Majalah

BPKEL Quarterly Magazine Vol 1  Summer 2011

Leuser Ecosystem

The Leuser Ecosystem in Aceh province, includes parts of 13 districts and covers 2,6 million ha of biodiversity rich forest.

Biodiversity in Leuser

The Leuser Ecosystem is the largest remaining area of undisturbed Malesian rainforest. It harbourss numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish as well as unknown numbers of invertebrates, plants and other organisms.

Gardener of the forest: Elephant

The increasing pressures to open up more forest for set t lement and commercial enterprises has greatly increased the frequency of human-wildlife conflicts. Tigers are a threat to livestock and people, wild boar and elephants can destroy commercial crops and even the homes of farmers. Of all the wildlife that constantly come into contact with people living on the fringe of the forest, the elephant has recently gained a reputation as dangerous.

Revitalizing Adat

In response to local requests to help regenerate traditions and customs BPKEL with funding from the Global Heritage Fund and support from the Aceh Foundation agreed to support the establishment of two cultural centers (Balai Adat) to act as focal points for the application and learning of traditional crafts and culture.

Ecoranger Training and Selection

The European Union (EU) has recognized the importance of this, and in addition sees that gainful employment of ex-combatants and even ex-loggers as a way of supporting peace in Aceh while reducing forest destruction. To implement this commitment the EU has provided a grant of one million Euros for the training of new rangers, both in the Ulu Masen and Leuser Ecosystems. The grant is managed under an agreement between Fauna and Flora International and the European Union. One hundred and seventy five thousand Euros has been made available for selecting and training of approximately sixty new rangers for the Leuser Ecosystem.