Edi Purwanto

 Director Tropenbos Indonesia

Edi Purwanto is the Director of Tropenbos Indonesia since 2014, where he has been instrumental in positioning the organization as a key facilitator between diverse stakeholders to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical implementation in the sustainable management of forested landscapes. Under his leadership, Tropenbos Indonesia has collaborated closely with local communities, government bodies at both the local and national levels, and the private sector to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use in West Kalimantan.

Among the key initiatives led by Edi in Tropenbos Indonesia are the High Conservation Value (HCV) approach, establishing orangutan corridors, preventing forest and peatland fires, and developing community-based agroforestry and climate-friendly businesses.

With over 30 years of experience in environmental conservation, Edi has demonstrated a deep commitment to balancing ecological preservation with the needs of local communities. His expertise includes hydrology, watershed management, and community empowerment, areas in which he has led major conservation programs across Indonesia, including the Lambusango Forest Conservation and the PNPM Natural Resources Management Program.

Beyond his management roles, Edi is a prolific author, having written 11 books on sustainable natural resource management in Indonesia. His contributions to conservation were recognized when he was named one of the 101 Great Foresters by the Indonesian Forestry Retirement Association in 2024.

Edi holds a Master’s degree from the International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC, Enschede) and a PhD in Earth and Life Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Contact: edipurwanto@tropenbos-indonesia.org