Farwiza Farhan

Dedicated to protecting Sumatra’s Leuser Ecosystem, forest conservationist Farwiza Farhan champions inclusive, community-led stewardship in one of the world’s last great sanctuaries, where rhinos, tigers, elephants and orangutans still roam in the wild. Rejecting the notion of conservation as an exclusive pursuit, she brings together Indigenous communities, ecologists, lawyers, policymakers, international nonprofits and the private sector in a collaborative effort to safeguard the region’s irreplaceable biodiversity.

Through her work with the HAkA Foundation, Farhan continues to demonstrate how protecting forests is inseparable from securing the water resources, safety and livelihoods of local communities. In April 2026, she and HAkA received the Whitley Gold Award for their efforts to strengthen community protection of water catchments across the Leuser Ecosystem. Their approach combines satellite monitoring, drone surveys and community engagement to inform conservation efforts and build climate resilience. Also recognised at this year’s Front & Female Awards in the Social Impact category, Farhan continues to show that protecting vital natural ecosystems requires shared responsibility and a collective commitment across communities and sectors.