NTFPs as a source of livelihood diversification for local communities in the Batang Toru Orangutan Conservation Program

Batang Toru, located in the northern part of Sumatran island, is one of the few remaining
areas to support populations of the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii). The existence of an orangutan population of 400 in the area was documented through a Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) (Singleton et. al., 2004). Recent studies estimate that the population may be 380 at the current time. Although the Batang Toru orangutan population is smaller, its threat from habitat loss is relatively low (below 2% annually). This low rate of habitat loss is the result of topographic features that limit access and traditional indigenous forest management systems that are sustainable and value healthy environments. Besides orangutans, the Batang Toru forest is also rich with other endemic plant and animal species (e.g. Dipterocarpaceae species (Shorea spp., Anisoptera spp., Dipterocarpus spp.) and Sumatran tiger). To the present time the gradient of landuse systems practiced by local communities in Batang Toru have been compatible with conservation of the area?s unique and globally important biodiversity. However, in the future, the expanding human population of Batang Toru may threat the forest and all of its components, if suitable livelihoods option are not identified and developed. In that context, we see a number of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that are produced in Batang Toru forest systems (e.g. mixed tree gardens, agroforests, and forests) as having potential to diversify and secure viable livelihood options for the people of Batang Toru.