Contributing to forest conservation using digital technology
Conservation of valuable tropical rainforest (Sumatra, Indonesia)
Hutan Harapan is a tropical rainforest of around 100,000 hectares, in the central southern part of Sumatra Island. It is one of few remaining lowland forests. It contains 444 species of trees, 300 bird species and 55 mammal species, as well as being home to endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran elephant, and Malayan sun bear, all of which are classified as Class IA endangered. BirdLife International Tokyo has teamed with Burung Indonesia, its local Indonesian partner, in an eco-system restoration concession scheme, for activities to conserve this valuable tropical rainforest.
Using digital technologies to respond to threats and contribute to biodiversity conservation
Hutan Harapan faces threats from many illegal activities such as arson to develop agricultural land, illegal logging for sale of timber resources, poaching of mammals for the animal trade, and development of palm oil plantations that encroach into forest areas. Forest patrols are essential for the discovery and suppression of such illegal activity. However, because of the time and effort involved in conducting the patrols and aggregating information, those efforts restricted the resources available for the original mission of forest restoration. As a solution, the Fujitsu Group has suggested digital technology use to support more efficient forest patrol activity.
Specifically, the introduction of smartphones and applications to digitize the manual input of patrol information greatly improved the efficiency of data collection and analysis. Previous paper-based record taking took two weeks and hindered timely patrol planning. The impact was recognized by local partner organizations, who have also taken the initiative to expand their own use of digital technology in training to improve digital proficiency, and for the construction of new communications infrastructure and forest monitoring dashboards. Tablets and applications have also been introduced for the monitoring of biodiversity, increasing data collection efficiency. Further, improved efficiency in forest patrols has permitted the allocation of more resources to forest restoration, and preparation has begun for the planting of Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS; tree species that produce fruit, sap, firewood etc.). This is expected to contribute to biodiversity conservation as well as to improvement in the livelihoods of local communities.
Words from our activity partners
Ms. Keiko Suzue, Representative Director, BirdLife International Tokyo
Since 2018, Fujitsu has supported us in our tropical rainforest conservation activities. Seven years ago, despite this being one of few tropical rainforests remaining in the world, the lack of a communications environment meant that we relied on manual input to understand the status of arson and poaching, in a process that took over one month. The use of ICT technology suggested by Fujitsu has enabled us to greatly reduce the number of days required for monitoring. It is now common to use IT technology in forest investigation, but Fujitsu was a pioneer in this regard. We are sincerely grateful to Fujitsu for their support.
Mr. Dian Agista、Executive Director, Burung Indonesia
Sincere Thanks to FUJITSU
On behalf of the Hutan Harapan team, I extend our heartfelt thanks to FUJITSU for your continued support since 2018. Your contributions have been essential in helping us protect this critical lowland tropical forest.
FUJITSU’s support in developing the Cybertracker SMART system has enabled us to digitize and streamline patrol data collection. This has allowed quicker response to illegal activities and improved our overall forest protection efforts.
Beyond technology, FUJITSU has helped strengthen our ranger teams through training and capacity building. The “FUJITSU Award” during the COVID-19 pandemic recognized dedicated individuals and uplifted team morale during a difficult time.
Your involvement in agroforestry restoration—planting Multi-Purpose Tree Species with local communities—has also been crucial in preventing further forest encroachment and promoting sustainable land use.
Though some activities faced delays due to social challenges, your consistent support demonstrates a long-term commitment to conservation. It motivates our team and brings real hope for the future of Hutan Harapan.
We deeply value this partnership and look forward to continuing our collaboration to protect forests for generations to come.
Thank you once again for standing with us.
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