Protecting the habitat of Indonesia’s critically endangered orangutans

The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, is home to some of the last remaining endangered Bornean orangutans and acts as a buffer zone between oil palm plantations and the Tanjung Puting National Park. The area offers ideal habitat to several animal and plant species, including proboscis monkeys and sun bears. Ecosystem health is promoted through the reforestation of degraded areas, while the community is supported through activities that include the supply of individual water filters, water purification systems, fire management, solar lighting, libraries, scholarships, micro-enterprises and a floating clinic that delivers health services to the most remote areas, where some people have never had access to medical care.

The project has been verified under the SD VISta Standard as contributing to all 17 of the United Nations SDGs and the goal is to restore forests, increase carbon stocks and provide additional habitat to wildlife.

How does forest protection help fight global warming?

Forests are not only among the planet's most important carbon reservoirs. They also are home to an enormous diversity of species and are the livelihood for all people. However, global forest areas have declined sharply in recent decades due to increasing settlement, agricultural use, illegal logging and mining.

Forest protection projects ensure that forests are preserved in the long term and that the protection of forests is given a higher value than their deforestation. Together with the local population, project participants protect the area from negative influences. To allow for this the projects create alternative sources of income and educational opportunities. Depending on the project region, forests store varying amounts of carbon per hectare. Particularly high amounts of carbon are stored in the vegetation and soil of tropical swamp forests, primary rainforests, or mangroves. Forest protection projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio are registered with international standards.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
No PovertyThe project seeks to address the root causes of poverty and provides a universal development model that works for all people.
Zero HungerHorticulture training allows small scale farmers to increase their crop yields.
Good Health and Well-BeingHealth care services for remote communities, for instance through operating a floating clinic.
Quality EducationFunding for scholarships, technology and solar lighting for schools.
Gender EqualityCommunity enterprise funding is directed specifically at empowering women and creating female cooperatives.
Clean Water and SanitationSupply of clean drinking water for all households in the project region.
Affordable and Clean EnergyProviding solar light and electrical systems to all households in the project area.
Decent Work and Economic GrowthDirect employment opportunities for field patrols, fire brigade, forest guides, boat captains; funding of community enterprises, e.g. shrimp paste manufacturing, chicken & egg farms, boat building, handicrafts production, marketing.
Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureThe project invests in upgrading local infrastructure, investing in clean energy, and supplying technology that allows for increased and improved communications.
Reduced InequalitiesMandatory inclusivity of women in decision-making processes.
Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesThe project provides opportunities to all people, while encouraging and educating them on the impacts of climate change. It ensures the adherence to buffer zones, promoting forest protection and sustainable harvesting of natural resources.
Responsible Consumption and ProductionIncentive programs to return to local food production rather than imported packaged foods; promoting an income generating recycle bank program.
Climate ActionOn average, the project saves about 3,496,200 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Life below WaterNearly 100% of the project area is a wetlands reserve, its conservation protects 64 billion liters of water flow per month and a vital fish nursery area for the Seruyan River basin; afforestation of Mangrove areas.
Life on LandThe project preserves a High Conservation Value (HCV) forest area, home to species like the endangered Bornean Orangutan, Clouded Leopard, Gibbon, Probiscis Monkey, and Asian Sun Bear.
Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsThe project has supported the formation of stronger institutions through the creation of working groups that are inclusive of women and indigenous people.
Partnerships for the GoalsThe project promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships, working closely with NGOs, organisations, and the government to achieve its goals. It also cultivates strong partnerships with community members, involving them in the process of all initiatives.
Project standardVerified Carbon Standard (VCS)CCBS Gold Level TechnologyForest protectionRegionRimba Raya, IndonesiaEstimated annual emission reductions3,496,208 t CO2Validated bySCS Global Services (SCS)Verified byAENOR INTERNACIONAL S.A.U