Key facts
- The largest privately funded orangutan reserve in the world, a critical patrolled buffer to Tanjung Puting National Park
- Partnership for orangutan rescue and rehabilitation
- Peatland swamp forest that holds 100 million tonnes of CO2
More info
Nestled in the southern coast of Borneo lies the Rimba Raya Orangutan Reserve. One of the most highly endangered ecosystems in the world, this lowland peat swamp forest is home to over a thousand plant and animal species.
Every day, paper and palm oil interests put Indonesian forests in jeopardy. Losing them means losing one of the largest natural carbon stores in the world. Rimba Raya helps protect these forests, the communities and wildlife that depend on them, and improves access to clean water, clean energy, and health care for these communities.
Project Impacts
Biodiversity & Ecosystems
At almost 47,000 hectares, the area is extremely rich in biodiversity, and vital habitat for countless animals and plants. The project is restoring natural forests and mangroves through tree planting, monitoring biodiversity to ensure effective management, and promoting sustainable fishing and cleanup programs for the Seruyan River.
Community Development
Rimba Raya’s community development programs are designed to meet all the Sustainable Development Goals. The project creates alternative income streams through capacity building, investments in micro-finance, and planting native species such as latex, chewing gum, and essential oils on previously degraded land. It also provides water filters, solar arrays, clean cookstoves, school supplies, and educational scholarships, and operates a mobile medical clinic to reach remote, underserved areas.
Emissions Reductions & Certifications
Rimba Raya will prevent the emissions of 100 million tonnes of CO2 over its 30-year lifetime, validated and verified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). It has also achieved CCB Gold status for exceptional biodiversity, climate, and community benefits.
Endangered Species
The reserve is home to over 120 threatened and endangered species, including flagship species like the endangered Bornean orangutan, clouded leopard, gibbon, proboscis monkey and Asian sun bear. The largest privately funded orangutan reserve in the world, Rimba Raya is a critical patrolled buffer to Tanjung Puting National Park, home to one of the last remaining wild orangutan populations on the planet. Rimba Raya is deeply committed to their protection, partnering with Orangutan Foundation International to deliver conservation programs.
