What we do

Photograph © Paul Hilton / Earth Tree Images

Despite being ranked among the planet’s “most irreplaceable areas” by conservationists, Leuser’s forests have a low profile among the international community, including donors who support work in regions of comparable importance and vulnerability.

The Leuser Ecosystem Action Fund was created to put resources into the hands of the forests’ friends and defenders, helping them to contain threats like agricultural expansion and wildlife trafficking, and to forge a brighter future for this stronghold of Sumatra’s incredible natural heritage.

LEAF’s programmes focus on species & habitats, communities & livelihoods, and systems change.

Strategic goals

• Substantially grow the funding revenues available for protecting the ‘orangutan capital of the world’
  With its high biodiversity and carbon value, the Leuser Ecosystem is a rewarding landscape for foundation, corporate and individual donors with an interest in climate, nature and equitable economic growth. LEAF offers tailored support to donors, helping them to identify grantmaking opportunities that match their interests and contribute to a long-term conservation plan.
• Lock in resources and protections for the Leuser Ecosystem for the long-term
  A ‘forever’ level of protection is not easy to achieve, especially within the complex political, legal and social dynamics of northern Sumatra. LEAF supports work to ward off immediate threats to the Leuser forests, and simultaneously to build momentum for sustainable land use in the longer term. LEAF will also build the resilience of our grant partners, by investing in core organisational capacity and skills.
• Act as a best practice hub
  The LEAF team has substantial experience of making philanthropic investments go the extra mile. We produce insight and analysis to be cycled back to donors and other partners, increasing the impact of our collective effort. We will boost collaboration among donors, practice transparent and participatory decision-making, and cultivate leadership wherever we find it.