You helped save the genetically distinct Mahakam River Dolphin from extinction

The Irrawaddy Dolphin is an Endangered cetacean that is typically found in coastal shallows throughout Southeast Asia. In Indonesia’s Mahakam River, however, exists a Critically Endangered, genetically distinct population. Locally known as the “Pesut,” the dolphin is revered by the local community but is highly threatened by entanglement in gill nets and the destruction of riparian habitat.

Rainforest Trust and local partner Yayasan Konservasi Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia have established an Aquatic Nature Reserve and a Peat Swamp Conservation Area along the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, for a total of 440,297 protected acres. This project overlaps the protected Aquatic Reserve of Pesut Mahakam, bringing the total area safeguarded to 546,842 acres.

These protected areas secure important habitat for many other threatened aquatic and terrestrial species, including the Critically Endangered Siamese Crocodile and Bornean Orangutan, Endangered Proboscis Monkey, Endangered Malaysian Giant Turtle and numerous threatened bird species.

This project stores a total of 966,306,944 metric tons of CO2 equivalents, of which 900,876,479 metric tons are in the carbon-rich peat swamp soils we have protected.

Irreplaceable swamp and riparian habitat now protected

The aquatic area protected by this project consistently supports around 80 individuals of the rare dolphins and contains 80-100 percent of the population at various times, making it irreplaceable habitat for the species.

This region of Borneo has seen dramatic deforestation rates due to the creation of extensive oil palm plantations. Safeguarding this area means new permits for oil palm concessions cannot encroach further upon the remaining habitat. New protections will prevent activities like unsustainable fishing that is detrimental to sensitive aquatic species, and the destruction of swamp forest and riparian habitat that destroys the fisheries local communities depend upon.

Our solution preserves traditional livelihoods

Around 40,000 people live in villages along the river in the protected area and they have been involved in project planning from the start. Most residents are of Malayan Kutai descent and have lived there since the fourth century. Community members will work to maintain sustainable livelihoods that reduce pressure on natural resources. Logging and unsustainable fishing practices have been halted.