Hutan Harapan: Consolidation of the first Ecosystem Restoration Concession (ERC) in Indonesien

Some 20 percent of the remaining lowland rainforest in Sumatra lies within the Hutan Harapan region, one of the world’s most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems. Ecosystem Restoration Concessions (ERCs) have been established here thanks to support provided by IKI. Harapan is viewed as a model for other ERCs and for Indonesian ERC policy in general. The project is supporting the sustainable management of the Harapan ERC and its long-term financial security. Activities are working to reduce forest loss, and to maintain and restore the region’s unique biodiversity and ecosystem functions. This, in turn, protects the habitats of animal species threatened by extinction such as the Sumatran tiger. The project is helping to curb illegal land seizures, secure support for local communities and develop sustainable business practices. The project is also supporting efforts by Indonesian partners to implement strategies aimed at conserving tropical forests and improving the ERC model.