What’s really happening in indonesia
Indonesia’s unique natural environment is in conflict with the world’s demand for resources and a domestic economy driven by a growing population of 260 million — including 85 million children lacking environmental education.
High rates of deforestation
In Indonesia, massive tracts of rainforests the size of 76 football fields are cut down every hour. The enormous ecosystem disruption is accompanied by increased flooding and forest fires while driving endemic species like orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos to the verge of extinction.
Pollution that poisons our food chains
Java’s Citarum River, lined by 2,000 factories, is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Life-threatening mercury from gold mining in Papua, Sumbawa and Kalimantan leaks into the surrounding watersheds. After China, Indonesia is the 2nd largest polluter of oceans with plastic, which is mistaken as food by marine animals.
Devastation of marine ecosystems
The high demand for Indonesian fish leads to unsustainable overfishing. 82% of Indonesia’s coral reefs along its 17,000 islands have been damaged or are at risk as a result of dynamite and cyanide fishing, trawling, sedimentation, agricultural and industrial effluents, bleaching and ocean acidification.
Exploitation of endangered species
The popularity of oriental medicine and demand for pets push already endangered species to the brink. Among these species are the Javan Hawk-eagle, Bali Starling, Slow Loris, Pangolin, Manta Ray, Whitetip Shark and Helmeted Hornbill.
Education gap
Indonesia’s education system is failing to deliver knowledge on key subjects like the environment and sustainability. As a result, children have little understanding of the natural processes around them and have no role models who promote eco-awareness.
OUR MISSION
We are on a mission to inspire millions of Indonesian children to live sustainably.
Our vision is to contribute to millions of sustainable, happier, and healthier communities all around the world by empowering local educators with knowledge and tools. Our goal is that the local educators become community change-makers and inspire their students to become the next leaders in the movement for a sustainable future.
Eco-literacy
Eco-literacy is a powerful concept that we promote throughout our activities. It enables children to understand how ecosystems are interconnected and how they are influenced by humans. It empowers communities to identify the causes and solutions of their local environmental issues.
Find out more about our programs – The tree steps toward eco-literacy