Located at the most northerly tip of the island of Sumatra lies 3.3 million hectares of ancient, dense, tropical forest, known as the Leuser and the Ulu Masen Ecosystems. These form one of the largest remaining, important intact stretches of primary rainforests remaining in all of Southeast Asia.

Not only are these areas of global significance for their biodiversity, containing at least 105 mammal species, 382 bird species and 95 amphibian and reptile species, they also act as a lifeline for the Acehense; providing water for the 4 million people living in Aceh. Not only that, but these forests are important for everyone, being an important source of the world’s oxygen and the forest is often referred to as ‘the lungs of the earth’. This amazing rainforest is the last place on earth where the Sumatran orangutan, tiger, elephant, rhino and sun bear are still found existing together.

The Leuser Ecosystem is located mostly in the province of Aceh, with a small part located in north Sumatra. Measuring more than 2.6mha, it is designated as a National Strategic Area due to its high level of biodiversity and conservation importance and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Ulu Masen forest is located to the northwest of the Leuser ecosystem and lies entirely in the province of Aceh. This 738,000-hectare area is identified as a 'Provincially Strategic Area', comprising of protection forest and Nature Reserves (74%), production forest (12%), and other non-forest areas (14%). One of the major threats to this area is the valuable minerals lying under the forest – gold, copper, iron and coal. There is enormous pressure to exploit these natural resources for economic development.

Unfortunately, these areas are still under multiple threats including government plans for large hydro-electrical dams, deforestation and encroachment for large palm oil, paper and pulp production, illegal settlements and wildlife poaching.