Our Conservation Project

Sumatra’s peat swamp forests are vanishing at an alarming pace: cleared for plantations, drained for agriculture, and polluted by human activity. These unique wetlands, rich in biodiversity, are home to countless species found nowhere else on Earth. Among them is Parosphromenus phoenicurus, a tiny, brilliantly colored fish and a powerful symbol of what we stand to lose. Listed as Critically Endangered, this species is now at the heart of our first long-term conservation project.

At Parosphromenus Indonesia, our goal is to secure the future of P. phoenicurus and the fragile ecosystems it represents, while creating a model for freshwater conservation that empowers local communities.

Our Strategy and Actions

To achieve this, we are combining science, community engagement, and habitat protection in a step-by-step approach:

• Habitat Protection and Restoration – Securing and legally protecting key peat swamp areas to create safe, no-take zones, followed by reforestation and water quality restoration where needed.

• Scientific Monitoring – Mapping all known habitats, tracking water quality, and monitoring populations to better understand their health and trends over time.

• Community Engagement – Training and employing local residents as “civil scientists,” teaching safe fishing practices, and creating alternative, sustainable income opportunities.

• Education and Awareness – Partnering with schools and youth groups to build local pride and understanding of the wetlands, while sharing stories globally to raise awareness and support.

• Ex-situ Breeding Program – Establishing controlled breeding facilities to ensure a genetically diverse backup population that could help with future reintroduction or reinforcement of wild populations.

A Long-Term Vision

This project is designed as a 25-year commitment. In the first years, we focus on field research, habitat mapping, and building relationships with local communities. The next phases will have for goal to secure land, restore degraded areas, and develop robust monitoring and education programs. Over time, we aim to replicate this model in other areas, protecting additional populations and species and scaling up our impact across Indonesia.

Why It Matters

Saving P. phoenicurus means protecting an entire ecosystem — one that regulates water, stores carbon, supports livelihoods, and shelters countless other species. By acting now, we have the chance to keep these wetlands alive for generations to come.