Help restore habitats for biodiversity by planting trees where they're needed the most! Plant a Tree!
Help restore habitats for biodiversity by planting trees where they're needed the most! Plant a Tree!
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We make it simple for anyone to plant trees, and together we can make an incredible impact. Learn more
Stay up to date on major announcements, exciting collaborations, and more. Visit our Newsroom
We make it simple for anyone to plant trees, and together we can make an incredible impact. Learn more
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See how your support and leadership can help us fund reforestation efforts across the globe. Learn more
Become a business partner to improve your company’s sustainability initiatives and make an impact. Learn more
See how your support and leadership can help us fund reforestation efforts across the globe. Learn more
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Comprised of lesson plans, learning modules, resources, and activities, our T.R.E.E.S. School Program is the perfect addition to your curriculum. Learn more
Read about stories from the field, interesting facts about trees and get your healthy dose of nature. Visit our blog
Comprised of lesson plans, learning modules, resources, and activities, our T.R.E.E.S. School Program is the perfect addition to your curriculum. Learn more
Our fan-favorite Reforestation T-Shirt. Wear it with pride to show your support of reforesting our planet, one tree at a time. Shop now
Give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Choose an image, write your personalized message and select a delivery date to gift a tree. Gift a tree
Our fan-favorite Reforestation T-Shirt. Wear it with pride to show your support of reforesting our planet, one tree at a time. Shop now
Give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Choose an image, write your personalized message and select a delivery date to gift a tree. Gift a tree
Biodiversity is one of the most important reasons we plant trees, which is why we're so excited to share this project in partnership with The Orangutan Project and KEHUS! Eastern Sumatra’s Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem, which is one of the last wild places in Southeast Asia. Named after the many forested hills in the region, it forms part of a biodiversity hotspot and refuge for Critically Endangered flagship species like the Sumatran tiger, elephant, and orangutan — of which there are only 14,000 left in the wild. In fact, it’s one of only 2 reintroduction sites for orangutans in all of Sumatra.
At the center is a National Park, declared in 1995. The entire protected area, including buffer zones, is almost 200,000 hectares and is home to 2 indigenous tribes. Despite this, parts of Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem are threatened with illegal logging, while other areas have been severely degraded. To help, One Tree Planted has teamed up with The Orangutan Project and KEHUS, a local Indonesian foundation, to restore forests surrounding an orangutan jungle school sanctuary where orphaned orangutans are taught how to live in the wild before being re-introduced.
To reverse the effects of deforestation, over 30,000 native trees are being planted across 50 hectares in the buffer zone surrounding the sanctuary. A suite of native tree species will help jumpstart forest recovery, while providing food and habitat for wildlife. Native hardwoods like Ironwood and Meranti are being planted to restore degraded areas, while fruit trees like Durian and Jack Fruit are included because of the important role they play in the orangutan diet.
To accomplish this, native seeds are being collected in Bukit Tigapuluh by local farmers to be propagated in a project nursery. Outside the conservation zone, economically important tree seedlings like vanilla, jungle honey, and rattan will be distributed to local farmers as part of a complementary agroforestry project.
Focusing on agroforestry and alternative income sources for local farmers in the buffer zone is crucial for many reasons. Much of the deforestation that threatens Bukit Tigapuluh is driven by economic dependence on logging and mono-crop palm oil development. The returns on these activities are marginal, while the damage to the forest and ecosystem is severe. By pairing reforestation efforts with agroforestry, farmers can transition to more sustainable, forest-friendly livelihoods, while gradually restoring critical forest habitat for orangutans.
To deepen economic and social impact, local farmers will become stewards of the forest restoration effort by collecting the seeds, maintaining the nurseries, and planting the seedlings. Local staff also live on site or in surrounding districts, making the effort truly community-based. The ultimate goal of the project is to reverse deforestation in priority conservation habitat by engaging the local farmers to form small reforestation teams responsible for planting in specific areas.
The Orangutan Project and KEHUS have been building grassroots change from the ground up through reforestation, re-wilding, and sustainable development in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem since 2001. In addition to restoring critical habitat for orangutans, it’s estimated that over time, the newly planted trees will sequester 3,000 tons of CO2 every year.
Coming together to plant trees is one of the best and easiest ways to make a difference in reversing the damage done to nature and the negative effects of climate change. We are grateful to work with amazing people and partners like The Orangutan Project and KEHUS to create win - win solutions for local communities and the environment. And thanks to dedicated donors like Bangladeshi fashion model, ROLA, who made a significant contribution to fund this initiative.
This project is ongoing with lots more to be done, so plant a tree in Indonesia today to help restore Sumatra’s iconic lowland forests and ensure a brighter future for orangutans.
26/09/2023 by Meaghan Weeden
21/09/2023 by Gabrielle Clawson
19/09/2023 by Meaghan Weeden
31/08/2023 by Meaghan Weeden
18/07/2023 by Meaghan Weeden
11/07/2023 by Meaghan Weeden