Indonesia
Expanding critical habitat for Sumatra's endangered species
Sumatra's rainforests are a vital ecosystem, teeming with irreplaceable biodiversity. However, deforestation has taken a devastating toll, with half of the original forests lost.
Thankfully, protected areas like Gunung Leuser National Park offer a refuge for wildlife. Here, the last remaining populations of Sumatran tigers, elephants, orangutans, and rhinos co-exist.
Yet, the threats persist. Illegal logging, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade endanger these magnificent animals. Wealthy collectors fuel this demand, driving species like the Sumatran tiger closer to extinction.
The human cost is real too. Local communities, facing poverty, are sometimes lured into participating in these destructive activities.
There is hope. We are working with local partners like the Kelompok tani hutan konservasi (Farmers Group for Forest Conservation), a group of war refugees that were granted rights to live in the Gunung Leuser National Park in 2001, to combat these threats.
We have run several anti-poaching patrols in Sumatra. Of critical focus have been the loss of two tiger cubs to poachers recently and a grieving mother to keep safe. Human animal conflict has already occurred in the area with a bull elephant and encroachers, though the details of what caused this conflict need to be investigated further.
Anti-illegal logging must continue. We have stopped tens of hectares from being cut down, on site in the past few years in several locations along the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. This needs to be run consistently to keep ahead of forest loss. A complete patrol unit is very sustainable around AU$ 1800 per month.
Critical conservation needs
Our efforts include:
We are planting trees in the Gunung Leuser National Park, creating alternate jobs to restore rather than to destroy.
We are funding forest patrols to apprehend poachers and illegal loggers.
We are providing vital equipment & upgrades for local workers.
This fight is urgent!
Extinction is a daily threat.
But success stories of recovery and protection exist - the Southern White Rhino, Philippine Eagle, and many more.
Join us! Together, we can make a difference.
Support our field team!
Currently, we need donations for:
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Anti-poaching patrol and anti-illegal logging patrol
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New work uniforms for field staff
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Improved water supply in the working village
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Housing electricity installation for refugees in our team
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Work equipment for clearing weeds and caring for our trees, as well as for planting. This incl. drills, hand tools, backpacks, augers, and other equipment
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Medication for our staff and their families living and working in the forest
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Fertiliser for hundreds of thousands of newly planted trees
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Construction of a new worker warehouse for daily briefings, meetings, and gear storage
Breakfast
Ideas
Spread the word about the plight of Sumatra's rainforests and wildlife.
Donate to fund our critical conservation work.
Advocate for stronger environmental protection policies.
Support companies and organisations that have proven records of care for the planet.
By working together, we can ensure a future where these irreplaceable wonders thrive for generations to come. Let's not be the generation that allows nature's greatest creations to vanish. We have the power to change the course of history.
Act now, and help us be the generation that fixes what we've broken.
