The forest reserve in Borneo, Indonesia, protects and preserves 64,500 hectares of swamp forest in the island’s south against the threat of deforestation by the palm oil industry. The forest reserve is the world’s largest carbon sink, and the largest privately funded orangutan reserve. With its unparalleled contribution to climate protection and sustainability, the project is setting a global example.
Project Standard: VCS, CCB, SD VISta
Project Description
The swamp forest in the south of the island of Borneo is a biodiversity hotspot that is home to many endangered species: 122 mammals, 300 birds, 400 reptiles and amphibians, and 180 different plant species. The area is increasingly under threat due to ongoing deforestation and the conversion of land into palm oil fields.
The project region, which covers an area almost the size of Singapore, is one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world. The project is creating a vital, controlled buffer zone between the palm oil industry’s ever-advancing bulldozers and the Tanjung Puting National Park, which is home to one of the last remaining orangutan populations.
The forest protection measures will stop planned deforestation in the area for palm oil production and thereby store more than 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
In September 2020, the project became the first REDD+ project to be validated for its impact on all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Social and Economic Benefits
- Health: To make medical care accessible to everyone, ships are equipped and sent out with the necessary basic equipment and medical personnel.
- Education: The project is providing books and uniforms for school children.
- Energy: The local residents are offered solar-powered lamps and energy-efficient stoves.
- Clean water: Clean water filters protect children against deadly waterborne diseases.
- Regional value added: The project is creating new jobs and adding value to the region.
Environmental Aspects
- Biodiversity: The project is making a big contribution to preserving the rich biodiversity and protecting hundreds of endangered animal and plant species.
- Reforestation: Damaged land is replanted primarily with mangrove seedlings.
- Preventing forest fires: A specially trained fire brigade protects the region against erupting fires.
