Borneo is Burning. Without the forests, orangutans will not survive.

For the last four months OFI staff have been fighting the fierce fires destroying critical orangutan habitat in Central Kalimantan, Borneo. The Orangutan Legacy Forest, land OFI has purchased and fought hard to protect, is now under serious threat. This land is crucial for the successful rehabilitation of the orphaned and displaced orangutans in our care, as well as the abundant array of wildlife and plant species that live in this ancient and biologically diverse ecosystem.

This is not just a wildlife issue – this is a human issue.

The long-term impact of clearing and burning the forests is devastating to the region and the planet.

This is the most severe fire season experienced in Indonesia in the last two decades. Much of the burning is occurring in peatland forests which have been cleared for palm oil plantations. Peat contains high amounts of carbon which, when burned, releases carbon and other toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. In addition to the loss of critical orangutan habitat, the fires have resulted in a toxic smoke haze blanketing Indonesia and neighbouring regions.

The effects are catastrophic for animals and humans alike.

 

OFI is on the ground now, fighting the fires to protect the endangered orangutan population.

OFI has already expended enormous resources as well as the strength and energy of the brave staff on the ground, who have risked their lives to contain these ferocious fires, day in, day out, since late July.

These fires are extremely difficult to eradicate because they can simmer underground in the peat for months. Even after they appear to have been put out, fires can spontaneously emerge from the ashes. Without intervention, the fires may continue to burn for months as the drought continues. The rainy season, which was due to arrive at the end of October, is not expected to arrive until early next year.

We are working closely with the OFI team to ensure our funds are directed where they are needed most. Thanks to donations already received from our kind and generous supporters, we have been able to equip some of the OFI firefighting team with water filled knapsacks, protective shoes, walkie-talkies and other essentials.

These donations are greatly appreciated. However, we desperately need to upgrade our firefighting efforts. This will necessitate buying heavy machinery, more protective gear for our firefighters, and replacing all of the equipment that has been destroyed in the flames. For instance, hoses and plastic buckets may last only a few weeks as they cannot long survive the high temperatures of the fires.

Your donation will help save lives.

 

We are aiming to raise $50,000 to purchase more firefighting equipment and care for the sick and injured orangutans affected by the fires.

 

You can be sure that 100% of your donation will go directly to the fire appeal.

 

Any donation, regardless of the size, would be so appreciated. Every little bit helps.

Donate Now!

All donations over $2 are fully tax deductible

We have currently raised $27,696 of our $50,000 goal

It starts with you.