We develop comprehensive, long-term management plans with our advisory panel of international and local specialists to ensure the sustainability of the restored forest areas. These incorporate consultation with local communities, government and adjacent forest concession license-holders, and are distributed widely for feedback.
A critical element of the RER initiative is the adoption and maintenance of an integrated production-protection model, where plantation operations on the perimeter of the restoration area not only provide protection, but actively fund ecosystem restoration and forest protection. Years of experience have shown that this is the most reliable, consistent and effective economic model for restoration in Indonesia, especially given the extent of the resources that are required for ongoing active management.
The RER has a total of 69 employees and more than 100 contracted rangers and team members that work to protect and restore the forest every day. Over 80 per cent of RER’s workforce is drawn from the two regencies in Riau where RER is located, Pelalawan and Kepulauan Meranti. This helps RER to establish trust and better understand the needs of forest users.