Tag: Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve

On September 7, 2021, based on the government’s Covid-19 distribution map data, Indonesia still has 3.5% of active cases of Covid-19, out of approximately 4 million confirmed cases. The struggle of various levels of society since the beginning of the pandemic case announced in Indonesia, has a variety of stories. Communities’ ability to suppress the spread of Covid-19 began to be limited due to limited family inclusion. The ‘stay at home’ advice became difficult to implement, with so many necessary insistences need, which cannot be delayed.

The use of masks, as one of the efforts to suppress the spread of this virus, is considered less effective if the mask used many times. This occurs where some sectors of society are not able to afford to buy replacement masks as required. Also, while vitamin supplements are known to support the body’s immune system, they are too expensive for many people, who depend on a daily income. Therefore, Rimba Raya seeks to help in these circumstances and distribute assistance to communities in 14 villages around the work area in Seruyan, in an effort to reduce the rate of Covid-19 spread.

In collaboration with the Seruyan Regency Government, from March 2020 to August 2021, Rimba Raya Conservation conducted various activities to help suppress the spread of Covid-19 by distributing aid packages. “During this nearly two-year pandemic, Rimba Raya conducted awareness campaigns, to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in villages that have limited access to information, and also distributed disinfectants, hand sanitizers, 11,002 face masks, as personal protective equipment, 4,514 bottles of vitamin C supplement, 14 thermometer units, and basic groceries for the Seruyan local community who are in need,” said Ajie Dewanto, General Manager of Rimba Raya.

The September 2020 flood hit many villages around Seruyan River, 8 of which are supported by Rimba Raya. 750 packages of basic groceries and vitamin supplements were distributed to impacted communities. Through the local village government, Rimba Raya distributed rice, cooking oil, eggs, instant noodles, canned fish, sugar, and daily vitamins, deemed sufficient to sustain flood affected communities during the pandemic period. One year later, September 2021, Rimba Raya again distributed 1,007 packages of basic groceries in the form of rice, instant noodles and cooking oil to those in need, who are still affected by the pandemic.

Overcoming limited access to health facilities and public information in the pandemic period becomes our common duty to slow the spread of Covid-19. Rimba Raya hopes that the assistance it provides can help reducing the rate of spread in Seruyan. Rimba Raya itself has a Covid-19 Task Force to ensure and monitor the implementation of its program of activities in compliance with health protocols.

Rimba Raya Duty
“By protecting forests, we protect all the life in them and contribute to balancing the global climate. We empower communities to be involved in protecting peat swamp forests. Together we love the earth so that its sustainability is maintained.” Djonni Andhella, President Director of Rimba Raya Conservation.

Editor’s Note
Rimba Raya Conservation empowers the community to be involved in maintaining and preserving peat swamp forest ecosystems with the following approach: Empowered Communities, Healthy Forests, Maintained Climate, and supporting the achievement of the SDG targets in the 14 assisted villages, in 2 sub-districts, Seruyan Hilir District and Sembuluh Lake, in Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan.

Health Protocols
This activity is carried out with reference to the COVID-19 Health Protocol. “Wear a mask, keep your safe distance and always wash your hands”.

Contacts:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer Rimba Raya Conservation
Email: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com Hp: +62 857-1743-7001
www.rimba-raya.com

Rimba Raya Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rimbarayaproject/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RimbaRayaForest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rimba_raya_

The Rimba Raya Floating Clinic was introduced into the project area as a means to improve community access to health services in and around the Rimba Raya working area which is located along the Seruyan River.

In cooperation with the Seruyan District Health Office, the Rimba Raya Floating Clinic has delivered health services three times in 2020 (Jan, Aug, Nov) and once already in 2021 (March).

During these trips, several healthcare services are provided including general medical check-ups which help determine the health of local people by recording their weight, height, blood pressure and temperature. A general wellness check is also done. Additionally, pregnant women are examined to ensure that the pregnancy is advancing normally and that the mother to be is in good health. Children are also examined to monitor their growth and physical development. Other community members are examined for health problems such as myalgia, hypertension, cholesterol, URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), gastritis, eating disorders, skin infections and allergies.

Medical personnel who provide these services on each floating clinic trip include a doctor, midwives and nurses who are normally based in Puskesmas Kuala Pembuang 1 and Kuala Pembuang 2.

Dr. Ristya Aulia, a member of the Floating Clinic medical team said; “Thank you Rimba Raya for introducing this initiative that provides much needed additional health services to the villages along the Seruyan river. It is my hope that the facilities and infrastructure will improve over time and that the floating clinic will continue to provide this service and that trips into the project area will happen more frequently.”

An elderly woman, Mrs. Irus from Cempaka Baru Village said, “I am very happy with the services provided by the Rimba Raya Floating Clinic, especially because the doctor was able to visit me at my house. I live in a remote village it makes me feel better to know that I can receive treatment in my own home. I live alone and I can’t afford to pay for health care if I have to go outside the village.”

The last two trips conducted by the floating clinic took place from 10-12 November 2020 and 22-24 March 2020. There were 10 locations targeted which included 8 villages and 2 hamlets, namely; Pematang Limau, Tanjung Rangas, Muara Dua (Tampudau and Belanti Hamlet), Jahitan, Baung (west and east), Cempaka Baru, Palingkau and Ulak Batu. A total of 706 patients received health care where 60.91% (or 430 patients) were female.

The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve Floating Clinic is equipped to supply 86 types of medicines. Vitamins are also supplied, particularly to children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Reportedly, during these health outreach trips, 12 common health problems were diagnosed with the top three being hypertension (24.08%), myalgia (a chronic muscle disorder) – 21.67%, and URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) – 17%.

Based on the data collected during these trips, it is also known that older people are the most susceptible to various illnesses and therefore, in this region, people aged 50 and older are the most vulnerable. 42.78% or 302 patients who received treatment, fell into this category.

“Rimba Raya Floating Clinic is vital to villagers who require health services, particularly because some areas in the Seruyan are difficult to reach and as a result, there is a severe lack of regular health care. I would like to see an increase in the frequency of these health service trips,” said Anggi Mulyawan, Staff of TNTP SPTN II Kuala Pembuang.

Head of Seruyan District Health Office, Mahdiniansyah added, “Because there has been limited availability of regional government funding, the field health program introduced by Rimba Raya has been very well received by all community members. A good example of how Rimba Raya has positively impacted this area is when they helped supply medicines to people who were victims of the major flooding that occurred in the Seruyan District in 2020.

Additionally, waterborne diseases have been reduced after Rimba Raya introduced initiatives that supply clean drinking water to villagers through the provision of individual water filters and newly constructed water purifying systems. The Head of Seruyan District expressed his gratitude for the assistance of PT. Rimba Raya Conservation in providing free health services to 10 villages and hamlets in the Seruyan District.”

“Rimba Raya hopes to have better cooperation and support from all parties involved in this effort to improve health services in the region. Access to basic health care services is as a fundamental human right and the needs of all community members should be adequately met,” said Sylviana Andhella, Executive Director of Rimba Raya Conservation.

Rimba Raya Duty
“By protecting forests, we protect all the life in them and contribute to balancing the global climate. We empower communities to be involved in protecting peat swamp forests. Together we love the earth so that its sustainability is maintained.” – Djonni Andhella, President Director of Rimba Raya Conservation.

Abou Rimba Raya
The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, an InfiniteEARTH Project, is one of the largest REDD+ projects in the world, protecting nearly 65,000 hectares of peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, the world’s first REDD+ project verified under the Verra Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SDVista) and achieved the highest rating possible, contributing to all 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while retaining the coveted Triple Gold status under the global Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) standard in the voluntary carbon market. It is a living example of an economically viable alternative to deforestation. Visit https://infinite-earth.com.

The project has reduced Indonesia’s emissions by preserving tropical peat swamp forest, avoiding large-scale deforestation, drainage and conversion to palm oil plantations. Bordering the eastern boundary of the Tanjung Puting National Park in the Seruyan River watershed, the Rimba Raya project is rich in biodiversity with over 100 threatened and endangered species, including the endangered Bornean orangutan. Visit https://rimba-raya.com.

Rimba Raya Conservation as the field implementer, empowers the community to be involved in maintaining and preserving peat swamp forest ecosystems with the following approach: Empowered Communities, Healthy Forests, Maintained Climate, and supporting the achievement of the SDG targets in the assisted villages of the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve.

Health Protocol
This activity was carried out with reference to the WHOs COVID-19 Health Protocols.

Contacts:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer – Rimba Raya Conservation
E: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com
H: +62 857-1743-7001
U: www.rimba-raya.com

Rimba Raya MedSos:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rimbarayaproject/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RimbaRayaForest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rimba_raya_

As 2021 starts, the media continues to carry horrific stories of ongoing environmental abuse. We can no longer deny that the climate crisis is real, but somehow we manage to do just that. ‘Extinction: The Facts’ is a BBC Earth documentary, in which Sir David Attenborough explores how the loss of biodiversity has consequences for us all. He mentions the impact of global warming and the resulting climate crisis that has led to a loss or change of three-quarters of the world’s terrestrial surface. Sadly, the cause is human greed, our purchasing habits are killing off our natural resources.

There is so much we can do to help prevent further destruction. Mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation is something we feel can have an enormous impact on the environment and the people who depend on the health of the sea. Not only does this kind of forest store more carbon than normal forests, but it also protects a marine habitat that is vital to the oceans and the communities who live off the sea. The carbon in a mangrove forest is also called ‘blue carbon’.

The main challenge faced by mangrove ecosystems is that they are dwindling, this is a result of their destruction due to land development and community fish breeding ponds where the natural rhythms of nature are not respected. Population growth, especially in coastal areas, has resulted in changes in land use and excessive utilization of natural resources, thus mangrove forests have quickly diminished or have been severely damaged.

Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, Tanjung Puting National Park and Seruyan District Government are in collaboration with the community in replanting 30,000 mangrove seedlings (Rhyzophora sp) in Tanjung Siamuk Beach, Sungai Undang Village, Seruyan District. The planting ceremony was held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

“Sungai Undang village was chosen because 80% of the people are fishermen as well as fishpond farmers. The problem with fishponds has become critical in that it has led to mangrove forest destruction,” said Budi Suriansyah, Head of Management Section II of Tanjung Puting National Park who was directly involved in our mangrove recovery initiative.

The process of restoring mangrove ecosystems by involving the community has become especially important, it gives us an opportunity to build awareness of the value in maintaining the balance of the natural environment. Gerakan Masyarakat Bersatu, the local community group of Sungai Undang Village, was formed to create mangrove nurseries and conduct the necessary planting and monitoring. It is important that this type of initiative is managed in a sustainable way as this will ensure its success.

“Community involvement starts from designing, implementing, evaluating, and finding solutions. It is hoped that this process will increase the confidence and responsibility of community members and show that together we should be able to overcome some of the most important environmental problems,” Murlan Dameria Pane, Head of Tanjung Puting National Park said.

Chairman of Gerakan Masyarakat Bersatu Sungai Undang Village, Agung Yulianto at the planting site stated, “Some people still look at this planting activity solely as a means of income, however a side effect of this initiative is that it is helping to develop a sense of ownership and a desire to preserve the biodiversity in our homeland.”

The Seruyan mangrove forest area is located in Seruyan Hilir and Seruyan Hilir Timur sub-districts, which is just South of the working area of Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve and Tanjung Puting National Park. The loss of mangrove forest density in the Seruyan has become the main concern for all parties who have collaborated in this program, because if left alone, the result will be devastating. Not to mention that the loss of this rich ecosystem means a loss in the natural resources that support livelihoods of community people.

This replanting effort is expected to have a broad ecological impact on the environment and on the economic status of the surrounding communities.

“Now there is a special group that restores the beach with mangrove planting activities that help in preventing abrasion,” said The Head of Sungai Undang Village Eka Puspita Sari proudly.

In addition, this activity also provides opportunities to increase revenue from the construction of permeable dams, collecting seeds, filling polybags, nurseries, planting, monitoring and maintenance.

Community women are also able to generate an income by making “bronjong”, large natural cages that protect the planted seedlings.

Bronjongs are made of split bamboo, 30 cm in diameter and 60-70cm high. The bamboo is bound together to form baskets which are filled with silt and the young seedlings are planted inside. The plants attach themselves firmly in the baskets which help them withstand the crashing waves. Using this method means that the seedlings are also not easily uprooted and have a greater chance of survival.

“Small but important, activities such as planting trees around the house or through tree adoption programs, are small steps that can have a large impact on the sustainability of life. The mangrove planting program in Seruyan, is expected to be one of the most impactful contributions we can make in mitigating the climate crisis,” said Rimba Raya Executive Director Sylviana (Sylvi) Andhella.

The pace of climate change can be slowed by continuing to collaborate with all parties in designing sustainable-environmentally friendly-programs.

The challenges of replanting during this pandemic can be overcome by strictly following the arranged schedule, ensuring that tasks are evenly distributed and also by complying with the health protocols suggested by the government. The restrictions did not dampen the spirit of all teams involved in our mangrove ecosystem restoration efforts in Seruyan District, Central Kalimantan.

Head of the Environment Office of Seruyan Regency, Priyo Widagdo representing Head of Seruyan District said, “Seruyan District supports and really appreciates this restoration activity as mangrove ecosystems, especially on the Seruyan coastal area, are at a severe and critical stage. The mandate from Head of Seruyan District in restoring mangroves, is that it will not go well without the support and participation of the community and the institutions that must care about mangrove restoration. We must succeed in this activity and hope we will improve it in the future.”

The coverage of the mangrove planting activities can be seen on the Infinite Earth YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV8jmvGrV6M

Editor’s Note:
Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve develops livelihood programs in surrounding villages (addressing all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals) to provide education, employment and hope for the future. The project is also the world’s largest privately funded orangutan sanctuary and is an Ecosystem Restoration project aimed at restoring and maintaining peat swamp forest ecosystems that are important habitats for orangutans and other IUCN Red Listed endangered wildlife. The project acts as the main buffer zone along the Tanjung Puting National Park in Seruyan District and follows ecological, economic, and social management principles. Visit https://rimba-raya.com

The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, an InfiniteEARTH Project, is one of the largest REDD+ projects in the world, protecting nearly 65,000 hectares of peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo and avoiding more than 130 million tons of carbon emissions. It is a living example of an economically viable alternative to deforestation. Visit https://infinite-earth.com

Rimba Raya Conservation as the field implementer, empowers the community to be involved in maintaining and preserving peat swamp forest ecosystems with the following approach: Empowered Communities, Healthy Forests, Maintained Climate, and supporting the achievement of the SDG targets in the assisted villages of the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve.

Rimba Raya Duty
“By protecting forests, we take care of all the life that is in them and contribute to the balance of the global climate. We empower the community to be involved in maintaining peat swamp forests. Together we love the earth enough to prevent further destruction.” Djonni Andhella, President Director of PT. Rimba Raya Conservation.

Contacts:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer Rimba Raya Conservation
Email: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com
Hp: +62 857-1743-7001
www.rimba-raya.com

In September 2020 Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve (Rimba Raya) project obtained independent verification contributing to the environment, biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under SD VISta

In September 2020, the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve project obtained independent verification for contributing to the environment, biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and upholding the rules and procedures of the SD VISta (Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard) Program.

Rimba Raya is the first REDD+ project validated under the SD VISta Program for its impact on each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), resulting from the project’s various activities. The initiatives introduced prevent deforestation and land-use change and encourage community development and economic growth.

“We are very proud of the verification results. This makes the Rimba Raya project become even more determined as a verifiable REDD+ conservation project with additional benefits for the environment and society, supporting people’s lives and achieving an impact toward the 17 SDG goals,” said Sylviana Andhella, Executive Director of Rimba Raya Conservation.

In January 2020, an independent third-party assessment was carried out by AENOR at the Rimba Raya project in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The main objective of the assessment was to ensure compliance with the rules and requirements of the SD VISta Program were being met..

The scope of the assessment included the impact of the project on sustainable development, and our contribution to the UN SDGs, and their benefit to community members, including their financial prosperity. Additionally, the project was evaluated for significant contribution to the protection of habitat and biodiversity.

The SD VISta Program provides a new standard for understanding the specific impact of a project, both environmental and social aspects. SD VISta enables the project to assess the benefits of sustainable development generated directly towards achieving the SDG’s goals. By successfully completing the Verra SD VISta audit, the Rimba Raya project provides a new level of quality assurance and transparency in reporting project results and additional impact claims for emissions reduction efforts.

Rimba Raya project was initiated by InfiniteEARTH, implemented and managed by Rimba Raya Conservation. The purpose of the project is to reduce emissions in Indonesia by conserving about 64,000 hectares which encompasses large areas of tropical peat swamp forest. This action was vital to preventing the conversion of the entire area to an oil palm plantation, which would certainly have led to additional forest degradation within the adjacent Tanjung Puting National Park and consequent loss of biodiversity and habitat, particularly for the endangered Bornean orangutan and other vulnerable animals listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. Rimba Raya project works in 14 villages in Seruyan district, Central Kalimantan, in which community living dependently on rivers and forests within and along the project’s borders.

Over the years, Rimba Raya project has introduced several economic incentives which are aimed at promoting community development, district government infrastructure and project area protection. Community programs serve as a means to encourage continued efforts in the preservation of the tropical peatland forests and to encourage a greater understanding of each individual’s impact, while highlighting the importance of coming together as a community to ensure that these initiatives are relevant and sustainable.

Community involvement is enhanced through the development of programs that improve quality of life. These initiatives cover a broad spectrum of services such as:
– Initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods
– Increased access to healthcare
– Early childhood development
– Fire prevention activities
– Water filtration systems
– Access to training and higher education
– Forest patrols

Verified Sustainable Development Goals

SDG No. – GOAL – Direct Contributing Project Activities
1. No Poverty – Employment, Micro enterprises, Solar Power & Solar Lanterns
2. Zero Hunger – Chicken Farms & Zuper Shrimp Paste
3. Good health & well being – Floating Clinic, Reading Glasses
4. Quality Education – Training, Scholarships, Community Centers & Village Libraries, Mangrove Reforestation
5. Gender Equality – RRC employment, Chickens Farm & Zuper Shrimp Paste
6. Clean Water and Sanitation – Water filters and Water Filtration systems
7. Affordable and Clean Energy – Power Solar & Solar Lanterns
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth – Chickens Farm & Zuper Shrimp Paste, Tree nurseries, Community Centers & Village Libraries
9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure Solar power, Micro-Credit; Chickens Farm & Zuper Shrimp Paste, Community Centers
10. Reducing Inequality – Solar Power & Solar Lanterns, Water filters
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities – Support for Tanjung Puting National, Orangutan Care Facility
12. Responsible Consumption and Production – School Curriculum: promoting Climate Change/Sustainability at school in project area
13. Climate Action – Mangrove Reforestation & Peat Swamp Reforestation, Establishment and Protection of the Rimba Raya Reserve, Community Firefighting, Training, School Curriculum: Climate Change/Sustainability, Tree nurseries
14. Life Below Water – Seruyan River Cleanup; Mangrove Reforestation
15. Life on Land – Mangrove Reforestation & Peatswamp Reforestation, Tree nurseries, Establishment and Protection of the Rimba Raya
16. Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions – Community Centers, Solar power
17. Partnerships for the Goals – Development Donations

About PT Rimba Raya Conservation
PT Rimba Raya Conservation (PT RRC) is a company that develops the programs of ecosystem conservation and restoration by protecting and securing the trees, establishing the forest and conserving the forest’s biodiversity. The release of orangutans is one of the fundamental obligations of PT RRC as the licensee of Timber Forest Product Utilization Restoration (IUPHHK-RE).

PT RRC is clearly committed to protect, conserve and secure its work area concession of 64,000 hectares to the fullest including to restore the forest and its biodiversity and the local community. PT RCC is a privately held company that pioneers ecosystem conservation and restoration by implementing a REDD+ program. For more information, please visit www.rimba-raya.com.

Contacts:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer, Rimba Raya Conservation
Email: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com
Hp +62 857-1743-7001

In November 2020, Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve conducted training sessions aimed at strengthening the capacity of Farmer Groups (KT). The goal of these sessions was to help farmers improve their skills in cultivation and agriculture through our Peatland Farmer Field School (Peatland-FFS). The sessions were attended by 2 Farmer Groups: Harapan Jaya from Jahitan Village, and Hijau Bakung Permai from Baung Village.

This activity is a continuation of the Peatland-FFS training program held in September 2020, conducted by Rimba Raya in collaboration with the National Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG). The farmer group from Rimba Raya working area participated at that time. Aside from focusing on improving farming skills, participants were trained in preparing their land for agricultural development without the use of traditional ‘slash and burn’ methods.

During our most recent training sessions, Rimba Raya encouraged farmers to build on their traditional agricultural knowledge with a focus on non-destructive land use and the development of areas according to soil suitability. The efficient production of nutritious food while ensuring forest preservation was strongly encouraged.

The farmers were taught how to make organic fertilizers and pesticides using organic waste from their immediate environment. “Crop and forest burning actually eliminates beneficial microorganisms and nutrients, as it releases unwanted carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,” said Sylviana Andhella, Executive Director of Rimba Raya.

“Land preparation without burning and the use of organic fertilizers for agricultural practices will reduce carbon emissions and support the balance of microorganisms. This is in alignment with our project objective to reduce carbon emissions,” Andhella explained.

Additionally, the farmers were empowered to manage their own farmer organizations. This included the election of a chairman, secretary and treasurer by the group members. These positions were then ratified by the local village government.

During the training sessions, farmer groups were encouraged to develop relationships for cooperation and networking with other farmer groups around the project area. This allows them to share information, experiences and valuable lessons learned which are beneficial to all farmers.

“I am thankful that Rimba Raya included our farmer group in this initiative. We learned how to make organic fertilizer and our understanding of horticultural farming techniques has grown. We are eager to develop our farms using these strategies with the hope that we will be more successful so that we can set an example to other community farmers,” said Ardiansyah Ardian, head of Hijau Bakung Permai farmer group of Baung Village.

About Rimba Raya
The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve is the largest REDD+ project in the world, protecting nearly 65,000 hectares of peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo and avoiding more than 130 million tons of carbon emissions. Rimba Raya is a living example of an economically viable alternative to deforestation.

Rimba Raya develops livelihood programs in surrounding villages (addressing all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals) to provide education, employment and hope for the future. Rimba Raya is also the world’s largest privately-funded orangutan sanctuary, and an InfiniteEARTH Project. Please visit https://rimba-raya.com.

Contact:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer – PT. Rimba Raya Conservation
Email: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com, HP: +62 857-1743-7001

*This Press Release was originally issued on December 5, 2020 with inaccurate Contact information. To contact Rimba Raya, please refer to the Contact information above.