By: Sani Firmansyah

On January 24, 2015, WWF-Indonesia's environmental education house, Bumi Panda, turned one year old. Located in the middle of Bandung, Bumi Panda is the only information center for conservation efforts in Indonesia. The first similar place owned by WWF is "The Living Planet Center" in London, England. Bumi Panda itself was built as a form of appreciation from WWF-Indonesia for the many supporters from Bandung, which currently totals more than 2,500 people. During 2014, around 1,000 people have visited Bumi Panda and been educated in this house.

During its year-long operation, Bumi Panda did not 'go it alone'. With the support and collaboration of a number of local environmental communities in Bandung, Bumi Panda is increasingly rich with a variety of information about the current environmental conditions in Bandung. Bumi Panda is also actively facilitating various communities to do activities, including discussions and screening a number of films about Bandung's environmental conditions with attractive packaging, as well as invitations for various institutions ranging from preschool to university levels in Bandung and its surroundings to visit and learn at Bumi Panda.

Bumi Panda's 1-year anniversary was celebrated on Saturday, January 31, 2015 by inviting all parties and schools in Bandung that have cooperated and supported WWF-Indonesia's conservation efforts. The event also invited orphaned children who were invited to tour Bumi Panda.

"The presence of Bumi Panda in Bandung is a very interesting and informative alternative place for schools or families to play and learn," said Mrs. Sarah, a teacher representative from Superkids Eduventure Bandung. She was present at Bumi Panda that day with her students.

Also present were WWF-Indonesia's Marketing Director, Devy Suradji, and WWF-Indonesia's Public and Supporter Relations Manager, Susilowati Lestari, who actively participated in the day's activities. The event, which was held simply, became a place to strengthen the relationship between WWF-Indonesia and all parties who have helped the efforts made by the oldest conservation organization in Indonesia.