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The teams from CAN carry out very difficult orangutan rescue operations in East Kalimantan. They save orangutans that have wandered into barren landscapes as forests are destroyed for agriculture, mining, or urban development. It is often difficult to reach the stranded apes and the logistics of each rescue must be planned carefully. Some rescues involve circumstances in which orangutans have come too close to humans; and oftentimes the incident is recorded and posted to social media. CAN responds with caution, taking the time to monitor and assess the situation before acting. Orangutan Outreach is proud to provide funding for these extraordinary missions. We have pledged our support for Conservation Action Network’s orangutan rescue operations going forward. Each is unique. You can read the story of little Panji’s rescue here and read the remarkable rescue story of a mother and her twins here.

Conservation Action Network supports local villages in protecting the forest with the formation of community patrol teams. Each member is trained and they cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure there are no threats that can damage protected forests or other high conservation value areas. CAN assures there are patrol teams working in Jawai Tangaran and Bukit Nek Garok Forests as well as Menyapa Lesan and Karaitan Landscapes. These Forest Rangers are essential because forests are vulnerable to illegal logging, encroachment, and wildfires. Patrol teams are the first line of defense against these threats; ensuring forests remain protected and sustainable for future generations. A Forest Ranger’s duties go beyond securing the forest. They also play a vital role in monitoring wildlife, raising awareness, and educating local communities.

CAN began forest restoration activities in Kalimantan in 2019 with the belief that restoration within the concept of agroforestry is a solution to food insecurity and wildlife conflicts. Conservation Action Network aims to create a forest area that can repair the ecosystem and maintain economic value. Over 2,400 hectares have been successfully restored through a comprehensive reforestation program. The program is carried out in diverse landscapes including upland zones, lowland regions, and peat land ecosystems. There is an impressive 78% survival rate of the 30 different native tree species that are planted.

CAN aims to conserve wildlife while working hand-in-hand with local communities to ensure the longevity of their many conservation solutions. From West to East Kalimantan, CAN assists in the development of rural communities. By promoting sustainable farming and ecotourism practices, CAN helps protect forest ecosystems while providing communities with an alternative to deforestation. CAN also works to protect animals who live not only on land, but also at sea. In the Derwan Islands, they have employed a team of rangers, all recruited from local villages, to patrol the beaches in search of sea turtle nests in order to protect the eggs when they are at their most vulnerable. Finally, in 2020, CAN established its Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) on the Long Sam River, Merasa Village, Kelay District, Berau Regency in East Kalimantan. The WRC cares for animals that have been rescued from trade, illegal captivity, or conflict situations and are in need of medical intervention. Professionals support the rehabilitation of the animals and when they are ready, they are released back to the wild. For those who cannot return to the wild, CAN is constructing new wildlife islands that will offer permanent sanctuary for primates and sun bears. While these are not programs and projects that Orangutan Outreach is currently involved in, we applaud the efforts of CAN.