The island of the bird of paradise

Just off the western coast of West Papua province, in the middle of what is known as the Coral Triangle, lies the island of the birds of paradise, Batanta Island. The waters around the island sustain what many experts believe to be the world’s most species-rich reef system. But it isn’t just the seas that are overflowing with life. The turquoise waters are sprinkled with countless mountainous and thickly forested green islands – a breathtaking sight. The island forests, many of which are still untouched, are some of the most biodiverse habitats on the planet. In these rainforests, giant soaring trees can be found, while dense mangrove forests, brimming with life, line the coast. Birdlife here, too, is unique – the forests are home to birds of paradise and other rare species.

The inhabitants of the island live in close connection with nature. The forest and sea provide everything that families need – everything except money, which they need to be able to send their children to school. Attending school is vital to stand a chance in 21st century Asia.

Nowhere else in the world have rainforests been so ruthlessly sold off and deforested as in Indonesia. An area of rainforest the size of nine football pitches is destroyed every minute. Seventy per cent of the clearing is illegal.

A new OroVerde project aims to create sustainable, environmentally friendly income sources that protect the forest on Batanta Island. The women of the local communities are the driving force of the project, as they are responsible for feeding their families, the future of their children and the preservation of livelihoods.

The aims of the project are:
1. Protect the species-rich rainforests and coral reefs of an island archipelago.
2. Establish alternative income sources through women’s groups, so that villagers are not forced to sell wood to be able to send their children to school.
3. Share knowledge and establish ‘environment schools’ Read more