At the BOS Foundation, we believe that conservation cannot stand alone. Protecting orangutans and their habitats must go hand in hand with improving the quality of life for the local communities who live alongside the forest. This is why we have introduced a program that not only focuses on forest conservation but also empowers communities to build better and more sustainable livelihoods.
This initiative was born from the idea that empowering households, particularly women, is the key to lasting change. Many families living in villages around the Bukit Batikap Protection Forest own unused plots of land near their homes. Instead of leaving these areas idle, they can be transformed into small gardens that provide vegetables and herbs for daily household needs.
The concept is simple yet deeply meaningful. It begins with identifying household food needs, followed by distributing seedlings and providing training in planting also gardening. In the long term, these household gardens are expected to grow into larger-scale ventures that align with the local commodities of each village. The outcome not only ensures healthy food for families but also creates opportunities for additional income.
Although the program may sound simple, its implementation comes with challenges. The remote locations of these villages mean limited access to decent job opportunities and livelihoods. This often drives communities to rely on extractive activities such as illegal logging, mining, or unsustainable industrial farming.
The introduction of economic value from such activities has shaped how people perceive the forest and its natural resources. Changing this mindset is not easy. That is why this program provides practical, household-based solutions designed to bridge the gap between daily economic needs and reduce pressure on the forest.
Throughout every stage, we uphold the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Instead of imposing solutions from the outside, BOS Foundation works hand in hand with communities to design activities that reflect their own needs and values. The goal is to foster independence, reduce dependence on forest exploitation, and ensure the long-term preservation of ecosystems for future generations.
Through this program, we hope to provide communities with more sustainable livelihood choices that do not harm the forest. By strengthening household economies, families can create a brighter future without compromising the preservation of orangutans and their habitats.
This important initiative would not have been possible without the full support of our partners, Gamomat Project and BOS Germany. We extend our deepest gratitude for their commitment and contributions to orangutan and habitat conservation.
Conservation is not only about saving orangutans, it is also about building better lives for the people who live alongside the forest. Together with our partners and local communities, the BOS Foundation continues to build a stronger foundation for a future where humans and orangutans can coexist in harmony.
Text by: Communication Team, BOS Foundation Headquarters, Bogor, West Java
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