Ivanna Febrissa
About yourself
I work on the conservation of songbirds in Indonesia, including ASAP-listed species such as the Javan Blue Flycatcher. Like many songbirds, this species faces intense pressure from trade, habitat loss, and cultural demand. My role is connecting conservation science with people through communication. I design campaigns, create educational activities, and collaborate with influencers, communities, and schools to make conservation issues more relatable and actionable. I aim to inspire behavior change and build wider public support for protecting songbirds. I believe that protecting songbirds is not only about saving species, but also about preserving cultural connections and ensuring future generations can enjoy their presence in the wild.
What inspired you to start working in the field of conservation?
From an early age, I was captivated by the natural world. I would spend hours watching wildlife documentaries, completely absorbed by the lives of animals and the beauty of their habitats. Those moments didn’t just entertain me. Seeing how fragile nature can be, I felt compelled to dedicate my life to protecting it. That childhood fascination grew into a clear purpose, guiding me to pursue my studies in conservation and shaping the career I continue to build today.
What are some rewards and challenges working in conservation?
One of the greatest rewards of working in conservation is the indescribable joy of seeing wildlife thrive again. Whether it's a species we've advocated for showing signs of population recovery, animals returning to live freely in their natural habitat, or simply witnessing the richness of many species still surviving in the wild, it's truly rewarding. Equally rewarding is witnessing people and communities shift their behaviors, choosing to take part in protecting the ecosystems they depend on.
At the same time, conservation is rarely easy. It often takes years of persistence before real change can be seen, and the issues we face are deeply complex from spanning ecological, social, and cultural dimensions. Sometimes the work doesn’t get the attention it deserves compared to other pressing issues. But it’s exactly this challenge that makes every small success so powerful.
What does being part of the ASAP Network of Women means to you?
I am truly grateful to be part of the ASAP Network of Women. This network means a lot to me because it provides knowledge and support that women in conservation often need but is rarely addressed, such as wellbeing. The program is clear and holistic, covering everything from building self-visibility to strengthening visibility to others. Through this, I have learned so much and discovered the confidence to be my authentic self while unlocking my potential. I hope that by being part of this network, I can grow to create greater impact, step into leadership, and contribute to advancing conservation in Indonesia.