Willie Smits

Willie Smits

Keynote Speaker: Trained Forester, Microbiologist & Animal Welfare Activist; Founder of Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation & Chairman of the Masarang Foundation

Willie Smits Biography

Dr. Willie Smits is widely recognized for his pioneering work in conservation and sustainable development. In 1991, he established the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, currently the largest organization in the world dedicated to the protection of Bornean orangutans. Building on his extensive experience in forestry and his role as a senior advisor to Indonesia's Ministry of Forests, Smits has been instrumental in the development of innovative reforestation techniques. These techniques, which focus on the crucial link between the region's burgeoning population and its dwindling forests, have been incorporated into Indonesian law. Smits also founded and chairs the Masarang Foundation, an organization with a broad focus on habitat restoration and community empowerment.

Smits's passion for conservation extends to numerous other projects and collaborations. Among these is the Schmutzer Primate Centre, which he designed and opened at the Ragunan Zoo in 2002, tailoring it specifically to the needs of orangutans. He also played a significant role in the reforestation efforts at Samboja Lestari, which led to a 30% increase in rainfall in the area. Smits's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by his creation of a sustainable palm sugar factory in Tomohon. This initiative not only conserves energy but also provides an essential source of income for local farmers. Recognition of Smits's extensive contributions to conservation has come from both his homeland, where he was knighted in the Netherlands, and abroad, with accolades such as Indonesia's Satya Lencana Pembangunan Award.

Smits shares his extensive knowledge and experience through numerous platforms, delivering talks for Qi Global and TED, among others. His TED Talk, "How to Restore a Rainforest," offers insight into his commitment to environmental conservation and community empowerment. He has also co-authored the book "Thinkers of the Jungle - The Orangutan Report: Pictures, Facts, Background" and has been featured in documentaries such as the BBC Panorama's "Dying for a Biscuit" and "Dirt Rich: Power beneath our feet." These contributions, combined with his ongoing work in field, make Smits a valuable voice in discussions on conservation, sustainability, and the complex relationships between humans, animals, and the environment.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Willie Smits and other top speakers and celebrities.

Willie Smits Speaking Topics

Sustainability Starts at the Village Level

How to Regrow a Rainforest

Scaling Wildlife Protection

Willie Smits Videos

Sustainability Starts at the Village Level Willie Smits at TEDxMidwest
Willie Smits Interview: Rebuild & the Biomass Economy: TWIN Global 2016
Willie Smits - Scaling Wildlife Protection | Odyssey Tech Deep Dive 2019

How do I book Willie Smits to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Willie Smits for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Willie Smits, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Willie Smits or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Willie Smits for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Willie Smits, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Willie Smits are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Willie Smits, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Willie Smits speak about?

Willie Smits is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Environment, Inspirational, Disruptive Thinking, Innovation, Creativity, Animals & Wildlife, Conservation, Environmental Science, Environmental Activism, Science, Earth Science, Earth Day, Biology, Non-Profit, Social Activism and Philanthropy.

Where does Willie Smits travel from?

Willie Smits generally travels from Indonesia and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Willie Smits?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Willie Smits for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Willie Smits for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Willie Smits or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Willie Smits is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Environment, Inspirational and Disruptive Thinking. The estimated speaking fee range to book Willie Smits for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Willie Smits generally travels from Indonesia and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Matt Damon, Ed Begley Jr. and Dyan deNapoli. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Willie Smits for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 30/01/2025.

Willie Smits Speaking Topics

  • Sustainability Starts at the Village Level

  • How to Regrow a Rainforest

  • Scaling Wildlife Protection

Willie Smits Videos

Sustainability Starts at the Village Level Willie Smits at TEDxMidwest
Willie Smits Interview: Rebuild & the Biomass Economy: TWIN Global 2016
Willie Smits - Scaling Wildlife Protection | Odyssey Tech Deep Dive 2019
Walk with Dr. Willie Smits in Temboan
Willie Smits: How to restore a rainforest | TED
  • How do I book Willie Smits to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Willie Smits for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Willie Smits, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Willie Smits or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Willie Smits for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Willie Smits, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Willie Smits are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Willie Smits, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Willie Smits speak about?

  • Where does Willie Smits travel from?

    Willie Smits generally travels from Indonesia and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Willie Smits?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Willie Smits for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Willie Smits for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Willie Smits or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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WILLIE SMITS

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