Conserving Intact Rainforest for Orangutans

As you will know from our previous reports, the proposed development of a new hydro dam within the Batang Toru ecosystem - one of Sumatra's areas of precious primary forest - threatens the livelihoods of over 100,000 local people, as well as the survival of the recently discovered Tapanuli orangutan, the world's rarest great ape.

In March, the state administrative court in North Sumatra's capital, Medan, ruled that construction on the dam can continue, despite a large body of evidence that the environmental impact assessment for the dam was deeply flawed. This was devastating news, but the fight is not over. Walhi, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment, will appeal the court's decision, and pressure against the project's funders continues to mount.

Along with other environmental groups and members of the public, SOS recently took part in an International Day of Action for the Tapanuli orangutan. We hand-delivered a letter to the Chairman of the Bank of China and led a protest outside one of the bank’s London branches, urging them to reconsider funding the construction of a dam in such a disastrous location. A few days after the International Day of Action, the Bank of China responded to the concerns expressed by environmental organisations and the global community. They released the following note:

Bank of China took note of the concerns expressed by some environmental organisations about the hydroelectric dam project in Batang Toru of Indonesia recently.

We attach great importance to corporate social responsibility in our global operations and ensure that our business activities abide by local laws and regulations. We are committed to supporting environmental protection globally and upholding the principles of green finance.

Bank of China will evaluate the project very carefully and make prudent decisions by duly considering the promotion of green finance, the fulfilment of social responsibility as well as the adherence to commercial principles.

We appreciate your kind attention to Bank of China.

This shows that everyone's voice matters, and everyone can make a difference in keeping forests standing and conserving the animals within them. Your donations to this project help us keep our work on situations like the Batang Toru dam going - you really are helping us to conserve intact forests. Thank you.

Links:

• Do more for orangutans

One of the most exciting things about working in rainforest conservation is seeing the wildlife that benefits from it - especially when we know that the circle of life in a rainforest means that the animals benefit the forest as much as the forest benefits them! 

How does this work? Take birds as an example: many bird species are attracted to patches of forest by fruiting trees. When they eat the fruits, the seeds pass through their digestive system and land elsewhere as they move around the area, ensuring the presence of the next generation of trees. Orangutans have a similar role to play - they love fruits like durian and various Ficus species, and they also disperse seeds in their dung. Additionally, orangutans make a new nest to sleep in every night, and sometimes make day nests as well. When they break branches to make their nests, light is able to get through the forest canopy and reach the plants in the understorey. 

A healthy ecosystem is a complex and beautiful thing, and we love being able to share with you these images of just some of the species which are thriving in the rainforest we work to protect. Long may the intact rainforest stay that way. With your support, we know it can.

P.S. We found out through our GlobalGiving annual report that we raised over $30,000 through GlobalGiving in 2018. That's $30,000 to ensure the future for rainforests and the incredible animals that rely on them. Thank you for being part of such a generous community.

Links:

• https://www.orangutans-sos.org/