The environmental education programme at the Haven

Since summer 2023, groups and school classes have been able to visit part of the 48-hectare Orangutan Haven site on Sumatra in Indonesia. One of the highlights of a visit are the islands where six orangutans live that can no longer be released into the wild. In the Haven visitors can observe these impressive animals from up close. During their visit, they also learn a lot about wild animals and their needs. The three-person environmental education team at Orangutan Haven collaborates with local schools and education authorities and has developed an innovative learning programme for school groups and individuals of all ages. Its aim is to educate a broad and diverse audience about wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection and sustainable development.

On the Leuser Ecotrail

The climate in the Leuser ecosystem is hot and humid all year round. Spiders, ants and centipedes all feel right at home here. Mushrooms also sprout from the ground almost overnight in the high humidity. Anyone walking the Leuser Ecotrail should be able to experience this climate as closely as possible. What happens when it gets warmer and warmer? How much CO2 can a tree absorb from the air and convert into oxygen? The environmental education team inspires young and old alike with this topic. It has developed additional working materials especially for school classes. For many visitors, even the short hike along the narrow path is a memorable experience.

Like in a peat swamp forest: the Suaq Ecotrail

The Suaq Ecotrail in Haven has been completed only recently. It represents the wetlands of the Suaq ecosystem, which is located on the coast in north-western Sumatra. It consists of peat swamp forests. It is nicknamed ‘Orangutan City’ because Suaq is relatively densely populated by orangutans. Many insects, grasshoppers, caterpillars and dragonflies can be found on the trail. The tour explains why we need to protect the orangutans’ habitat and the peat swamp forests. At the end of the trail, the groups arrive at the new amphitheatre. This is a place to linger and rest.

Hands-on: environmental education in practice

At the Haven, students and visitors can also learn about the principles of sustainable agriculture in practice. During their visit to the eco-farm, they are shown how composting works, how the soil can be optimally prepared for planting and how the symbiosis of different plant species can be used in a deliberate manner. And, of course, everyone is welcome to help with the harvest – a special experience for many school classes from the big city of Medan. Our goal is to establish the Orangutan Haven as a unique and comprehensive educational resource centre with a reach throughout the entire region. There is still a lot to do, and we are staying on track!