92434 April 5, 2006
Integrating Environment and Forest Protection into the Recovery and Future Development of
Aceh
                                Grant amount:          US$17.5 million
                                Implementation period: Expected March 2006 – June 2010
                                Geographical Area:     Leuser ecosystem and Ulu Masen
                                                       nature reserves
                                Partner Agency:        The World Bank
                                Implementing Agencies: Leuser International Foundation,
                                                       Fauna & Flora International (FFI)

Background

The earthquake and tsunami of December 2004 devastated Aceh’s society, economy, infrastructure,
and institutions, especially along the west coast. In this narrow coastal belt, communities and
agricultural lands border directly on protected forests and karst mountain ranges of the Gunung
Leuser National Park and Ecosystem in the south and the Ulu Masen Forest Complex in the north.
However, the need for building materials for reconstruction is creating high demand for timber and
increases the risk of illegal logging and forest encroachment.
 
Even within Indonesia – a recognized mega-diversity country – Aceh forests are unique, comprising the largest remaining
contiguous forested area (3.3 million ha) with the richest biodiversity in South East Asia, including numbers of tigers,
elephants and rhinos.
 
These areas also provide valuable ecological services needed for Aceh’s recovery, including water supply, flood prevention,
erosion mitigation, and climate regulation, which support the Aceh-Nias Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency and the
Governor’s vision of promoting a “green future” for the province.
 
With the effective protection and improved conservation status of these areas, the project will help to create and sustain the
largest biodiversity corridor in South East Asia. The implementing NGOs are experienced, committed and respected for their
past work in Aceh.
 
Project Objective

To ensure that Aceh’s forest ecosystems are protected during the post-tsunami reconstruction process.

Project Design

Project components include implementation of best practice for forest protection and management. It also includes effective protection
based on multi-stakeholder governance framework, forest monitoring and protection systems, and sustainable management institutions.
The integration of environmental concerns into Aceh’s reconstruction will strengthen spatial planning process, promote environmental
awareness, and support community based rehabilitation activities.

Expected Impact

       Mitigating negative impacts of reconstruction interventions on the forests of Aceh.
       Improve protection of key watersheds that provide most of Aceh’s water.
       Integrate environmental and conservation concerns into long-term planning.
       Sustainable capacity and institutions for forest protection and management.
       Creating and sustaining protected areas with buy-in and participation from Aceh’s citizens and local governments.

More information:
  Project Documents

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