Diary 2: From Small Steps to Big Impact - How the Act of Compassion Got Recognised

When I first started Trunk n Twig under the Sahabat Wahana Alam Foundation, I never imagined it would grow into something that would help so many lives. What began as a simple act of care towards the elephants turned into an idea for fundraising by turning elephant dung into eco-friendly paper. This project has become a meaningful movement that connects conservation, community, and compassion.

It all started in Minas, Siak, Riau, when I visited an elephant conservation centre and saw piles of elephant dung being cleaned up every day. Instead of seeing waste, I saw potential. The natural fibres inside the dung could be transformed into something beautiful and valuable. That moment inspired me to start the EcoElephant Paper project, not just as a product, but as a platform for empowerment.

By working together with the village communities, especially women, we learned, experimented, and built something. Every sheet of paper we made carried more than just recycled paper; it also carried hope, collaboration, and the story of people who believe that protecting animals can also mean uplifting communities.

When EcoElephant Paper received recognition from the Minas Jaya Village and the Regent of Siak, I felt deeply happy and touched. It wasn’t just about the award; it was about being recognised, about realising that kindness and creativity can inspire change. To me, this recognition belongs to everyone who believed in the idea; the women who worked tirelessly, the conservation teams who shared their knowledge, and the local government who supported our journey.

I’ve learned that conservation isn’t just about saving wildlife. It’s about creating harmony between humans and nature. This award reminds me that even a small act of care can grow into something bigger, something that makes a difference for both people and the planet.

- Charlotte Annabelle Leono, Founder of Sahabat Wahana Alam Foundation