Story | 02 Dec, 2014

Widodo Ramono receives IUCN/WCPA Fred M. Packard Award

SOS congratulates Mr. Widodo Ramono for receiving the IUCN/WCPA Fred M. Packard Award for his long dedication and inspirational leadership in preventing Sumatran and Javan rhinos from extinction

The IUCN/WPC Fred M. Packard Award recognizes both protected area professionals and organizations for their outstanding services in conservation. The award was presented in November at the World Park Congress in Sydney.  

Few people have dedicated more years to the study and conservation of Asian rhinos than Indonesian biologist Widodo Ramono. Born in 1945 in the Central Javan city of Blora, Widodo today serves as the Executive Director of Yayasan Badak Indonesia (YABI), the Rhino Foundation of Indonesia. 

Located in Bogor, YABI is the International Rhino Foundation’s (IRF) principal partner in programmes that are helping to ensure the survival of both Sumatran and Javan rhinos.

When not at YABI’s headquarters in Bogor, Widodo spends most of his time at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary or inspecting the work of Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) at Bukit Barisan Selatan, Way Kambas and Ujung Kulon National Parks.

SOS Director Jean-Christophe Vié who visited the project this year recounts “I had the privilege to visit the Ujung Kulon, Way Kambas and Bukit Bariusan Selatan National Parks with Pak Widodo. His leadership and long lasting dedication in preventing the extinction of Javan and Sumatran rhinos are truly inspiring.

"The Rhino Protection Unit that YABI has developed with the support of IRF is a great model of collaboration between civil society and park administration. This award celebrates 50 years of dedication in preserving two iconic species by a most devoted person: Widodo Ramono.”

 SOS - Save Our Species has funded three rhino conservation projects, including the IRF's Sumatran Rhino project since March 2013. This short film diary presents some of the various activities to conserve this Critically Endangered species: