Reforestation
Restoring forests to protect orangutan habitat and secure the future of wild populations.
A Vital R of “Red Ape Relief”
Reforestation is essential to the survival of orangutans. Through Orangutan Outreach’s Bored in Borneo initiative, we support large-scale forest restoration projects that rebuild habitat lost to logging, fires, and land degradation.
With donor support, damaged landscapes are transformed back into thriving forests—ensuring that rescued and rehabilitated orangutans have safe places to live, roam, and flourish for generations to come.
Why Reforest?
Rescue and rehabilitation alone are not enough. Orangutans can only return to the wild if healthy, connected forests exist. Reforestation restores critical habitat and helps maintain viable wild populations.
Planting native tree species expands food sources, reduces erosion, lowers fire risk, and supports biodiversity. Simply put: no trees, no orangutans.
More Than Trees
Reforestation benefits both wildlife and people. These projects engage local communities in conservation, create sustainable livelihoods, and reduce the impacts of climate change.
By restoring forests today, we protect orangutan habitat while contributing to a healthier planet for everyone.
Forest for the Future
Reforestation ensures there will be safe, suitable habitat for orangutans in the years ahead. Rescue and rehabilitation are only part of the solution. Without healthy forests, orangutans cannot return to the wild.
By restoring land that was burned or logged in the past, we help maintain viable wild populations and protect orangutans from displacement, fire, and habitat loss. Ensuring forest survival today is essential for every successful release tomorrow.
Sebangau National Park
In partnership with Borneo Nature Foundation, one million trees are being planted to restore fire-damaged rainforest by 2025.
Mawas Conservation Area
A vast peatland forest in Central Kalimantan protected and restored with BOSF to support biodiversity, carbon storage, and orangutan habitat.
Pematang Gadung Forest
YIARI works with local communities to restore degraded peat swamp forest that is home to hundreds of wild orangutans.
Batang Toru & Kelay River
Critical corridors and buffer zones are being replanted to protect endangered Tapanuli orangutans and reconnect fragmented habitat.
Reforestation Partners
These reforestation projects are carried out with trusted partners on the ground, including the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF), Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP), and the Conservation Action Network (CAN).
Together, they restore burned and logged forests, protect peatlands, reduce fire risk, and strengthen habitat connectivity so orangutans can thrive in the wild for generations to come.
Reforestation FAQs
Orangutans rely on healthy forests for food, shelter, and movement. Without reforestation, releases into the wild are not possible.
Native species are prioritized, especially fruit trees that provide essential food sources for orangutans.
Local residents collect seeds, grow seedlings, and help replant forests while gaining conservation education and sustainable income.
Support Reforestation
Your support helps restore forests, protect wildlife and secure the future of orangutans in the wild.
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