LESAN RIVER forest

LESAN RIVER FOREST IS LOCATED IN BERAU REGENCY, EAST KALIMANTAN, ON THE INDONESIAN PART OF THE ISLAND OF BORNEO.

In 2008, four communities surrounding the Lesan River Forest successfully petitioned the government to declare this special place a protected area and ensure that future generations could continue to collect forest products and benefit from the fresh water and other ecosystem services provided by the forest. However, the government does not have adequate resources to protect this forest, and it is gradually being degraded by poaching and illegal logging.

The FCF is working with a local non-profit, CAN Indonesia, to set up joint forest patrols between the government and the community, develop a co-management plan for the park, and safeguard the future of this biodiversity hotspot.

Grantee Team

CAN Indonesia, the project Grantee, is an East Kalimantan-based NGO specializing in reintroduction of rescued wildlife and community-based conservation. CAN has been working with the four communities surrounding the Lesan River Forest to monitor rescued wildlife after they are released in the wild. CAN and the communities are now seeking funding through FCF to conduct regular patrols and biodiversity monitoring, as well as develop eco-tourism centered on the Orangutan and other critically endangered species which call this forest home.

Biodiversity

Lesan River Forest covers a large area of pristine rainforest, and is home to critically endangered Orang utans (Pongo pygmaeus), Helmeted hornbills (Rhinoplax vigil), and Sunda pangolins (Manis Javanica), as well as endangered species including the Silvery gibbon (Hylobates), Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), and Slow loris (Nycticebus).

Threats

Poaching, especially for Pangolin, is a risk to this forest, given the lack of active protection to date. There is also significant human-wildlife conflict, as orangutans and other primates visit neighboring farms looking for food. Threats also include deforestation due to palm oil expansion, illegal logging, and illegal gold mining.

Project Activities

Local NGO CAN Indonesia is seeking funding through FCF to implement the following activities:

  • Plant fruit trees for primates in the buffer zone bordering the forest and villages, to reduce the risk of conflict between humans and wildlife

  • Implement a community ranger programme in partnership with the government protected area management agency

  • Invest in livestock farming with local villages, to ensure sustainable livelihoods and reduce the pressure on forests for bushmeat hunting

  • Develop eco-tourism and community education programmes

Home for endangered Bornean orangutans,

the last survey showed 65 individuals

QUICK STATS

Area: 9,448 ha

Threatened Wildlife: Orang utan, Helmeted hornbill, Sunda pangolin

Grantee: CAN Indonesia (NGO)

Remaining budget to fund: US$123,652

Funders: Currently seeking further funding

Commodities in this landscape: Palm oil, timber, and pulp & paper