Rusdi Idrus

The challenge

The Bantimurung area of South Sulawesi has long been noted for its numerous varieties of butterfly species. However, the number of species and their individual populations have declined significantly due to illegal poaching and forest destruction. Environmental protection is lacking because of local economic conditions, with many people reliant on forest species to earn a living.

Business approach

The Makassar Institute for Community Research and Development (IPPM) proposes to involve the community in developing a new breeding centre. The aim of the centre is to protect and preserve near-extinct species, breeding common species in a shorter time and selling them to the public. The centre will provide facilitators, trainers and technical assistance, while community near Bantimurung will own and run the new centre.

Goals and objectives

The project will improve the community's economy, increasing income and creating jobs from the sale and marketing of butterfly souvenirs. The community will learn new skills and also gain a tangible asset in the form of the insect breeding centre, which will help sustain this social enterprise. Near-extinct species of the butterflies will also be protected and conserved as part of Indonesia's biodiversity, which will serve to support regional economic development.