Conservation of nine threatened priority trees in South Sulawesi

Conservation of nine threatened priority trees on ultramafic land in East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Partner: Yayasan Aksi Konservasi Celebica
Years: 2024-2027

With this project, Yayasan Aksi Konservasi Celebica aims to achieve and maintain a 50% increase in the populations of nine priority species in South Sulawesi. As these nine species spread and bear fruit at the planting locations, their populations should continue to rise. This will be achieved by working closely with the community and stakeholders to protect the habitat and these tree species.

The Ultramafic Soil vegetation in Sulawesi is one of the many forest vegetation types under threat. These areas, located in the central-eastern part of the island, are rich in metal minerals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
The project will take place in the East Luwu Regency of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It will specifically focus on the area’s Angkona and Larona Forest Management Units (KPH). These forests are protected and serve as the natural habitat for various species, including the nine target species: Cinnamomum subaveniopsis, Cinnamomum sulavesianum, Vatica flavovirens, Manilkara celebica, Callicarpa cinnamomea, Callicarpa pseudoverticillata, Kalappia celebica, Cryptocarya microcos, and Cryptocarya sulavesiana. Despite being surrounded by mining activity in an ultramafic region, the project aims to prioritize the communities surrounding this protected forest.
The goal of this initiative is that by 2027, the population size of nine priority trees growing in East Luwu Forest increases by more than 50%. To achieve this, the project will focus on (i) new data collected on the population size, trend, and habitat of the nine targeted trees; (ii) at least 3’000 seeds or seedlings of the nine trees are collected at the community greenhouse; (iii) at least 3’000 seedlings are replanted at the East Luwu Regency, covering 249’136 ha of Forest Management Unit and (iv) the awareness of local community around the habitat increases with the education program.