By: Galih Aji Prasongko

In 1973, WWF, the world's largest conservation organization, first collaborated with the World Organization of Scout Movement (WOSM). The first collaboration was aimed at environmental education programs, through a badge initiative. The badge became known as the World Conservation Badge (Panda Badge).

The moment of partnership was rekindled in 2018. Coinciding with Earth Hour celebrations in March. One of the main goals of the partnership is to help achieve the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In particular, AICHI Target 1, which states that by 2020, there will be a public awareness of the value of biodiversity while taking action to preserve it.

Through this partnership, WWF and the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) will deepen collaboration. In an effort to promote global awareness in protecting nature and the environment in the future.

The partnership also gives young people a vital role in creating a more sustainable world. WWF and World Scouting will continue to collaborate through the World Scout Environment Program (WSEP).

WSEP offers tools, resources and initiatives to help Scouts around the world work together for the good of the environment at both local and global levels. Under WSEP, Scouts will identify threats to clean water and air in the environment. Suggest solutions, understand global conservation issues affecting biodiversity, show what personal actions can be taken to reduce harmful substances in the wider environment, identify better environmental practices for their local area, and show how to prepare others for environmental hazards and natural disasters.

In Indonesia, the collaboration between WWF and the Boy Scouts in conservation efforts has already been done, in the form of creating badges on conservation in the 90s. To continue these efforts, on May 17, 2018 based on the decree of the National Kwartir of the Scout Movement N0. 66 Year 2018. The Chairman of the National Kwartir of the Scout Movement, Dr. Adhyaksa Dault, SH, M.Si formed a Working Group for the Development of Conservation Education and Activity Programs. This working group consists of 10 people who are cross-fields in KWARNAS, and is chaired by Ari Wijanarko as the National Guide for Foreign Relations.

The working group will serve for 6 months, starting from May 2018 and will end in November 2018. The main task of the working group is to coordinate with WWF Indonesia, until the realization of the Education Program and Conservation Activities, as well as the MoU between the National Scout Movement and WWF Indonesia. This program is expected to increase awareness of conservation values. Especially related to the direct active role of the younger generation, who are members of the Scout movement in Indonesia.