additional income for their families but are also promoting ecological and sustainable fashion. The vibrant patterns imprinted on their fabrics are more than designs—they are symbols of a deep connection and harmony between people and nature.
Their journey is one of the 36 inspiring stories highlighted in #WinningWednesday—a social media campaign of the Small Grants Programme by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (SGP I). From 20 November 2024 to 9 July 2025, the campaign on the ACB’s social media pages showcased stories of 117 projects on biodiversity conservation, capacity building, and sustainable livelihood development of different communities in and around selected ASEAN Heritage Parks in Indonesia, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. To date, it has reached over 1.1 million people, generating 43,000 views, and inspiring more than 2,500 meaningful engagements.
From ecoprinted fabrics, handwoven textiles, artisanal crafts, to organic food, beverages, and farm produce, each story is contained in the special edition of the ASEAN Biodiversity Magazine—a tribute to biodiversity champions who are working for a future where people and nature thrive together.
Key achievements of SGP I that were highlighted in the magazine:
- Over 60 biodiversity-friendly products and services launched;
- New partnerships formed across countries and sectors;
- Habitats restored and species protected;
- Alternative livelihoods created; and
- Hundreds of locals trained in conservation and sustainable enterprise.
Discover how small grants fueled big impacts on biodiversity conservation. Catch these stories by scanning the QR code below!
