Category: Blogs

Sutajaya: Planting Trees, Preserving Biodiversity and Heritage in West Java

One of our main tree-planting locations in West Java is the Citarum River basin, home to over 1,000 tree species and 3,000 flowering plants. These plants are central to ecosystem health and form the basis for many livelihoods in the region. However, in the wake of rapid development, many of these tree species are now threatened by deforestation. In response, a local forest farmer named Sutajaya is determined to reverse the damage.

Six years ago, Sutajaya was granted free leasehold by the government to manage 2 hectares of land in the foothills of Sangar Mountain near Mekarjaya Village, the village in Bandung Regency that he calls home. “We are allowed to plant crops and manage the land,” says Sutajaya. “But the mandate is that we must plant hardwood trees that we never cut down.”

Traditional roots, bearing new fruits

At first, Sutajaya planted coffee trees. However, he quickly noticed that many of the trees he remembered from his childhood were becoming more scarce. He started planting native Indonesian species like rasamala, saninten, damar, kisireum, and tarum areuy. And this process reconnected him to his roots.

Saninten trees — Figure 1 The Saninten tree, one of several native species making a comeback in West Java. Figure 2 The fruit and branches of Saninten tree.

“This land used to be the home of the powerful Tarumanegara kingdom,” explains Sutajaya, remembering a story passed down from his ancestors. “Their name came from the tarum areuy tree, which used to grow all around – the tree. also gave its name to the river that flows through the region, the Citarum.”. The kingdom was known throughout Southeast Asia for their production of distinctive blue fabrics, made using dye from tarum areuy trees.

Today, the blue cloth is long forgotten, and the trees are disappearing too. “I don’t want my children to grow up without seeing the native trees so deeply rooted in our culture. So I will do all I can to stop them from disappearing,” said Sutajaya.

Tarum Tree — Figure 3 Leaves of the tarum tree

Planting the seeds of knowledge

Unlike most forest farmers in Mekarjaya Village, who manage the land primarily to plant crops and then reap the results, Sutajaya’s main goal in planting native trees is to create an educational forest, or arboretum. “My intention is to safeguard native trees, particularly those of West Java, and prevent further loss in the future,” he explains. “With the arboretum, I want to preserve biodiversity and educate people about the abundance of native trees that form part of our shared culture,” he added.

He plants these trees in the foothills of Sangar Mountain, a popular hiking track among young hikers, especially at weekends. He hopes these groups will stop by his arboretum to learn more about native tree species.

Support from Trees4Trees and TREEO

Sutajaya is well on his way towards his goal. In 2021, he took a big step forward by joining a tree-planting project with Trees4Trees in collaboration with TREEO. “That was a great opportunity for me to add to my tree collection,” he remembers, “and I really thank Trees4Trees for helping me realize my dream.”

Planting Trees — Figure 5 Sutajaya, on the ancestral lands he has almost single-handedly helped to re-green.

Together with Trees4Trees, he planted 1,600 sawo, damar, rasamala, and avocado trees, most of which have survived and are growing well to this day. From the sawo and avocado trees, he can harvest fruits to sell. From the damar trees, he collects sap, which also has economic value. The tarum areuy he planted provides leaves for organic fertilizer and fodder for his cattle. But the real value of these trees is something that can’t be bought or sold: a connection to heritage, and a glimpse of a greener future in the Citarum River basin.

In spite of everything he has achieved, Sutajaya is not satisfied. “There are still many native trees out there that I haven’t inventoried yet,” he says. “I hope I can find them soon.”

Trees4Trees is working closely with local forest farmers like Sutajaya to restore biodiversity and preserve natural heritage in West Java and beyond. To learn more about our tree-planting activities and get involved, please visit the Trees4Trees website.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Kemas Duga Muis

10 Iconic Flora & Fauna of the Citarum River Basin: A Showcase of Biodiversity (Part 2)

Read the previous article on: 10 Iconic Flora & Fauna of the Citarum River Basin: A Showcase of Biodiversity (Part 1)

Trees and Plants

The landscape of the Citarum Basin boasts a rich diversity with at least 1,000 tree species and 3,000 flowering plants. Some of these species are deeply woven into the local culture, passed down through generations. Many of them also hold significant value that supports the local people’s livelihoods.

Tarum areuy (Indigofera)

This species refers to the indigo tree, from which the name Citarum is derived. Once abundant along the riverbanks, locals used it as a natural dye for fabrics. They also used the leaves as organic fertilizer and livestock fodder, while the root network was effective in preventing soil erosion. However, the tree is now slowly disappearing due to environmental degradation and extensive development.

Sugar palm (Aren)

The sugar palm tree (known locally as aren or tangkal kawung) thrives abundantly in the basin. Apart from its ecological function of conserving water, the tree provides communities with income derived from its sap, fruit, palm fibers, and leaves. The locals in the areas surrounding Trees4Trees’ tree-planting sites benefit from making traditional sugar from the sap.

Rasamala

The rasamala tree is an evergreen that grows plentifully in the mountainous areas of West Java, including Trees4Trees’ planting sites. Several mountains in West Java are habitats for rasamala trees. These trees provide homes for more than 20 bird species, including the rare bird species like Javan hawk-eagle, and endemic primate, the Javan gibbon (owa jawa). The trees also produce aromatic resin commonly used as a room fragrance, providing a source of income for local people.

Saninten

The saninten tree, or forest rambutan tree, is an endemic species endemic to Indonesia, particularly found on the islands of Java and Sumatra. It thrives in mountainous regions. The nuts hold significant economic value, often processed into traditional snacks and sold by local communities. The trees are still relatively abundant in West Java, including in areas where Trees4Trees plants. Unfortunately, in Sumatra, the tree is listed as endangered due to deforestation and land conversion into plantations.

Puspa

The puspa tree belongs to the tea family. People also call it needle wood or Chinese guger tree. It is renowned for its resistance to various soil conditions, climates, and habitats, making it a popular choice for land degradation restoration projects. The puspa tree is native to South Asia, China, and Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, the dispersion of puspa trees spread in Java island, particularly in West Java, making them an iconic tree of the region.

Trees4Trees’ reforestation efforts in the Citarum Basin aim to enhance the environment through tree planting and local community education, thereby improving habitats for flora and fauna. Through these initiatives, we hope to contribute to the preservation of rare and endangered species. We invite you to join us in planting trees to support and enhance biodiversity preservation.

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10 Iconic Flora & Fauna of the Citarum River Basin: A Showcase of Biodiversity (Part 1)

The Citarum River Basin in West Java, one of Trees4Trees’ tree-planting sites, encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from mountainous regions to coastal areas, supporting a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. While the river shelters numerous fish species, the Citarum River Basin is a home to a wide variety of animals as well as an array of trees and flowering plants, some of which are endemic and iconic to West Java.

Unfortunately, some of these species are listed as endangered and need our contribution to preserve them. Here are some of the iconic flora and fauna that contribute to the biodiversity of the Citarum River Basin.

Animals

The Citarum River shelters over 20 fish species and is home to a wide variety of animals. Birds are the most abundant, with over 300 species residing in the forested areas of the basin. Additionally, the ecosystem also provides habitat for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects.

Javan hawk-eagle (Elang Jawa)

The Javan hawk-eagle is a medium-sized raptor bird with dark brown feathers and a magnificent crest on its head. It holds the distinction of being Indonesia’s national bird and is the emblematic symbol of Garuda Pancasila. Commonly referred to as Garuda, reminiscent of the bird-like creature in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, this species is one of the rarest raptors and is classified as endangered. The Javan hawk-eagle prefers habitats with rasamala trees and primarily feeds on rats.

Black-crowned night heron

This nocturnal bird is characterized by its black bluish head, resembling a crown. Its diet includes fish, frogs, water insects, small snakes, and rats, which reside in river streams, ponds, rice fields, and swamps. These birds commonly live alongside the Javan pond heron (blekok sawah) and cattle egret (kuntul kerbau), which also inhabit the Citarum Basin. Unfortunately, the species is now rarely found, and their existence cannot be traced due to habitat loss caused by the devastation surrounding the Citarum Basin.

Sunda pangolin (Trenggiling)

This mammal has distinctive keratin scales covering its skin, resembling armor. Its diet consists of insects, particularly ants and termites, and it lives in hollow trees or burrows, relying on tree cover for its habitat. The Sunda pangolin is currently classified as critically endangered due to facing dual threats: habitat loss and being highly hunted and eaten.

Sunda slow loris

This mammal, the Sunda slow loris, is a protected primate listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Its existence in the wild is primarily threatened by habitat loss and hunting for the pet trade. The species has a slow reproductive rate and prefers forests with high, dense canopies, such as rainforests, bamboo groves, and mangrove forests. As climbers, they are highly dependent on trees for their behavior and survival.

Javan gibbon

The silvery gibbon, or Javan gibbon, is a native primate to the island of Java, Indonesia. This species prefers to inhabit undisturbed rainforests at altitudes of up to 2,450 meters. It is listed as an endangered species. Habitat destruction on densely populated Java, including the Citarum Basin, continues to reduce the natural range of this species. Many gibbons are also lost to the illegal pet trade.

Continue to read the article on: 10 Iconic Flora & Fauna of the Citarum River Basin: A Showcase of Biodiversity (Part 2)

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One Woman’s Story: Ratiyem the Farmer and Devoted Housewife

In Indonesia, social convention often dictates that a women’s place is in the home. But Ratiyem doesn’t care about convention. This 46-year-old farmer from Gunungsari Village in Kebumen, Central Java believes women have a right to work and follow their dreams. During her life, she has taken a long, hard road to independence.

Nothing ever came easy for Ratiyem. Trapped in a cycle of poverty from an early age, her education was cut short when her family couldn’t pay the school fees. Ever since then, she’s been working hard to make ends meet. As a teenager, she took a job as a housemaid in Semarang, 170 kilometers away from her home and family.

She worked hard in the big city for more than 10 years, but always felt like it wasn’t where she was meant to be. “I liked working in Semarang, because I could make a living,” explains Ratiyem. “But if I kept working there, there would be no-one to take care of my kids and my husband. I knew I had to return to my village,” she added.

A woman’s work is never done

After returning to her village, Ratiyem was determined to provide for her children with the education she never had. Together with her husband, she put her time, her heart and soul into working the soil.

“I had a field measuring about 500 sqm and thought I could make some money by planting cassava and taro, as they’re always in high demand,” she explains. “My happiest moment as a farmer came when harvesting that first crop and the price was good. It made all the effort worthwhile.”

Ratiyem balances her work as a farmer with her role as a mother and member of her community. “Early in the morning, after taking care of breakfast and getting the kids ready for school, I walk around the village to collect grass for my cattle. Then, I tend to my field and nurture the growing plants.”

Growing stronger through the tree-planting program

In 2022, Ratiyem was contacted by Trees4Trees, who invited her to become a grower for a tree-planting program in collaboration with Hong Kong – based TREE Ltd. Through this program, she received free seedlings and organic fertilizer, and was able to develop her farming skills with access to new knowledge.

“I received 200 trees, including sengon, suren, and coffee,” remembers Ratiyem, who believes her own personal development will soon be reflected in the growth of her crops and the increased income it brings. “Being part of this program has provided me with a wealth of new farming knowledge through training, especially organic farming methods. This knowledge has made a big difference, as it guides farmers like me in managing our fields more effectively,” she added.

The importance of independence

Ratiyem takes great pleasure in being close to nature, living off the land she was born in. “Unlike the big city, where I had to buy all my food, here my fields provide me with everything I need,” she says, before adding that in her role as farmer she also has a responsibility to support food security.

Through the Trees4Trees program, Ratiyem hopes to provide food for her community and earn extra income to support her family. Looking to the future, she wants to put more food on more tables, by starting up a catering business with ingredients sourced directly from her field.

“I want to continue working and being productive,” she explains. “To me, it’s vital for women to work and generate income, so we don’t just rely on men to meet daily expenses. As working women, we can play a role in supporting the family financially,” she added.

For Ratiyem and the many women farmers like her, independence means more than just following your own path. It is about overcoming obstacles, leading by example, and doing whatever it takes to provide for those who rely on you. With support from Trees4Trees, inspirational women like Ratiyem will continue to be a source of pride to their families and leaders in their communities.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Yulianisa Dessenita

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Green Harmony: 6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Surrounded by Greenery

Every day presents an opportunity to support our environment, but Earth Day calls for something special. Observed annually on April 22nd, Earth Day signifies global unity for environmental protection. April also isn’t just about Earth Day; it’s Earth Month, dedicated to promoting environmental preservation.

While this moment often focuses on raising awareness about safeguarding our surrounding environment, we believe celebrating Earth Day is more than that—it’s about taking action. It’s also not just about doing eco-friendly activities during the celebration; it’s about committing to sustainable habits every day.

Below, we present ideas to celebrate Earth Day in harmony with trees and greenery, honoring their essential role as the foundation of life on Earth. These suggestions can be seamlessly integrated into your daily habits and lifestyle, spanning from activities at home to outdoor endeavors. Let’s take steps to protect them!

Embracing green hobbies at home

Contributing to a heathier planet can be done from home by embracing green hobbies. It offers a profound connection to the Earth while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of nature in the comfort of your own space. You can dig into the soil, start gardening, and cultivating vegetables, fruits, or ornamental plants and flowers.

You can also get creative with eco-friendly art projects using materials from nature like fallen leaves, twigs, and flowers. Create unique décor pieces such as wall hangings and room accents while respecting and preserving the environment.

Green Harmony: 6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day — Photo: Pexel

Engaging sport within nature

Discovering serenity in nature while nurturing your health is one of the best activities to partake in during Earth Month. Immerse yourself in outdoor activities like mountain hiking, forest jogging, or outdoor yoga to enhance both your physical and mental well-being, while deepening your connection to nature. It can also be easily integrated into our daily lifestyle.

Commit to growing trees, not just planting

Planting trees may be simple but growing them requires commitment. Committing to plant and nurture trees until they mature is crucial for better supporting our Earth. As we know, mature trees offer immense benefits, from carbon capture to supporting biodiversity and stimulating local economies. Choose for growing native trees to enhance biodiversity habitats.

If space is limited, consider donating trees with us. We’ll not only plant them on your behalf, but also ensure their thriving growth, enriching the environment. We also partner with local tree growers from the community, bolstering local economies with every tree planted. Whether you plant and grow trees solo or join our initiative, it’s a meaningful way to support our Earth better.

Be a responsible consumer to environment

When you’re buying nature-based items, such as forest products like honey, wooden furniture, or paper, prioritize products that are responsibly sourced and don’t harm forests or the environment. Look for labels that verify this.

We are excited to share that products with the Trees4Trees hang tag indicate responsible manufacturing practices, as Trees4Trees plants a tree for each item produced. If you’re a business owner needing environmentally friendly verification for your products, consider teaming up with us to plant trees. Contact us for more information! Contact us to learn more!

Leisure time surrounded by greenery

Spend leisure time in nature for proven physical and mental health benefits. Whether strolling through a nearby park or forest bathing, it’s a serene way to celebrate Earth Day, reducing stress, anxiety, and boosting your immune system. Find a forested area to immerse yourself in the natural setting, surrounded by trees, and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Volunteering and applying tree-planting practices

Help maintain forest density by participating in tree-planting events. Thicker forest cover means more carbon sequestration. Volunteer to learn proper tree-planting techniques and contribute to reforestation efforts. Afterwards, you can apply the techniques and knowledge to plant trees in your surroundings to sustain the practice sustainably.

If you’re interested in hosting a tree-planting event with your community, you can also organize one with us to green our Earth. Contact us for more information!

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How do Trees Help Conserve Water on Earth?

(Conserve Water) Water is fundamental for humans and all living creatures. While trees are key players in maintaining water cycles and supplies. They capture rainwater, mitigating natural disasters like floods and landslides. Consequently, the tree cover within healthy forests is crucial for preserving water resources, as it positively impacts the quantity, quality, and filtration of water. Forests help control the water cycle by managing the rainfall, water evaporation, and how it flows through the environment.

So how exactly do trees help in conserving water, ensuring water availability on Earth, and support our life?

Incredible ways of trees in conserving and managing water

Trees’ intricate root system removes pollutants and slows the water absorption into the ground. As the result, this process prevents soil erosion near water. It also reduces the risk of sedimentation and floods.
By mitigating soil erosion and prevent sediment from infiltrating storm drains and streams, trees help to clean and enhance water quality.
Trees manage rainwater by intercepting rainfall in their leaves, preventing water runoff, absorbing and stabilizing stream banks with their roots.
According to the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 litres of water every year.
When rain falls through the tree canopy, it soaks into the ground and is absorbed by the tree roots. This helps to add soil capacity to hold more stormwater.
The layers of forest canopy, branches, and roots store and release water vapor, which influence rainfall patterns.

However, when deforestation occurs, this natural water cycle process is disrupted. Sediment flows into streams, polluting the water. Without dense and healthy tree covers which control water evaporation, irregular rainfall patterns may occur, leading to droughts and floods. Consequently, this exacerbates water scarcity and environmental degradation.

Read more: 7 Forests Facts You Need to Know

Trees for Water Conservation

The rich tapestry of biodiversity in Indonesia—our working area—offers a diverse range of tree species, some of which are essential for water conservation. These species excel in dry conditions, thanks to their deep root systems, drought tolerance, and ability to capture and retain moisture. In addition to the environmental benefit, some trees also bring economic benefits, providing fruits that can be harvested by local communities. Here are some of water conservation tree species that we plant across our working area:

Sugar palm

The Sugar Palm belongs to the large palm tree family and can reach a height of 25 meters. It has strong stems and is commonly found near the river and downhill due to its ability to store water.

Its root system can stabilize the soil and prevent erosion while also having a great ability to hold water from rainfall. Each root can reach a length of 3 meters and each leaf can hold one to two liters of water, giving the soil beneath the tree more time to absorb more water. In Indonesia, the sugar palm is prized for its sap, used in sugar production, and its fruits, known as kolang-kaling, are popularly consumed as dessert.

Conserve Water trees — A sugar palm tree in the middle of forest. It is bearing fruits.

Tahitian chestnut

The Tahitian Chestnut is a multi-beneficial tree with an impressive root system, capable of reaching a height of 30 meters. Tahitian chestnut’s strong and deep roots are useful for absorbing rainwater and protecting water sources.

The tree also could store large amounts of water near ground level, making it a good water conservation tree for maintaining the availability of water. The Tahitian Chestnut is a symbol of peace and tranquility due to its shading properties.

Pangi

The Pangi tree can reach a height of 40 meters and has dense leaves. Its original habitat is in wet tropical rainforests, including those in Indonesia.

The tree is commonly found in lowlands, particularly on riverbanks. Due to its strong root system, the Pangi tree can prevent erosion on degraded lands as well as protect and green the river basin. It is also popular with its fruit in Indonesia, called kluwak.

The fruits are widely used in Indonesia as a traditional spice to add flavor and color to soups, making them rich and delicious.

Trees4Trees Water Conservation Tree-Planting

Water conservation is one of the key objectives in our reforestation efforts. We’ve planted diverse tree species to advance water conservation, focusing especially on the Kebumen and Boyolali regions of Central Java.

Conserve Water by planting trees — (Above) A tree grower in Boyolali is planting a tree-seedling received from Trees4Trees. (Below) Wasis is one of our tree-grower who successfully restore water spring near his house in Kebumen through planting trees.

Farmer

The tree-planting aims to help improve the environment, especially by enhancing water sources, ensuring clean water availability for the local community, and achieving the long-term goal of access to clean water. Here, we highlight our water conservation tree-planting efforts.

As we celebrate World Water Day, let’s acknowledge the important role of trees and forests in protecting our water. Join Trees4Trees in planting trees to conserve water resources!

Together, we can help the environment and support villages facing drought and water scarcity. Your support is crucial in our mission to restore forests and improve water resources for the future. Let’s work together for a sustainable future. Join us in planting trees today!

Learn more about Boyolali tree-planting project at this link or contact us through email: info@trees4trees.treesforplant.com

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Category: Blogs

Sutajaya: Planting Trees, Preserving Biodiversity and Heritage in West Java

10 Iconic Flora & Fauna of the Citarum River Basin: A Showcase of Biodiversity (Part 2)