the people: Iwan, site leader

A nickname for Iwan could be Mr. Communicator.

At 33, this former vet now runs the Friends of the Reef site in Bali Barat, where he literally works as an interface between all cardinal partners of the project. Judging from the number of people that wave to him as he zooms along the road that carves through Bali Barat National Park, he's done pretty well on this count.

An idealist who wants to bring big changes
Fate had something else in mind when as a child, Iwan dreamt of being an astronaut. Born in Singaraja, a small coastal town in the north of Bali, Iwan nurtured his love for animals and spent a lot of time playing in the surf. From there on, it was a natural transition to Unit Selam at University, which brought him closer to the underwater world.

Iwan's professional path
And yet, it was with a diploma in veterinary science that Iwan graduated. Following a first experience at a vet practice, and then with a couple of dive operators, Iwan sharpened his skills in scuba diving and community work. And that was the package WWF was looking for when the organization took him aboard.

Today, one of the major challenges that Iwan faces in his work is developing solid teamwork. But his toolbag has all the right instruments to get there, including a strong commitment and loyalty for conservation. To him, the most rewarding part of his work is to be in the midst of the community, and to have them understand what they can achieve.

Iwan could probably make a better living with a law firm or an engineering company. But "I am an idealist", he says, "who always wants to bring big changes". Here in Bali Barat, he is well poised for such outcomes.

If he received US$ 100,000 to use for Friends of the Reef, Iwan would…
Create the conditions for fishers to cooperate, and provide them with a good collaboration methodology at sea and the necessary training.