Project Green Life

Project Green Life exists in Sumatra since 2009. It is a private nature reserve (currently 21 hectares) and borders with the NP Leuser. The ultimate objective is to increase the area of the reserve to 35 to 45 hectares, which will cover the entire valley along with all of its endangered animal species. The valley is also frequently visited by orangutans. Signs of Sumatra tigers have also been found here probably due to the large number of its prey that crosses through the valley. The valley borders directly with NP Leuser and hence provides a buffer zone against the slow but certain loss of the National Park land along its borders to agriculture. The reason for the foundation of the Green Life natural reserve is simple: we don’t want to silently participate and watch wild nature and animals disappear! Personal experiences with the NP Leuser, knowledge of the local customs and people compelled us to act and actively participate in the protection of rainforests, our natural heritage. During the last 3 years a dedicated group of people ensured that a part of a pristine rainforest was saved and was given a chance to survive. The leader of the team is Ali Rusli - a Sumatra native who’s entire family is now involved in the project. Milan Jeglik, who is also the representative of ARfK in Indonesia, is a founding member of Green Life. The Czech company Intermedia Grexim is currently the main supporter sponsoring 10 hectares of the project. Another 11 hectares of Green Life are currently sponsored by various firms and other people. Another 4 hectares is leased privately by a French citizen who became involved after learning about the project’s goals. An opportunity exists currently to lease another 10 hectares and thus to increase the total project’s area to 33 hectares.

Green Life objectives for 2012-2013

- ensure no logging, trapping, fishing and any disturbance of wild animals in the private reserve Green Life

- negotiate a scientific research partnership with Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic (self-renewal of tropical rainforest)

- rescue of wild animals from black markets, the preparation and financing of the first mission in January 2013. Purchase of 20 to 30 animals from the black markets (Sumatra monkeys and apes, snakes, turtles) and their release into the wild in the Green Life rainforest. Thanks to the nearby NP Leuser the release of the animals is realistic and successful with high probability. During the rescue mission the animals will be checked and taken care of by veterinarians before they are released back into the wild. Currently the budget for this mission is approximately 5000E (animal purchase 3,750E+transport 100E+handlers 120E+food and necessities for the animals during the quarantine 200E+costs for two vet professionals 200E+animal quarantine shelter 300E+animal medicines 330E).

- the construction of a treetop educational walk at the Green Life/NP Leuser border and some hanging bridges. The budget will be calculated during 2012 with the expected construction in 2013.

- Educational programme for Czech and Indonesian schools about the role of the rainforests and their required protection for the benefit of future generations

Green Life objectives 2014-2016

- running, protection and area increase of the Green Life project

- animal rescue (every January of a given year)

- construction of year-round camp headquarters to provide place for work and research (solar panel powered). The spot has already been selected (lies on a hill opposite to the current Green Life camp and overlooking NP Leuser, total area of no more than 0.3ha)

2016: purchase of an airship, we are currently looking for sponsors of this daring project, the airship would be used for protection and monitoring of the NP Leuser. It would also allow the study of the rainforest canopy, which is currently outside the reach for scientific research, the taking of air photos and monitoring of illegal logging. It can be used for monitoring of large animals such as elephants and rhinos and their migration paths. It can be used in rescue missions in the NP Leuser, etc.

Rainforest camp Green Life

A camp with a land area of 0,3 hectares was built within the project area to serve as a base for rangers, tourists, photographers and students of natural sciences in their excursions to the NP Leuser. Project Green Life employs two rangers who monitor the NP for illegal trapping. They either report any such activity to the NP headquarters or directly interfere by making the trespassers aware of their illegal nature of their action. A number of illegal trappers were this way prohibited from entering the park. The rangers also monitor animal pathways to disarm any traps meant for wild hogs and dears but which often trap endangered animals such as tigers or bears. In addition, the rangers maintain and take care of the base camp. To avoid any disturbance of the surrounding wild nature the camp follows strict eco-rules.