Watala (Friends For Nature and Environment) was founded in Oktober 15, 1978 in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung by group of students concerned with the issue of environment. It was part of the student body within the faculty. 

In 1987, Watala was becoming an independent institution and henceforth has to establish itself outside campus. Watala is a non government institution and has been certified by public notaries and forms itself as Association; Watala is working in the field of Conservation, Public Advocating, Planning, Research on Agroforestry, Rural Economic Development, Social Forestry Development, Development of Coastal and Marine as well as ecotourism. 

Watala objective is to contribute in developing sustainable and fair resource management.

BOARD OF COMMISIONERS

1. Ir. Zainal Abidin, M.E.S.      (Head)
2. Ir. Azwarudin                     (Secretary)
3. Ir. Herdimansyah AIB         (Member)
4. Ir. Indra Bangsawan            (Member)
5. Ir. Daeng Slamet Riadi         (Member)   

BOARD OF EXECUTIVE

1. Rini Pahlawanti, S.H.           (Director)
2. Eko Sulistiantoro                (Program Manager)
3. Ricky Hariwibowo              (Finance and Administrative Manager)