WWF SAYS THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING SUMATRA'S FORESTS

Say thank you for protecting Sumatra's forests
Thank Indonesian officials for signing the first-ever island-wide commitment to protect Sumatra's stunning biodiversity. Urge them to continue to work together to implement a plan that will protect Sumatra's forests and endangered species.
 
The Indonesian island of Sumatra holds some of the world's most diverse – and endangered – forests, which provide livelihoods for millions of people and shelter some of the world's rarest species. It is the only place on earth where endangered rhinos, elephants, tigers and orangutans can be found together.
 
But since the 1980s Sumatra has lost nearly 50% of its forest cover to logging and agriculture.
To make things even worse, the island's peat forests also sit on top some of the deepest peat soil anywhere in the world – so deep they may comprise Southeast Asia's largest carbon store. The clearing of these forests disturbs these peat soils resulting in a major source of carbon emissions that cause climate change.
 
There is some good news however. To protect Sumatra's remaining forests, a declaration has just been endorsed by provincial governments across Sumatra as well as the Indonesian government. This commits the governors of 10 Sumatran provinces, along with the Indonesian Ministries of Forestry, Environment, Interior and Public Works, to restore critical ecosystems in Sumatra and protect the island's amazing biodiversity. The governors will now work together to develop plans that will serve as the basis for future sustainable development on the island.
WWF and its partners in Sumatra have agreed to work with the authorities and help make this commitment a reality.
 
Take action now
This declaration is great news in the efforts to protect what remains of Sumatra's species-rich forests and critical areas.
 Send a message of thanks to Indonesian officials and urge them to continue their efforts and save Sumatra’s forests