The tropical peatland forests of Indonesia are home to a stunning array of plants and animals, but despite their biological and ecological significance, these forests are experiencing rapid and extensive degradation from human activities. Tropical peatlands provide numerous ecosystem services and provide important habitats that are integral to the survival of the endangered Bornean orangutan, whose largest populations inhabit the peat swamp forests of Central Kalimantan.
As humans rapidly encroach upon orangutan habitats, public awareness and educational campaigns are increasingly critical. While the central government of Indonesia has voiced a commitment to halt deforestation and protect orangutans, this remains to be developed into effective policy and informational campaigns about existing laws. Overall, strengthening environmental awareness and providing economic alternatives to forest exploitation are essential for a sustainable orangutan conservation strategy.
The primary objective of our program is to support orangutan conservation in the Mawas Reserve in Central Kalimantan, a region established by local NGOs, governments and communities to protect 309,000 ha of peatland forests. This area comprises an important source of global carbon storage and provides habitat for approximately 3,500 orangutans. We have developed a comprehensive program that promotes orangutan conservation via: 1) long-term research on orangutan behavior, health and ecology, 2) capacity building of Indonesian scientists, and 3) environmental education and conservation engagement in local communities. By educating, employing and empowering local people, it is our goal that they will support public policy that ensures sustainable management of the natural resources that impact their livelihoods.
CORE BORNEO 