2 weeks Ago
DURHAM, N.C. , March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saving Nature, a global leader in conservation, announces the acquisition of 155 acres of rainforest in Sumatra's Leuser Ecosystem.
This acquisition is a pivotal move in the fight against deforestation caused by the palm oil industry, which is one of the leading drivers of environmental degradation. Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil, a crop that has significantly contributed to the loss of the country's rainforests. Since 1990, 25% of Indonesia's old-growth forests have been lost.
The palm oil industry, expanding into critical habitats, has accelerated the fragmentation of ecosystems like the Leuser Ecosystem, one of the world's most biodiverse regions. The Leuser Ecosystem is home to over 5,000 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. It is the last place on Earth where the Sumatran rhino, elephant, tiger, and orangutan coexist in one place.
With this acquisition, Saving Nature is securing a crucial wildlife passage that allows endangered species like the Sumatran elephant to safely travel between fragmented habitats. This corridor is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of these iconic species. "Saving Nature's focus is on addressing urgent threats to biodiversity, and this acquisition is a significant step toward protecting habitats that are under siege from palm oil-driven deforestation," said Brian Rodgers , Management Board member of Saving Nature.
"This is not just about protecting land—it's about safeguarding the future of biodiversity." Since 2018, Saving Nature has focused on restoring migration routes for elephants and other wildlife, combating poaching, and reconnecting fragmented forests. To date, over 1,300 acres of land have been secured to link a 5,500-hectare government-designated elephant conservation area to 300,000 hectares of protected forest.
This latest acquisition fortifies the corridor, further shielding it from the pressures of palm oil cultivation and ensuring the movement of wildlife. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, the corridor will be actively managed to prevent degradation, serving as a model for community-based conservation that balances human development with wildlife protection. For more information or to support our mission, visit www.
savingnature.org . Media Contact: Erin Willigan Executive Director, Saving Nature Email: [email protected] About Saving Nature: Saving Nature is a science-driven international organization dedicated to protecting and restoring tropical forests in biodiversity hotspots.
Through land acquisition, reforestation, and community engagement, we create wildlife corridors that connect fragmented habitats, combat climate change, and empower local communities. Our conservation strategies are guided by cutting-edge scientific research, ensuring that our efforts have lasting impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. SOURCE Saving Nature.
