Project timeline

The World Bank reports an alarming, and rapid, decline in tropical rainforests in Sumatra. 67,000 km2 was cleared between 1984 and 1987.

First discussions between the RSPB, Burung Indonesia and BirdLife International concerning the loss of forests in Indonesia. In particular, loss of lowland Sumatran rainforest is identified as potentially devastating to endangered birds.

Burung Indonesia and partners survey potential sites in Sumatra.

Data from Birdlife International shows an alarming rise in the number of birds in Asia that are threatened (largely) by rapid deforestation. Since 1994, the number of threatened species has risen from 26 to 37 and, for those species likely to become threatened in the near future, there has been a massive rise from 19 to 82 bird species.

The project is chosen by BirdFair as its sponsored project for 2002. These funds are used to survey and identify possible sites for a rainforest project on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, Indonesia.

Negotiations begin with logging company to secure the northern half of the area that makes up Harapan Rainforest.

The Indonesian government agrees to create a new type of concession lease for ecosystem restoration which does not require forest to be logged.

Prince of Wales holds a reception to raise awareness and show his support.

Two years of legal wrangling. Over 20 contracts had to be drawn up during this period. Indonesia's pre-eminent law firm is so committed to the initiative that it donates its services free of charge.

April: The consortium of RSPB, Burung Indonesia and Birdlife International win an open auction for the concession making up the southern portion of the ecosystem restoration area, beating of competing bids from the timber and pulp industry.

August: As a result of negotiations with the logging company holding the licence for the northern portion of the ecosystem restoration area, logging stops in the northern half of the area making up Harapan Rainforest.

Prince Charles reiterates his support for the project by recording a video message.

December: At events in Jakarta hosted by the British Ambassador to Indonesia and the Indonesian Minister of Forests, the video message is shown to mark the excellent progress of the initiative.

EU awards support for community relations projects and boundary negotiations. Over the period, teams in the field will determine which villages use the area and how. Once this is completed, formal agreements with each village will determine how the land can be used.

Harapan showcased to global decision-makers at the United Nations climate conference in Bali

Ex-logging camp restored and used for patrols - monitoring illegal logging activity, encroachment and poaching.

February: Field manager appointed to manage the site on the ground.

March: Sir Nicholas Stern (Head of the Stern Review) visits the site while on a trip to Indonesia to discuss the economic impacts of climate change.

July: First vehicles purchased.

July: Basecamp rebuilt to be semi-permanent. Currently on edge of licensed area.

August: Number of staff on site reaches 60, mainly consisting of wardens who spend 20 days at a time out in the field. Illegal logging activity falls by 70%, largely as a result of the field patrols.

Logging roads start to be closed. Some roads essential to protection and restoration are kept open. Repairs begin.

Funding awarded under the British Government's Darwin Initiative to support biodiversity surveys.

There are now more than 80 members of staff on site.

A report confirms that Harapan Rainforest has at least 15 million tonnes of carbon locked away.

14 February: The RSPB-Burung Indonesia-BirdLife International partnership receive Indonesia's first licence to restore a forest ecosystem - now our initiative has official approval for the next 100 years, a great cause for celebration.

First sustainable livelihoods project agreement signed with local villagers.

Biodiversity surveys underway as part of the Darwin project. These surveys will determine what form long-term management will take.

September: Nurseries created to grow new trees for replanting.

November: Prince Charles visits Harapan Rainforest as part of his goodwill tour to Indonesia, to highlight the importance of tropical forests in combatting climate change.

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry confirms that over 10 organisations have followed our lead and applied for ecosystem restoration licenses, totalling over 1 million hectares.