Issue

Rainforests are the lungs of the planet - when they are totally eradicated eventually so are we. Habitat destruction from illegal logging, conflict palm oil, the pulp and paper industry and small scale farmers is happening at an alarming rate. This causes major problems for the wildlife who live within these rainforests and on a larger scale, the planet. Orangutans are an important part of this ecosystem as they are the gardeners of the forest. They play a vital role in seed dispersal and in maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem, which is important for people and a host of other animals, including tigers, Asian elephants and Sumatran rhinos.

Response

The Centre for Orangutan Protection is a small group of environmental & wildlife activists based in Indonesia. They document illegal habitat destruction, rescue and care for orangutans as well as other wildlife. They are currently building a rescue and rehabilitation centre called COP Borneo in North East Kalimantan as all other centres are full due to overflowing. COP Borneo is being funded by COP’s partner With Compassion & Soul.