This Valentine’s Day, we are featuring some of the most romantic animal species found in ASEAN and their unique biological love languages.

Check out each card, and tell us which animal is the most romantic for you!

Living in the dense, evergreen forests of Southeast Asia, the Great Hornbills are known to be monogamous throughout their lives, and their elaborate courtship process will surely melt the hearts of every romantic!

The males are consistent and patient during courtship and continue to fully provide for their lifelong partners and their chicks.

The bond of a Great Hornbill couple is so profound that they are known to die of a broken heart if separated. This fact made the Great Hornbill a classic symbol of undying love and loyalty. Now that’s a gold standard for #relationshipgoals!

If you believe in monogamy, the Sarus Crane might be an adorable species for you!

These wetland birds are often found in pairs—dancing in cornfields and engaging in pair-bonding behaviours. They also perform courtship dances, which are common to cranes. In addition, this bird also symbolises unconditional love, devotion, and good fortune.

Although they are already extinct in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, they still exist in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. It is listed under the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, so we might as well show some love to this bird by safeguarding its species from further destruction!

The “singing ape” of the jungle, the Lar Gibbon or Common Gibbon, is not your typical,
pro-independent species. Traditionally, a strictly monogamous animal, they tend to bond in pairs or in groups of up to six members and communicate by singing. Once the perfect mate is found, the Lar Gibbon stays loyal for life.

One caveat is that the females of this kind are the ones prone to engaging with multiple male partners to choose those who have better genetic quality or to reduce infanticide risk.

Sadly, the Lar Gibbon is an Endangered species on the IUCN Red List, as it is hunted both for subsistence food use and for the pet trade.

Also known as the Kisser fish, the Kissing gourami is a freshwater fish native to Thailand, Sumatra and Java (Indonesia), and Borneo (Malaysia).

It is known for having strong, fleshy lips, which they use for kissing things like rocks, plants, and food. They often give a long smooch to another male, but it is not a romantic one. This behaviour establishes dominance and fights for territories.

It is quite different during courtship as it performs a “pre-spawning dance”, and when a certain pair is ready to mate, they circle each other, and the male wraps his body around the female, turning her upside down, at which point she releases eggs to be fertilised. 

While the Great Hornbill courts a female by regularly bringing food and protecting the female, the Common Birdwing is often a very aggressive suitor and is known for its relentless pursuit.

Flaunting its vibrant colours of gold, red, and black, it performs an exquisite dance over the female and releases pheromones. The male charms the female butterfly to like him, and the female stays if she is interested, but flies away if she is unimpressed.

Its large and bright wings inspire some butterfly collectors; that is why it is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to prevent over-exploitation and international trade.

Tucked away in a small corner of GLNP in North Sumatra, the remote and idyllic town called Batu Katak Tourism Village is growing in popularity among tourists, especially among those who want to immerse themselves in a plethora of diverse and endemic fauna and flora.

_{Local and foreign tourists visit the Batu Katak Village for a jungle trek and search for the rich flora and fauna in the area, such as the Rafflesia arnoldii}

It is a far cry from a few years ago, when Batu Katak was not as well-known despite its proximity to famous tourist attractions around the area.

Today, this small village is making a big splash in ecotourism, especially after receiving a Cleanliness, Health, Safety & Environment Sustainability (CHSE) certification. This is the first CHSE certification for the tourist attraction category in Langkat Regency with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI), provided by a government-recognised certification body.

With support from the SGP, Yayasan Pariwisata Berkelanjutan Indonesia (DESMA Center) helped breathe new life into the tourism industry in Batu Katak after it was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

_{River tubing is one of the activities offered by the Batu Katak Tourism Institute in their tour packages (Photo credit: DESMA Center)}

DESMA Center’s intervention has equipped small businesses with tools to enhance their ecotourism services and products and improve their market access. For instance, businesses were introduced to new approaches so they can further develop and better promote their tour packages and lodging services.

DESMA Center built visitleuser.com, a digital platform where small business owners can offer their products and services. This enabled small business owners to offer their products and services to a wider audience and strengthen their collaboration with relevant stakeholders for commercial purposes.

“As wellness, safety, and health protocols are becoming more important considerations for the tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic, digitalisation is an effective strategy to encourage sustainable and resilient tourism and reinforce tourism products and destination development. It is important to ensure that tourism is reintroduced in a more sustainable and environmentally sensitive way,” says Dicky Mardyan, co-founder and director of DESMA Center.

He added, “The project has encouraged the development of smarter tourism systems through digitalisation in order to support community- based businesses, improve tourism product quality and tourist attraction information, and promote ecotourism in GLNP Area III.”

In addition to creating the platform, DESMA Center empowered dozens of women by teaching them to create new menus that highlight local ingredients and fruits, which are offered as part of tour packages.

A single mother of three, Herniati is among the residents of Batu Katak whose life has changed because of ecotourism. She, along with other members of the women’s group Arih Ersada, received a series of training on hospitality and tourism from DESMA Center. Apart from helping her get a job at the Batu Katak Ecotourism Institute as a ticketing officer, the training allowed her to sell snacks and souvenir items to tourists in her spare time.

_{Herniati (leftmost) and the women of Batu Katak benefit from the training they received from DESMA Center on homestay, culinary, tourism management, and use of digital tools for marketing}

Under the SGP grant, DESMA Center was able to sign Memoranda of Agreement with universities and travel agents; acquire and share new knowledge on business mechanism for both business-to- consumer and business-to-business; renovate key facilities; create training modules; prepare new tour packages with structured itinerary and quotation; share new tour guiding methods; and produce promotional videos.

For DESMA Center, the end goal of its ecotourism initiative is to encourage local business owners and other actors to protect natural and cultural resources in GLNP after reinforcing the crucial role they play in sustaining their livelihood.

With the help of the SGP, DESMA Center has transformed the Batu Katak Tourism Village into a thriving ecotourism destination.

Unfolding in Indawgyi is a notable change spearheaded by the Green Land Social Development Association (Green Land), a women-exclusive organisation that is redefining backyard entrepreneurship and sustainability. Khin Mar Kyi, the visionary chairperson of the group, has led a movement that turns non-timber local raw materials into high-value products, empowering women and invigorating the economy.

Four years ago, a handful of determined women banded together to form Green Land. They sought to harness the bounty of the sanctuary and create products that resonate with their cultural heritage and conservation targets. Starting with sesame powder and dry tea, they embarked on a journey of growth and discovery.

The turning point came when they received an SGP grant, which provided not only financial aid but also invaluable training. The assistance catalysed an expansion in both their product line and their vision. Today, the group boasts an eclectic array of offerings, including ginger powder, green tea, organic dried melon, various natural wines like sour fruit and mulberry, and an assortment of herbal wines.

Green Land produces various nature-based products such as herbal wines, dried fruit and tea leaves, and turmeric powder

More than the biodiversity-based products they produce and sell, Green Land has become a model of opportunity, creating jobs for women and nurturing green entrepreneurs. From an initial 10 members in 2020, the group has blossomed into a collective of over 50 women.

According to Khin Mar Kyi, the intervention has enabled dozens of women to start their businesses and earn additional income for their families. With a sustainable source of livelihood, families are less likely to enter the wildlife sanctuary and engage in illegal activities.

Khin Mar Kyi, chairperson of Green Land, is proud to steer a group of women into producing nature-based products that provide them with additional income

Green Land conducts monthly association gatherings, which are not just social events, but strategic sessions to source raw materials and craft finished products.

The SGP’s contribution extends beyond knowledge to essential equipment like fruit slicers and oil mills, streamlining production and fostering efficiency. The group’s recent acquisition of 30 mustard seed mills is a testament to their commitment to growth.

The farming community of Braja Luhur in WKNP relies heavily on rice cultivation. While rainfall is essential for their livelihood, excessive downpours often lead to flooding, soil erosion, and crop damage. This struggle forced locals to poach wildlife, cut trees, and engage in other illegal activities within the national park to survive.

Members of the KTH Trans Api ventured into duck farming to help reduce pressures on Way Kambas National Park’s forests

At 28, Deni Prastyo, a resident of Braja Luhur, proposed a bold idea of venturing into duck farming to create an alternative source of livelihood and curb illegal activities in the forest.

Fuelled by his determination and his childhood dream of uplifting his community, Deni rallied fellow villagers—some notorious for their park transgressions—to establish KTH Trans Api. Their mission? To raise ducks and sell salted eggs, thus providing a sustainable livelihood that steers them away from forest crimes.

KTH Trans Api soon became an SGP grantee, receiving an initial capital of IDR 3 million (EUR 174.79) and 250 ducks. Part of the funds were used to construct a budget-friendly enclosure for their feathered flock.

Deni knew the funds were insufficient for feeding the ducks, completing infrastructure, and achieving full operation. Nevertheless, he persevered, hoping that additional support will come along the way. To better ease their financial burden, Deni regularly transports the ducks in cages of its members who have just harvested rice grains from their nearby rice fields. This way, ducks can be fed with 50 per cent concentrate, while they get the rest of their diet as they forage on the fields for leftover grains.

Months later, KTH Trans Api secured a loan from a private group and an additional IDR 14 million (EUR 815.72) grant, along with technical training from Yayasan Pendidikan Konservasi dan Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (YAPEKA), another SGP grantee. Deni and his team also received IDR 6 million (EUR 349.59) from Yayasan Kanopi Indonesia. With these additional funds, KTH Trans Api diversified into livestock farming.

“SGP is like a magnet for other funding. After it became our pioneer funding agency, other grants followed. We received funding for two projects on goat farming from the national park and the Ministry”

– Deni Pratiyo, leader of KTH Trans Api

“SGP is like a magnet for other funding. After it became our pioneer funding agency, other grants followed. We received funding for two projects on goat farming from the national park and the Ministry,” Deni proudly shared. He added, “SGP catapulted our business, expanding our market and fostering collaboration. We acquired new skills and ventured into year-round livestock farming. Rainy seasons no longer haunt us.”

Today, KTH Trans Api boasts a membership of 20 dedicated individuals and a thriving flock of 400 ducks. Their daily operations yield a net profit ranging from IDR 150,000 (EUR 8.74) to IDR 200,000 (EUR 11.65), primarily through the sale of salted eggs to their loyal patrons. They have also partnered with the Ministry of Social Affairs, providing ducks to elderly community members who are seeking supplementary income.

Previously, KTH Trans Api supplied salted eggs to Super Indo in Bandar Lampung, a prominent supermarket chain with branches across Java Island and Southern Sumatra. However, they had to pause for a while to work on improving their supply chain and meet the latter’s weekly demand. Currently, the group focuses on consigning their eggs to smaller stores and directly supplying eggs to their patrons.

KTH Trans Api shares its success with the Braja Luhur community by giving 15 eggs to each neighbouring family, totalling 2,300 eggs.

Beyond that, Deni and other KTH Trans Api members actively encourage locals to join their group and steer clear of illegal activities within WKNP. Deni shared, “Those who previously engaged in illegal activities in the forest were initially apprehensive about interacting with park management. However, through several meetings and conservation training activities, they have come to understand the importance of protecting the park. It is crucial for communities, park rangers, and officers to collaborate. This project has successfully brought these parties closer together.”

The success of KTH Trans Api has also inspired neighbouring villages to explore duck farming, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the region.

A delicious, deep-fried snack, the Batu Jongjong banana chips can be bought in three flavours: sweet, spicy, and savoury

A delicious, deep-fried snack, the Batu Jongjong Banana Chips brand is produced by the women villagers of Batu Jongjong in Langkat Regency. Available in sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours, the banana chips production has significantly contributed to the economic empowerment of the women in the area.

The women of Batu Jongjong produce the flavourful banana chips

Yayasan REPALA Indonesia (REPALA) and the community are working together to reach a wider market to further boost the village’s economy. Their goal is to help build a tourism school in their area to support children and continue economic development.

Cooking up success with efficient stoves at Padaekaw Village

Mya Nu is happy with her savings from using her fuel-efficient stove

Under the SGP, 2,000 fuel-efficient stoves were distributed to households around MKWS. The use of these stoves reduced fuelwood consumption by 50 per cent, lessened the risk of fire, and shortened cooking time, allowing villagers to do other chores or jobs. Their compact design saves space and enhances mobility. Additionally, the stoves emit less smoke, helping to protect the environment and reduce the demand for firewood, thereby, contributing to the preservation of mangrove forest.

“Previously, cooking a meal would require about 10 pieces of firewood. Now, with the fuel-efficient stoves, cooking the same meal only requires about 6 pieces of firewood. This saves on fuel costs and frees up more time, allowing me to do other tasks and spend more time with my family.”

— Mya Nu, community member at Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary

Addressing fuelwood dependency with fuel-efficient stoves in Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

By using fuel-efficient stoves, the project team aims to help reduce deforestation

Most villages in AKNP, except for Po Oo Village and Sa Ka Village in Gangaw Township, Magway Region, lack access to electricity and therefore rely heavily on fuelwood for energy. A survey conducted by the Forest Department revealed that the average household in these villages consumes approximately 2.5 tons of fuelwood annually. Additionally, significant amounts of fuelwood are used to create fires that keep insects away from cows. It is estimated that 64 villages around AKNP collectively extract about 4,960 tons (7,022.6 cubic meters) of fuelwood each year from the surrounding forests to meet their needs.

AKNP’s highlights the need to introduce fuel- efficient stoves to ensure the efficient use of fuelwood before alternative energy sources, such as natural gas, can be provided. Under the management plan, AKNP promotes the use of these stoves in priority villages to curb illegal logging and excessive extraction of fuel wood. In addition to raising awareness about the stoves and distributing them to households, park management also plans to conduct training on how to make fuel-efficient stoves and facilitate the creation of a local market for fuel-efficient stoves made by the community.

To address the issue, SGP distributed 300 fuel- efficient stoves to households around AKNP. Although specific data on fuelwood consumption reduction in AKNP is not yet available, similar initiatives in MKWS and GLNP have demonstrated a 40 to 50 per cent decrease in fuelwood usage following the adoption of these stoves. This reduction not only alleviates pressure on the surrounding forests but also saves households time on fuelwood collection and reduces indoor air pollution, improving health outcomes.

Palm farmers use energy-efficient stoves in GLNP

Palm farmers use energy-efficient stoves in GLNP

Under the same project, RELUNG also developed low-cost and energy-efficient stoves for palm sugar production that reduces reliance on firewood by at least 50 per cent. Farmer beneficiaries say that they are also able to cook palm sugar 30 per cent faster than the usual time. According to RELUNG, this innovation allows palm sugar producers to conserve firewood and save money. Moreover, energy-saving stoves combined with a clean kitchen ensure that their products are more hygienic.

In the tea-rich villages of Indawgyi, the Green Garden Natural Green Tea Production Group (Green Garden Group) stands as a testament to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. The organisation was established in 2019 by a coalition of 16 tea farmers from three villages.

Green Garden Group produces high-quality tea leaves

The project objectives are clear and potent as the tea they produce supports livelihood development for tea farmers in the Indawgyi region, cultivates high-quality and high- value tea products, provides consumers with authentic and high-quality tea, and expands the community of environment-friendly tea growers.

Initially, the group had only two tea machines which limited their production capacity. The introduction of three drying and two rolling machines supported by the SGP has streamlined processing, allowing members to handle larger quantities efficiently. Today, they are able to meet the growing demand for their products while maintaining quality.

Women members of the Green Garden Natural Green Tea Production Group grind tea leaves using equipment provided by the SGP

In one season, for example, they saw a yield of 156 viss of green tea, translating to a total revenue of MMK 2,808,000 (USD 1,340) for the members—a significant achievement that underscores the project’s viability and impact.

With 20 acres of mature tea farms hosting 1,500 old trees and another 20 acres allocated for new growth populated with 3,696 saplings, the group has maintained a delicate balance between tradition and expansion.

The group initially grows 1,500 old trees of tea across 20 acres and was eventually doubled to accommodate new saplings

“Farmers using the tea machines can pay in instalments of MMK 100,000 per year (USD 47), rather than pay the full price upfront. Once the machine is paid off, the farmer owns it. The extra funds from machine payments will be used for educational lectures aimed at increasing the number of new farmers,” shared Anthony Gammon, chairman of the Green Garden Group. He added that they plan to purchase new machines and continue to share them with the farmers.

Green Garden Group also plans to expand its tea farms further, preserve century-old trees, enhance the quality of its green tea, and strengthen market connections.

The group has connected with the Green Land Group in the Indawgyi region to enhance sales and produce high-quality tea in larger quantities.

“Initially, farmers sold tea to a limited group of customers. After partnering with the ACB, they were able to produce high- quality and visually appealing tea, which enabled them to increase market penetration.”

— Anthony Gammon, Chairperson of Green Garden Group

They will also welcome more farmers into their fold and share their knowledge through study tours while maintaining their tradition of regular annual meetings.

As Green Garden Group continues to flourish, they embody the essence of growth—not just in their crops but in their community’s prosperity and well-being.

Watch this continuation of the video Wetlands, Our Land and learn more about one of the important nodes of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the Tiaozini Wetland in Jiangsu Province in China.

Watch this video and be immersed in the beauty of one of the important nodes of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the Tiaozini Wetland in Jiangsu Province, China.

An elephant and its mahout at the Elephant Lecture Center in Way Kambas National Park

Established in 1985, the Pusat Latihan Gajah (PLG) or Elephant Training Center, has long been a sanctuary for rescued and captured elephants in Way Kambas. After a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre re-emerged in 2022 with a fresh identity as the Pusat Lektur Gajah (Elephant Lecture Center). This rebranding signifies its expanded mission: not only to train elephants but also to serve as a pivotal hub for reducing human-wildlife conflicts and championing wildlife conservation through a wealth of information and activities.

The rebranding marked a significant shift—from mass ecotourism to socialised ecotourism. While mass ecotourism aims to attract large crowds to natural destinations to stimulate local economies, it often risks environmental and cultural degradation. In contrast, socialised ecotourism emphasises scheduling smaller groups and nurturing meaningful connections with local cultures and environments.

“The PLG was a popular tourist destination in Lampung, attracting 50,000 visitors every year. The former PLG offered elephant attractions and shows,” shared the Penabulu Foundation in its final report to SGP. According to the organisation, a new ecotourism concept was introduced by the SGP grantees Yayasan Cakra Madani Selia (CAKRA) and Aliansi Lestari Rimba Terpadu (ALeRT) to PLG, prioritising animal welfare and the active engagement of buffer zone villages of the WKNP in developing sustainable ecotourism.

At the core of this change is limiting visitors that can have a direct impact on the welfare of elephants in PLG, preserving the elephants’ habitat, and promoting the development of village tourism in WKNP.

“In December 2023, PLG reopened its tourism activities with a new concept: Visitors shouldn’t see elephants as attractions like those in a circus. Close encounters and elephant rides were discontinued. This is a good move because with the new concept, elephants are no longer stressed from the hordes of visitors who come into direct contact with them. Now, visitors can appreciate the elephants from a safe and respectful distance. Even the trash and the noise were significantly reduced,” shared Esti Anggraini, an elephant veterinarian at the PLG.

This shift also entailed recalibrating the centre’s strategies to earn income. Instead of the elephant shows, tourists can feed and bathe the elephant and pose for a photo for a corresponding fee.

They can also join jungle track tours with the elephants to experience nature more closely, while in the late afternoon, they can enjoy the beautiful sunset scenery at the PLG as they enjoy scrumptious food prepared by the PLG’s partner cooperative.

The progress made by PLG would not be possible if not because of the joint efforts of the government and dedicated organisations like CAKRA and ALeRT in crafting conservation based nature tourism master plan and information campaign materials that served as the former’s blueprint and toolkits in implementing the socialised ecotourism. To develop the master plan, CAKRA employed various data collection techniques to consult various stakeholders that have an involvement in the plan. Among the key recommendations identified were establishing cooperatives, securing business licences, preparing tourism infrastructure, and developing integrated tourism management.

“Integration between WKNP, PLG, Way Kanan, and the buffer villages is central to this approach, fostering a cohesive and sustainable tourism model,” CAKRA noted in its project completion report.

Meanwhile, ALeRT focused on orienting the WKNP staff and the four buffer villages of Braja Harjosari, Labuhan Ratu VI, VII, and IX to the new ecotourism concept and their role in ensuring its implementation and success. The organisation designed and distributed socialisation tools like films, banners, and flyers, and organised face- to-face discussions. “Efforts to organise PLG tourism sustainably not only focus on conserving biodiversity to enhance the destination’s attractiveness but also aim to increase community participation in tourism management, boost the local economy, and improve education and public health,” ALeRT stated in its project completion report.

The interior and exterior portions of the redesigned PLG visitor centre feature new information materials which help tourists learn more about the Sumatran elephants and other WKNP key species such as Sumatran tigers, Sumatran rhinoceros, and orangutans

While the shift led to a decline in the number of park visitors, organising the tours in smaller groups now allows visitors to develop a deeper connection with nature in an environment that protects elephant welfare and promotes sustainable income generation for the surrounding communities.