Lowland rainforests in Sumatra, Indonesia are rich in biodiversity and are considered very important forests from the global environment point of view. However, logging for timber, palm oil, pulp and paper are continuing at an unrelenting pace and entire areas continue to be destroyed.
Devastation of Sumatra's rainforests has not only damaged biodiversity but also has introduced new economic and social issues for local people to face such as air pollution, changing micro climates and adverse effects on local people’s health.
In order to conserve some of the remaining lowland forest in Sumatra, BirdLife has been negotiating with the Indonesian government since 2002 to gain a management concession for a large area of rainforest. The purpose of this project is to establish a forest reserve managed by the private sector. The forest reserve will aim to restore habitats and conserve biodiversity. Local communities will be involved in the project and local watersheds will be protected.
Sumatran Tigers in protected habitats
Logging and devastation go on in Sumatra lowland rainforest.
Hornbill Rhinoceros inhabited in Sumatran forest