Sumatra.
The OIC is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) who is dedicated to the conservation of Sumatran orangutans and their habitat. The SOS works to support grassroot organizations and their efforts in conservation. Some of their projects are habitat restoration, ecotourism and the very unique creation of conservation villages which are models of conservation minded living.
Next February the OIC restoration team will be clearing acres of palm oil trees and replanting them with native plants and trees. Mr. Hadisiswoyo is gathering all the equipment together to accomplish the restoration as fast as possible.
The OIC's mission statement as told by Mr. Hadisiswoyo is to "promote public awareness of the plight and value of the critically endangered Sumatran orangutans and its unique habitat through grassroots educational programs that empower local communities living near the last remaining orangutan habitat."
OIC's reforestation/planting objectives include:
• To help enhance the rehabilitation of degraded Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) areas as a result of deforestation and conversion to palm oil plantations by replanting land with indigenous tree species.
• Conduct regular maintenance of planted trees to help ensure their survival and growth.
• Monitor the land and planted trees within the GLNP to ensure continued security and protection from any further encroachment.
• To improve the capacity of local communities to help with conservation and forestry programs in an effort to increase ownership and responsibility towards the sustainability of the GLNP.
Two groups of seedlings will be replanted in the national park:
• Indigenous hardwood tree species that naturally grow in the forests of the GLNP.
• Fruit tree species to be planted in an area designated for a community forestry program to reinforce buffer zones adjacent to the park.
In regards to ecotourism, orangutans, their habitat and their future Mr. Hadisiswoyo added:
“Many are finally catching on to the fact that if tourism is to provide a sustainable livelihood opportunity for the local community, it must be carried out responsibly and managed correctly. This is a good sign for the future.”
I was honored to have the opportunity to drink tea with Mr. Hadisiswoyo during my visit. I was also invited to share the ride back from Besitang to Medan in their vehicle so we could continue our chat. We had long conversations about what can be done to alleviate the Palm Oil Crisis and to prevent the extinction of the orangutan and other species.
Mr. Hadisiswoyo has been vocal in the community and to media about the severity of these issues. Click here to read a recent article regarding an orangutan as a pet in which Mr. Hadisiswoyo firmly states his side.
To get a feel for the habitat, ecoystem and wildlife in the Gunung Leuser National Park watch this video put together by the OIC.
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