We are a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about preventing habitat loss in Sumatra, Indonesia. Prior to 2022 we operated in partnership with Orangutan Information Centre and Photographers Without Borders® (PWB)to purchase 5.5 ha land in trust for conservation purposes. Moving forward in 2022 we are working together with local organizations Nuraga Bhumi Institute and The Nature for Change, as well as Photographers Without Borders® (PWB), to continue fundraising to protect and conserve as much pristine rainforest land in Sumatra, which is adjacent to the Gunung Leuser ecosystem. We will also support an all-female ranger team who will patrol and protect the sites.
This way, animals (orangutan, elephants, tigers, rhino, and thousands of other species) may migrate to and from conservation lands more safely.
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Why do wildlife need sanctuary in Sumatra?
Because 'the Sumatran rainforest will mostly disappear within 20 years' (statement made in this article). It is the only place in the world home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, tiger, elephant and rhino. Deforestation is occurring exponentially in Sumatra, largely due to palm oil plantations and animal agriculture. Just recently we have seen images of Indonesia ablaze as pristine rainforest is slashed and burned to make way for yet more palm plantations. People are now being affected by pollution from fires out of control (the aftereffects have been called "crimes against humanity" in this article) in addition to water shortages due to the heavy thirst of the palm trees. We believe the best thing we can do for the planet is to conserve as much of it's natural beauty as possible.
The "Sumatran Wildlife Sanctuary" movement aims to create nature reserves/"sanctuary" by conserving land around the Gunung Leuser ecosystem in Sumatra.
To create a palm oil plantation, the forest is chopped down and animals (such as orangutan, tigers, elephants, and rhino) that remain or defend their territory are killed, captured or driven away. Without your help, these lands will likely fall into the hands of palm oil plantations and other developments, and more animals will go extinct. The Sumatran rhino is pretty much there already.
Why do humans need conservation?
Palm plants also suck up tons of water from the ground, which in turn affects people, who need water for drinking, cooking and bathing. It's not as easy as "saying no to palm oil"--not only is palm oil in countless products (often disguised in labelling as "vegetable oil"), we need to conserve more, and palm plantation workers need work alternatives if the aim is to move away from palm oil production, which is the main source of work on the island.
Conservation provides all kinds of opportunities for people, the planet and wildlife.
The goal of the fundraiser
We will raise moneys as much pristine rainforest land around the Gunung Leuser ecosystem and begin training our patrol team.
Conserving the land will also help us to establish wildlife corridors to safely reconnect Sumatran wildlife, including orangutans, tigers, elephants and much more, to the larger body of the forest.
About Sumatra
Indonesia is the only place in the world you will find Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat.
Sumatran rainforests (orangutan and primate habitat) are being bulldozed at an alarming rate for palm oil plantations and agriculture, threatening wild populations of orangutan and other primates and endangered species.
humans.
More info about PWB
More info about Nuraga Bhumi Institute
More info about Nature for Change
