Indigenous Women Forest Patrol and Sanctuary Reforestation
Sumatra (Indonesia)
We are supporting our local partner Nuraga Bhumi to strengthen their Indigenous Women Forest Patrol program, preventing illegal wild animals hunting and illegal logging, and to reforest a Sanctuary that used to be a palm oil plantation site. They are protecting and conserving rainforest land adjacent to the Gunung Leuser ecosystem world heritage site.
United to Heal the Forest, Women, and Souls
Context
Leuser Ecosystem is home to wild orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos. The forest also provides key services to the local communities, specially linked to agriculture and water access. Due to commercial interests, mainly linked to palm oil production, the forest is being burnt at a rapid rate. As a result, the animals are endangered, particularly the Sumatran Orangutan is at the brink of extinction. Besides, the air pollution from the fires causes health issues spanning large territories. And the water intensive palm oil plantations are creating water shortages for the local communities, affecting both their health and livelihood.
Conservation in Sumatra is marked by a colonialist and patriarchal approach, with indigenous
views often being disregarded and women often being vulnerable to harassment.
Impact
Our local partner Nuraga Bhumi offers a space where indigenous women can safely engage in conservation and incorporate their traditional wisdom into conservation. As indigenous women strongly connected to their land, they are exerting what they consider their birthright: to be stewards of the forest. They honor their traditions and ancestors, they see the animals and trees as their elders, and approach conservation as a relationship based on love.
They patrol the forest, protecting it from poaching and illegal logging, and guiding the animals into safety. In addition, land that was previously used for palm oil plantations has been reclaimed to create a sanctuary. They are reforesting the sanctuary with native species, restoring the land and protecting the animals’ habitat.
Partnership
We see our partnership with Nuraga Bhumi as a long-term relationship, where we support them to accomplish their vision on their own terms. We offer them mentoring, project management expertise, network opportunities, training, healing spaces for the women victims of harassment, and funds. They offer us the possibility to actively contribute to the healing of nature, the healing of women, and the reclaiming of indigenous wisdom. We are grateful for this opportunity and to be able through our work to channel the support of an extended community who cares.