Skip to content

Politics

Orangs threatened again in Sumatra

by Dave Armstrong 11 Apr 2014
Orangs threatened again in Sumatra

The Pongo abelii of Sumatra have 2 sanctuaries, visited by almost every eco-tourist to the island. The threat to these large animals and to all the other forest wildlife is always there however. Instead of throwing money at the problem, teamwork is needed to persuade, cajole and show the better benefits of prolonged protection for natural systems; Orangutan image; Credit: © Shutterstock

In 2013 the large mammals of Sumatra were saved from destruction. A concerted worldwide effort prevented paper manufacturers, mining industries and agricultural multinationals from enlarging their bases near National Parks in Aceh. Rudi Putra who is a local activist wrote tellingly that, "I live and work in the last place on Earth where endangered orangutans, rhinos, elephants and tigers still roam together, but it'll be bulldozed to bits unless our President hears our call and steps in to save this unique habitat." Now the same battle is to be refought!

Local government n Aceh Province have always tended to open protected forests up for exploitation. The obvious reason is the profits from industry, but too many of these end up elsewhere. While the EU sponsors large sustainable forestry projects in Sumatra, its money must be withdrawn if deliberately negative action is taken by local government. Individual nations have been lobbying for conservation effort, but the EU itself is responsible for larger support. The federal government is definitely positive for conservation when it extends forest or peatland moratoria, leaving only the governor and local politicians as potentially exploitative.

The orang-utans and Sumatran tiger and elephant populations are critically endangered in the small peninsulas to which they have been driven. Without these final refuges, the captive programme for preserving their species is all we have left. That might as well be in another country where they are safe, unless the Indonesian people can prove they want these unique creatures on their islands. Avaaz is one organisation that was involved last year and is seeking petitions to the EU ambassador, Olof Skog. The link is here: Avaaz Petition.

They hope to cause him to bring the European and international influence to bear heavily on decisions about forest depredation. Aceh government action to give the forest to industry should be stopped, as EU investment could then cease. A team to ensure rainforest protection is legally upheld needs to be installed while the Gunung Leuser National Park ecosystem seem to need a lot of attention above and beyond these legal battles.

It has one of only 2 sanctuaries for Pongo abellii, the Sumatran orang-utan, it's a World Heritage Site and has a possible 27 Sumatran rhino too. There are of course, sambar deer, serow, leopard cat and many others in the reserve. This site on the borders of Aceh in the NW of Sumatra is only one important gain we need to secure for wildlife, forest and even tourism, which is very important to the economy.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping