in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Biodiverse and Scalable Forest Restoration


The project Biodiverse and scalable Forest Restoration in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, is funded through the Bread for the World Foundation and implemented by Fairventures Worldwide under the umbrella program 1mTrees.

The goal of the 1mTrees program is to restore forest landscapes while creating new sources of income for local communities. Fast-growing timber species, such as Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria), and other native species are lead crops to restore soils and site productivity. Until now, 740 smallholders have joined the program and planted trees on their degraded and unproductive land. The growing interest by local communities in the program is a delightful development, but also entails certain challenges.

To scale up biodiverse forest restoration, a dedicated international team works on the following three topics:

  1. Development of a digital infrastructure for data collection, analysis, storage, and provision
  2. Concepts for improved floral and faunal biodiversity
  3. Education for reforestation with local universities and for the public

Measuring and monitoring play a crucial role in the development of sustainable land use practices and are the precondition for dynamic learning and continuous advancement. As Fairventures Worldwide follows the so-called Value-Chain Approach, the demands of each stakeholder along the value chain can be addressed and thus be specifically satisfied. The responsible collection of field data on the reforestation fields contributes to a solid data basis, which will be made accessible to the involved parties with their particular data needs.

Hence, Fairventures Worldwide is developing a digital infrastructure to guarantee efficient data collection and storage, data analysis and data dissemination. To ensure a high data quality, every single tree will be included in the forest inventory. The individual smallholder will be responsible for data collection on his own field to strengthen their sense of ownership.

Technological advances on optical sensors, remote sensing, wireless networks and others will be harnessed to optimize data management by minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency. Field data such as tree height and diameter will be uploaded to a central web-based database, where timber volume is automatically calculated based on species-specific growth curves. A link to current market prices will empower smallholders by granting direct market access. The data is integrated in a central system to automatically notify logistics operations of harvesting activities and processing units and manufactures of incoming timber volumes and further specifications. Finally, the consumer will be able to scan a QR code on the final product and is provided with comprehensive information on the path of the product.

Hence, traceability of the products and 100 % transparency is guaranteed, furthermore contributing to ensure deforestation-free value chains and further social and environmental standards.

Biodiversity is the basis for life and therefore, unsustainable land use systems such as large-scale oil palm monocultures must be avoided. Not only for ethic reasons and human responsibility towards other living beings, but also to safeguard the provision of a wide range of ecosystem services the goal is to preserve high diversities of plants and animals.

In test fields on different sites within the project area, Fairventures Worldwide aims to research various species compositions, reflecting community demands and site characteristics. In agroforestry systems, five fast-growing native timber trees are intercropped with striped peanuts and other cash crops. The team will conduct regular monitoring of tree growth performance and crop yields and eventually evaluate the optimal planting design.

Furthermore, careful monitoring of wildlife on remaining forests patches, existing rubber plantations, degraded land and newly restored fields will be conducted using camera traps and other scientific methods. So far, small deer (Muntjaks) were found browsing on the recently planted seedlings, whereas their presence is delightful, the damage to the trees however a bit problematic.

Modern developments such as urbanization contribute towards the disconnection between people and their environment. In order to solve many of the environmental issues and to re-connect producers and consumers of natural products, it is crucial to conduct environmental education in school and for the public. Fairventures Worldwide is aiming to take a central role in the provision of information on the land use issues to people in Central Kalimantan.

Hence, Fairventures Worldwide has laid ground for cooperation with the local universities UPR and UNKRIP, and with the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). In a collective effort, demonstration fields are established in the vicinity to the provincial capital Palangkaraya to present Fairventures’ innovative solutions for degraded lands. Furthermore, training modules and research opportunities will be developed together and offered to local and international students.

Project Duration


Total Project Budget


Project Partner

Yayasan Borneo Institute
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation
University of Palangkaraya
Permakultur Kalimantan Foundation

Funded by