Restoring Sumatra’s Ancient Forests: How Belantara Foundation is Becoming a Lifeline for Sumatran Tigers and Elephants
In the heart of Sumatra’s rapidly disappearing rainforests, the Forest Restoration Project by the Belantara Foundation is an ambitious initiative breathing life back into one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. A Critical Conservation Battleground The Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve spans 1.7 million acres of pristine peatland forest in Riau Province, Sumatra. This UNESCO-designated reserve serves as the last sanctuary for Critically Endangered Sumatran tigers and elephants, along with sun bears, clouded leopards, and Malayan tapirs. The peat swamp forests store massive amounts of carbon and house 189 plant species, with 29 classified as Endangered. Yet this ecological treasure faces unprecedented threats. Riau Province has witnessed devastating deforestation, with forest cover plummeting from 78% in 1982 to just 22% by 2009 due to illegal logging, palm oil expansion, and catastrophic forest fires. Seeds of Hope Since August 2020, Belantara Foundation’s Forest Restoration Project has systematically replanted degraded areas with native Indonesian tree species. The project has successfully restored 232 acres within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, transforming barren areas back into thriving forest habitat. This collaborative initiative works with local communities, governments, and the private sector using a multi-stakeholder approach. The project is funded through innovative corporate partnerships, including donations from paper manufacturer APP’s product sales – creating a direct link between responsible consumption and forest restoration. Global Impact The project directly contributes to four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while providing sustainable economic opportunities for over 120,000 local residents who depend on the forest for their livelihoods. By focusing on peatland restoration, the initiative tackles climate change at its source – reforestation is recognized as one of the most effective climate change measures. Belantara Foundation aims to restore at least 25 acres of degraded peatland annually, serving as a model for landscape-scale restoration that other regions can adapt. Want to help them succeed? You can support Belantara’s conservation activities by donating to them today. Every acre restored helps protect biodiversity, fight climate change, and secure a healthier future for both people and wildlife.
Saving one of Madagascar’s most Endangered Forests
Conservation Allies supports critical protective actions and law enforcement for the unique dry forests of Bemarivo Reserve Deep in the remote Melaky region of northwest Madagascar lies the Bemarivo Special Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot that’s fighting for survival. This protected forest has already lost an alarming 64% of its original cover to illegal logging, but thanks to decisive action from our partner, there’s new hope for its recovery. The Crisis at Bemarivo Madagascar is home to more unique and endemic species at risk of extinction than anywhere else on Earth. The Bemarivo Special Reserve should be a safe haven for this incredible biodiversity, but illegal land grabs inside the Reserve have resulted in logging and clearing of the forest for farming. These illegal activities don’t just harm wildlife–they also set dangerous fires that can spread rapidly through the dry forest, destroying even more habitat and threatening ecosystems. Taking Action on the Ground Conservation Allies is supporting our local partner, TANJONA Association, in launching the first-ever Conservation Brigades in the Melaky region of Madagascar. Working closely with local government authorities (DREDD Melaky), the team carried out a comprehensive mission to stop further deforestation and protect what’s left of Bemarivo’s forests. The five-part operation included: Building Official Support: TANJONA presented their conservation plan to regional authorities and secured official backing for their protection efforts, including the deployment of a specialized Conservation Brigade. Coordinating Protection Forces: The team organized joint patrols with law enforcement officers to create a unified approach to forest protection. Educating Communities: Conservation officers visited nearby villages to explain why the reserve and its forests matter–not just for wildlife, but for clean water, climate stability, and long-term community wellbeing. Removing Illegal Settlements: Patrol teams discovered about 20 camps where people were illegally growing crops inside the Reserve. The occupants were escorted out of the Reserve. Installing Visible Deterrents: Eight new Reserve boundary signs were installed around the Reserve to clearly mark protected boundaries and remind people of the protections in place. Why This Matters This operation represents a turning point for forest conservation in Madagascar’s Bemarivo Special Reserve. By combining law enforcement with community education, the Conservation Brigades are addressing both the immediate threat and the underlying causes of forest destruction. Madagascar has already lost over 85% of its original forests, making every remaining Protected Area critically important for the island’s unique species. A Model for the Future This coordinated approach–bringing together government authorities, security forces, and local communities–is already showing results. The visible enforcement presence and community awareness campaigns are creating new respect for forest boundaries and wildlife protection laws. By backing local organizations like TANJONA Association, we’re helping protect some of the world’s most irreplaceable ecosystems while building the enforcement capacity needed for long-term success.
Building Guatemala’s First Scientific Tourism Corridor
Defensores de la Naturaleza and Conservation Allies are transforming the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve into a model of community-led conservation. In the misty highlands of Guatemala’s Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, what began as a remote biological research station is evolving into one of Central America’s most innovative approaches to conservation finance—a sustainable scientific tourism corridor that places local communities at the center of protecting one of the region’s most biodiverse ecosystems. From Crisis to Opportunity When Defensores de la Naturaleza, Conservation Allies’ partner and Guatemala’s second-largest environmental NGO, was forced to downsize its staff by nearly one-third after USAID reduced funding in early 2025, many conservation projects across the country faced an uncertain future. Rather than retreat, our partner organization doubled down on an ambitious vision: transforming the Hector Centeno Biological Station within the Sierra de las Minas Reserve into a sustainable tourism destination that could fund long-term conservation efforts. The results of this collaboration between Conservation Allies, Defensores, and IUCN are already visible. The biological station is receiving infrastructure upgrades such as solar panels, Starlink internet, modern laboratory equipment, and improved lodging—all scheduled for completion by February 2026. A Tourism Model That Truly Serves Conservation What makes this initiative unique is its multi-tiered approach to sustainable tourism. Rather than simply opening Protected Areas to mass tourism, the project creates tailored experiences for different types of visitors while safeguarding the area’s scientific integrity. Scientific Tourism: In March 2026, the University of Arizona’s “Mammal Watching” group will be the first to pilot the route, representing a growing market of researchers and citizen scientists seeking authentic field experiences. Low-Impact Adventure Tourism: Guatemala’s reputation for challenging mountain treks gains a new destination with a signature 45-minute hike to Peña del Ángel, offering spectacular cloud forest views from the biological station. Community Integration: The project actively involves communities living around the protected area. Local coffee estates provide accommodation and showcase sustainable agriculture, while the proximal El Duraznal community demonstrates an in-progress transition, guided by Defensores, from conventional farming to resilient agroforestry systems. Beyond Tourism: Addressing Critical Threats The project is taking shape at a crucial time. In 2024, wildfires burned more than 5,000 acres of forest in the Sierra de las Minas, highlighting how quickly decades of conservation progress can be undone. By directly funding ranger patrols in the area, Conservation Allies is strengthening on-the-ground protection and building local capacity to respond to threats. When combined with tourism revenue, these resources provide a more resilient financial foundation for safeguarding 1.1 million acres of Defensores protected forests. A Template for Conservation Finance The Sierra de las Minas tourism corridor represents more than just another ecotourism project. It demonstrates how conservation organizations can build sustainable funding models that reinforce rather than dilute their core conservation mission. By creating economic opportunities for local communities while maintaining scientific research capabilities, the project tackles one of conservation’s greatest challenges: securing long-term protection in resource-limited economies. The collaborative approach—uniting international funders, local NGOs, government agencies, universities, and Indigenous communities—offers a replicable model for other biodiversity hotspots facing similar pressures. Looking Ahead As visitors begin arriving at the Hector Centeno Biological Station in 2026, they will experience more than Guatemala’s stunning cloud forests and endemic species. They will witness a living example of how conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism can converge to secure lasting protection for some of Central America’s most irreplaceable ecosystems.
Conservation Allies Building Capacity to Protect Parks in Peril
This summer, Conservation Allies’ leadership joined our three Madagascar Conservation Officers for an intensive month of conservation work across the island. The focus was on strengthening partnerships, training local teams in practical conservation tools, and supporting proven strategies that protect Madagascar’s unique ecosystems. Major Success in Core Zone Protection Our partnership with Madagasikara Voakajy produced significant results at the Mangabe-Ranomena-Sahasarotra site this year. Between November 2024 and January 2025, a large-scale conservation brigade involving multiple government agencies successfully removed 417 illegal structures and relocated approximately 1,080 people from core conservation zones. When teams returned in February for a control mission, they found zero returns to the core zone – demonstrating that well-coordinated enforcement can achieve lasting results. This type of coordinated effort between local organizations and government agencies represents the practical approach needed to protect Madagascar’s most critical habitats from encroachment and illegal activities. We also met with women’s societies in two villages and observed nursery operations, highlighting how conservation work extends beyond enforcement to include community engagement and restoration efforts. Training Programs Show Immediate Impact We conducted capacity-building workshops in both northern and southern Madagascar, training 62 participants from 24 partner organizations in essential conservation tools, including Global Forest Watch for deforestation monitoring, SMART technology for patrol planning, drone operations, and Conservation Brigade coordination. The approach focused on practical skills that teams could implement immediately rather than theoretical concepts. The training proved effective quickly. Within two weeks, Madagascar National Parks at Sahamalaza-Iles Radama National Park used Global Forest Watch alerts to successfully apprehend five offenders involved in deforestation activities. Similarly, Conservation Allies partner Antrema Miray intercepted three individuals engaged in illegal tree cutting after receiving real-time alerts. These results demonstrate how technology tools can enhance traditional conservation methods when properly integrated into existing operations. The workshops also addressed practical challenges like bringing traditional authorities during patrols for some protected areas while avoiding local community participation in others, depending on site-specific security concerns. Building on Established Partnerships Our participation in the International Primatological Society Congress in Antananarivo connected us with over 800 attendees and reinforced partnerships with key organizations including GERP, Fanamby, Ny Tanintsika, Madagasikara Voakajy, Lemur Conservation Foundation, Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar, CURSA, and Madagascar National Parks. The congress provided valuable opportunities to coordinate with partners and learn from presentations by researchers and practitioners working across Madagascar’s conservation landscape. We also held strategic meetings with Madagascar National Parks and FAPBM to prepare for the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in October, where partners will celebrate significant milestones: FAPBM’s 20th anniversary, Madagascar National Parks’ 35th anniversary, and Madagasikara Voakajy’s 20th anniversary. These long-term partnerships form the foundation for sustained conservation impact across Madagascar. The summer also brought encouraging news that UNESCO removed the “Rainforests of the Atsinanana” World Heritage site from the Danger List. This site includes six protected areas in eastern Madagascar, including Andohahela, where Conservation Allies provide ongoing support, representing years of collective conservation efforts paying off. Conservation Allies President, Paul Salaman, working in Andohahela Protected Area. Infrastructure and Next Steps Working with Madagascar National Parks and Association Fosa, we’re supporting essential infrastructure development in Ankarafantsika National Park (NW Madagascar), including establishing a surveillance base in the Grand Savannah and rehabilitating access roads to zones facing deforestation and fire threats. These practical investments in conservation infrastructure enable more effective long-term protection of critical areas. Our monitoring data from the south of the country show that sites like Zombitse, Complex Mangoky-Ihotry, Corridor Fandriana-Vonrozo (COFAV), Midongy du Sud, Ranobe PK 32, and Andohahela face the highest deforestation pressure, with slash-and-burn farming being a primary driver. This data guides our decision to visit at least one of these high-threat sites monthly and continue expanding the successful training and technology programs that proved effective this summer across our 15 supported protected areas. The intensive conservation work across Madagascar this summer demonstrates that coordinated efforts can achieve lasting results. The success at Mangabe-Ranomena-Sahasarotra and the immediate achievements of technology-trained teams prove that practical, implementable solutions work when properly supported. As Conservation Allies expands these proven strategies across Madagascar, the focus remains on building local capacity and strengthening partnerships to safeguard the island’s irreplaceable biodiversity for future generations.
Conservation Allies Supports Critical Action Plan for one of Colombia’s most endangered species
Conservation Allies recently supported our partner Fundación ProAves in a pivotal conservation milestone, when over 60 representatives from Colombia’s leading environmental institutions gathered to develop an urgent National Conservation Action Plan for the Critically Endangered Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti). A Species on the Brink The Blue-billed Curassow is endemic to Colombia’s Magdalena rainforests and has suffered a catastrophic decline. Over the past 25 years, the species has lost an estimated 93% of its viable habitat due to deforestation and hunting, with its range shrinking from 2,965,141 acres in 1999 to just 284,217 acres in 2024. ProAves and many other conservation organizations emphasized the urgency: Crax alberti is perhaps Colombia’s most iconic bird species, long recognized and honored by indigenous communities in their gold icons of the species. Unfortunately, over the last 25 years, we estimate that Crax alberti has lost almost all of its viable habitat due to deforestation and hunting, so it is likely that the population has possibly declined by 95% or more. It is estimated that only around 1,000 mature individuals now survive in scattered forest patches across five Colombian departments, with key populations persisting in isolated protected areas like the El Paujil Bird Reserve, created by ProAves in 2004. Six Pillars for Conservation The national meeting resulted in a comprehensive framework built around six strategic pillars: Habitat Protection & Management – Expand protected habitats and ecological corridors Policy & Legal Instruments – Strengthen enforcement against hunting and nature crimes Research & Monitoring – Establish regional monitoring and research networks Actions Against Hunting & Illegal Trade – Coordinated national enforcement efforts Captive Breeding & Reintroduction Programs – Strategic population recovery initiatives Community Engagement – Inclusive conservation with local communities Looking Forward As Paloma Carrillo, Executive Director of Fundación ProAves, stated: “This meeting reaffirms the urgency and importance of joining forces to save the Blue-billed Curassow. Only by working together, institutionally, communally and scientifically, can we guarantee a future for this spectacular species.” A comprehensive National Action Plan will now be developed to coordinate actions at local, regional, and national levels, with the ultimate goal of halting the species’ decline and ensuring its long-term survival. Conservation Allies remains committed to supporting ProAves and other partners in this crucial conservation effort. Through unified action, there is hope that this “guardian of biodiversity and forest health” can be pulled back from the brink of extinction.
New Species of Dragonfly Named for Conservation Allies Supporter
In the misty forests of Colombia’s northern Central Andes, a team of researchers uncovered something extraordinary: a new species of dragonfly found within Reserva Natural Los Magnolios, a cloud forest reserve managed by our partner Corporación SalvaMontes. This elegant insect is the first of its genus ever recorded in Colombia’s Central Andean cloud forests. It’s likely Endangered, with only one individual being found after extensive fieldwork, making its presence in this small reserve both rare and significant. The discovery has recently been published in the scientific journal Zootaxa. The new species’ name, Archaeopodagrion oelmannae, was chosen by a Conservation Allies supporter after making a donation to SalvaMontes! It’s a unique and lasting way to support conservation and be part of scientific history. Conservation Allies donors play a critical role in sustaining the vital protection of the habitats where endangered species survive—places like Reserva Natural Los Magnolios, which faces constant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion. Discoveries like this one remind us just how much of the natural world remains to be understood, and how fragile it is. We’re proud to support the work of SalvaMontes and to offer meaningful ways for donors to get involved in global wildlife conservation.
Celebrating 20 Years of Conservation Impact: FAPBM’s Anniversary and a Growing Collaboration with Conservation Allies
On June 19, the Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (La Fondation pour les Aires Protégées et la Biodiversité de Madagascar, FAPBM) marked its 20th anniversary in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Since 2023, Conservation Allies and FAPBM have worked together to advance strategic conservation priorities across Madagascar. This year, our teams have been closely coordinating Madagascar’s participation in the upcoming World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the shared commitment to elevating Madagascar’s voice on the global conservation stage. Just this month, leaders from Conservation Allies and FAPBM met in the capital Antananarivo to chart the next steps, including plans to update the Madagascar Protected Areas Outlook, an essential guide for conservation management in Madagascar, for 2025 and host dedicated events at the World Conservation Congress to showcase the impactful work of our partners on a global scale. FAPBM’s 20th anniversary celebration was both a recognition of past achievements and a call to accelerate collective action. Over the past two decades, FAPBM has invested millions to protect Madagascar’s extraordinary natural heritage—supporting 75 Protected Areas covering over 14.8 million acres, sheltering 500 endemic species, and sustaining thousands of local livelihoods. For Conservation Allies, collaborating with FAPBM—a uniquely Malagasy funding body—represents an important step in aligning resources, knowledge, and networks with local organizations to protect irreplaceable ecosystems. Our joint efforts are creating momentum for stronger, locally grounded conservation. We congratulate FAPBM on 20 years of leadership and look forward to deepening this collaboration to secure a resilient future for Madagascar’s biodiversity and the communities who depend on it.
Joining Forces to Save Flamingos, Lemurs, and the Unique Wilds of Southwest Madagascar
This summer, we have deepened our commitment to protecting Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity by supporting collaborative surveillance in Tsimanampetsotse National Park. The park, nestled in southwest Madagascar, spans roughly 167 squares and features a dramatic mix of salt lakes, spiny forest, baobabs, caves, and underground rivers. It is a global biodiversity hotspot—home to flamingos, lemurs, radiated tortoises, and rare cave-dwelling wildlife—many species found nowhere else on Earth. The park faces serious threats: local poaching of tortoises and lemurs, illegal logging for charcoal and firewood, and increasingly frequent bushfires, worsened by recent flooding and drought events that strip vegetation and make the land more fire-prone Working alongside Madagascar National Parks (MNP)—who manages the park—and longtime local Conservation Allies partner Association Analasoa, this joint effort marks a strategic push to address growing threats to one of Madagascar’s most ecologically unique landscapes. To align efforts and improve efficiency, we all met in Marofijery earlier this year. Beginning this year, both MNP and Analasoa are being supported by Conservation Allies to carry out complementary and collaborative activities across the park. The core outcome of the meeting was the development of a joint strategy for Conservation Brigade missions—collaborative patrols made up of representatives from MNP, Analasoa, the regional environmental authority (DREDD), law enforcement, and local traditional leaders. Conservation Brigade patrols have already demonstrated impressive results elsewhere in Madagascar. In Tsaratanana National Park—a remote rainforest that had lost 31% of its forest cover in the past decade—joint patrols between MNP rangers, and law enforcement officers, supported by Conservation Allies led to the seizure of 350 kg of illegally grown cannabis and several arrests, effectively regaining control of this critical area. The local community is relieved to have law enforcement regain control and bring safety back to the region. In central Madagascar’s Tsinjoarivo‑Ambalaomby reserve, our Conservation brigades helped intercept illegal loggers and miners, significantly reducing deforestation and sparking greater community engagement as safety returns to remote communities. These missions will be conducted monthly from July through November, with each operation focusing on a specific threat: tortoise poaching, wildfire prevention, illegal logging, and charcoal production. Using SMART monitoring data and ground-level knowledge, our teams have already identified areas at highest risk and have begun implementing aggressive conservation strategies. This initiative is a model of shared responsibility and local leadership—one that highlights the importance of coordination, data-informed decision-making, and community involvement in conservation. As a new member of the General Assembly of Madagascar National Parks, Conservation Allies is proud to help strengthen the infrastructure and partnerships necessary to safeguard Madagascar’s wild heritage. Built on proven models and led by locals, this is conservation with proven impact—giving local conservationists and communities the tools to defend their own home.
Welcoming New Global Partners to the Conservation Allies Family
We are thrilled to announce the addition of three remarkable organizations to our growing network of conservation partners—bringing our total to 47 partners worldwide. These new collaborations not only strengthen our mission to protect the world’s most threatened ecosystems and empower local conservation leaders, but also mark an exciting expansion into regions where conservation support is urgently needed yet often under-resourced. By partnering with grassroots organizations in these areas, we are able to help channel critical funding and technical assistance into places where biodiversity is both extraordinarily rich and under severe threat. Meet our newest allies: Asociación Ecológica de San Marcos de Ocotepeque (AESMO) – Honduras Founded in 1990 by community members in western Honduras, AESMO has pioneered a Shared Governance Model that unites local governments, cooperatives, and communities to protect vital cloud forests and watersheds that sustain over 250,000 people in Honduras and El Salvador. These cloud forests are critical habitats for many unique and threatened species, including a variety of orchids, amphibians, and migratory birds that depend on intact forest cover. AESMO’s participatory approach balances conservation with food security and resilience, addressing deforestation and water scarcity in one of Central America’s most threatened regions. Belantara Foundation – Indonesia Working across Sumatra and Kalimantan, Belantara Foundation combines science-driven conservation with community development. From restoring peatlands and planting native trees to reducing human–elephant conflict and empowering youth through education, their programs protect iconic species like the Sumatran tiger, orangutan, and elephant, along with countless other endemic plants and animals. As a new member of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), Belantara is driving sustainable landscape management in some of the world’s most biodiverse—and at-risk—ecosystems. Te Ipukarea Society – Cook Islands Based in Rarotonga, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is the Cook Islands’ leading voice for protecting te ipukarea, “our heritage.” Through advocacy, education, and community action, TIS tackles threats from invasive species, overfishing, and emerging risks like deep-sea mining. Their conservation work focuses heavily on safeguarding native birds, including important breeding populations of shearwaters and petrels that are vulnerable to invasive predators. Their efforts blend traditional knowledge with modern conservation science to protect the islands’ rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity for future generations. These partnerships not only broaden our geographic impact but also bring fresh strategies and inspiring local leadership into our shared mission. From the cloud forests of Central America to the coral reefs of the South Pacific, Conservation Allies is committed to supporting these already highly-effective organizations with the funding, tools, and visibility they need to thrive.
Conservation Allies Joins Madagascar National Parks to Strengthen Biodiversity Protection
Conservation Allies is proud to join the General Assembly of Madagascar National Parks (MNP), marking a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to safeguarding Madagascar’s irreplaceable biodiversity. As a trusted partner of multiple grassroots organizations working in and around Madagascar’s Protected Areas, we are enthusiastic about this opportunity to contribute even more directly to the island nation’s conservation efforts. MNP plays a central role in preserving Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, managing over 40 national parks and reserves across the island. Its efforts support not only species and ecosystem protection but also fosters sustainable development and improved livelihoods for local communities. As a member of the General Assembly, Conservation Allies will support MNP’s conservation objectives and participate in organizational governance. Assembly members help set strategic direction, approve reports, and appoint auditors. This strategic partnership strengthens the collaboration between national and international stakeholders and amplifies our shared goal of preserving Madagascar’s extraordinary natural heritage for generations to come.