Verified for authenticity Learn More
IMPACT PROMISE
Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact
Partner Snapshot
Partner:
Belantara Foundation
Location:
Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia
Category:
- Community Support and Development
- Capacity Building and Training
- Ecosystem Restoration
- Education
- Endangered Species
- Scientific Research
- Wildlife Conservation
Urgent Appeals:
Date Founded:
2014
Website:
Partner Qualifications:
Verified PartnerOne of Conservation Allies' staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact.
Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin.
About Belantra Foundation
Belantara Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization based in Indonesia that plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation, forest and peatland restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable community development, particularly across the biodiverse regions of Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Their mission is to support sustainable landscape management that strikes a balance between long-term economic development, environmental protection, and improved local livelihoods. Belantara collaborates with government bodies, NGOs, private companies, academia, and local communities to implement impactful, science-driven programs. In 2024, the foundation became a Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Their Challenges
Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most ecologically valuable forests—but these ecosystems are under immense threat. Rapid deforestation driven by agricultural expansion (especially oil palm), mining, and infrastructure development has caused large-scale habitat loss and fragmentation.
Flagship species like the Sumatran tiger, orangutan, and elephant are at risk, alongside countless other native species. Illegal logging and wildlife trade exacerbate the crisis, while peatland fires contribute to biodiversity loss and carbon emissions.
Human-wildlife conflict is also on the rise, as forest loss pushes animals into human settlements. Many of these issues are compounded by limited funding, weak enforcement of environmental laws, exclusion of local communities from decision-making, and the influence of political and economic interests. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, threatening to disrupt already fragile ecosystems.
Their Approach
Belantara Foundation addresses these challenges through innovative, multi-stakeholder initiatives that integrate conservation and community empowerment. Key programs include:
Forest Restoration Project: SDGs Together!
This project restores degraded forests by planting endangered and multipurpose native tree species. Since its launch in 2020, it has reforested 94 hectares within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Giam Siak Kecil–Bukit Batu through collaboration with governments, NGOs, local communities, academics, and private stakeholders.Living in Harmony
Focused on five villages in Padang Sugihan, South Sumatra, this initiative aims to reduce human-elephant conflict through the planting of elephant feed crops, establishing salt licks, guiding elephants through ecological corridors, and preventing incursions into residential areas—improving outcomes for both people and wildlife.Sumatra Peatland Restoration
In partnership with Forest Farmers Groups in Jambi Province, this project restores 93 hectares of degraded peatland using tree seedlings that offer both ecological restoration and future economic benefits to the community.Sustainable Village Forest Management
This program supports local communities in Riau Province to sustainably manage production forests under social forestry schemes, improving livelihoods while protecting the integrity of natural forest ecosystems.Belantara Learning Series
A national knowledge-sharing platform offering capacity-building opportunities for university students, conservationists, researchers, government officials, journalists, and the public. In 2024 alone, over 3,000 participants across 38 provinces engaged in sessions on topics such as social forestry, biodiversity, and ecotourism.Muda Mudi Konservasi (Youth for Conservation)
This youth engagement initiative connects young Indonesians with biodiversity issues through creative competitions, educational campaigns, talk shows, and events featuring conservation experts and public figures.
Why They Need Your Help
Belantara Foundation’s core operations are currently funded through annual private sector donations in Indonesia. However, donations received through Conservation Allies go directly to supporting the foundation’s fieldwork and community-based conservation initiatives.
Your support helps:
Purchase native plant seedlings for forest and peatland restoration
Procure equipment for mitigating human-wildlife conflict
Fund capacity-building activities for local communities
Support community-led programs that promote sustainable, nature-based livelihoods
These contributions directly benefit ecosystems, wildlife, and the communities who call these landscapes home.
