By: Siti Maryam

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Riau MEA EXPO took place from November 24-27, 2016. The activity, which aims to introduce domestic products and vice versa, was attended by 158 booths from within and outside the country.

There are many industry, government, education and health players participating in enlivening this activity. Not wanting to be left behind, WWF Indonesia Central Sumatra also took part in the activity.

With the theme of natural resource conservation, the WWF stand was crowded with visitors. Here we can see a mock-up of the forest ecosystem which is intended to give visitors an idea of the comparison of the past and present forests.

''This mockup of the forest ecosystem aims to compare our forests in the past with the current ones. We present a mockup of the forest that was so beautiful while the current forest is so barren, "said Antika Fardilla from the WWF communication unit who coordinated the exhibition activities.

''We also display a camera trap which is one of the work programs of WWF Indonesia Central Sumatra Program to monitor tigers in the forests in Riau.

At this spot, a photo contest was also held using a camera trap (automatic camera). This camera is one of the tools used to help research tiger population and distribution.

On the walls of the stand, photos of nature, WWF Central Sumatra activities in the field, tourist attractions in conservation areas and photos of Earth Hour community activities were displayed. Not only that, there are also posters that describe the condition of nature and animals. In addition, information about sustainable community oil palm plantations is displayed. WWF has assisted oil palm farmers who are members of Amanah in Ukui District, Pelalawan in November 2011 to obtain RSPO certification.

There is also an elephant installation that serves to campaign for the fate of Sumatran elephants. The organizers held a caption contest on Instagram. Visitors can take pictures at the elephant installation and upload them to Instagram. Through this contest, it is hoped that more people will help campaign for the fate of elephants.

Not only that, interaction with visitors is also built through the game "Who Wants Tobe a Millionaire" about conservation of natural resources. ''This quiz is related to environmental education, some questions about animals and their habitats. In addition, there are also questions about natural resource conservation laws, "explained Tika.

There were also recycled products from the Rimbang Baling community who are members of the Karya Basamo Group. These recycled products come from plastic waste that is made into various crafts such as brooches, bags, wallets, pencil boxes, tissue holders and baskets. WWF assists the community around Rimbang Baling, especially the women in Tanjung Belit Village, Kampar Kiri Hulu, Kampar Regency for plastic waste recycling training. The goal is to save the surrounding forests and rivers so that they are preserved.

Until the last day, this stand has been visited by more than 400 people. The visitors came from various circles, ranging from government agencies, students, students, employees, and the community as well as children.

''The stand of WWF Indonesia Central Sumatra is very creative. Starting from the layout, not only that the purpose of the stand with the theme of natural resource conservation can also be conveyed to visitors. Namely, so that visitors know the importance of maintaining the sustainability of natural resources." Said Chyntia who came from SMP Negeri 1 Pekanbaru.

Through this exhibition, visitors are expected to understand about the conservation of natural resources, especially Sumatran elephants and Sumatran tigers and their habitats.