Making an Impact with Jejak Rimba Raya
The Leuser Ecosystem is home to many endangered species, including Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers, rhinos, and other endemic plant species. A 2018 USAID LESTARI study showed how the ecosystem protects a mix of threatened and non-threatened species, as well as diverse plant species. In addition, the forest also plays a vital role in the livelihoods of local farming communities who rely on rainwater and large rivers to support their fields, and provide a source of clean water and food. By 2023, oil palm plantations are expected to grow by 70%, converting more than 17,000 hectares of wildlife habitat into monoculture, putting the Protected Forest Area at risk of encroachment.
Despite the easy money, land use change is rapidly shrinking forests, causing many species to become ecologically endangered, and turning them into refugees in their own homes. For example, although the numbers are not well documented, in Batee Meucanang, there is less room for Sumatran orangutans to migrate due to ecological constraints such as rivers and the loss of certain trees they prefer, but illegal plantations have recently restricted them even more. While some species in other areas, such as Sumatran elephants actively utilize secondary forests, regeneration has not been able to prevent the extent of plantation clearing.
Realizing the massive destruction of the Leuser Ecosystem forest and the impact of climate change that is currently happening, one strong reason makes us even more motivated where the forest must be maintained and managed properly as a source of shared livelihood. In the mission to restore our forests, we start with the community by changing how the forest is grown, enjoyed, and maintained.
Good changes start here
We strive to help grassroots communities who experience limited access to empowerment towards sustainable forest area management to build independence, strength, and knowledge through various mentoring program initiatives.
Impact and sustainability
To ensure our sustainability in achieving program goals and increasing the impact of wider beneficiaries, we want to take bolder steps and one of them is through the development of ecotourism services, including:
An experience of exploring and monitoring forest areas based on visitors' contributions through travel packages.
Activities to introduce localities for the responsible use of non-timber forest products through direct visits to basecamp.
A space for sharing inspiration, knowledge and ways of thinking in building awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting forests through interactive sessions.