The USAID SEA partner, Indonesian Locally Managed Area (ILMMA) Foundation shared some of its field photos one of which was sent to the Tetra Tech Photo Contest in October 2020 to become a winner announced on January 20, 2021.The photo contest is open to all employees of Tetra Tech and its subsidiaries around the world. This year the committee was pleased to receive over 1,100 submissions.
The photo captured Florence Tanikwele, also known as Mama Pola, who teaches by example how to measure fish to the children in her village. Her story was highlighted in the SEA Newsbrief of May 2020 and Mama Pola has been supported by the USAID SEA’s partner, the ILMMA Foundation, from Nikulukan village in Seram Island. She is an ordinary mother who received training and is engaged by ILMMA as a fish data collector, with a reputation as a diligent worker who reads and understands the data she collects from fishers and fish collectors. From data collector to one of USAID SEA champions, she is also assisting the Nikulukan village to formulate a village regulation by serving as an internal reviewer. She has voiced concern for preventing sea turtle hunting and makes sure that this is observed in the regulation. This female sea champion has not only enjoyed her capacity building from ILMMA, but also exercises her campaign skills, and is an active participant in the local policy formulation for conservation.
Photo credit: Sandra Tjan / ILMMA
