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Who We Are

A community-based organization dedicated to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and empowering local communities across Aceh, Indonesia.

Leuser Forest
Our Story
Founded by Young Conservationists

Born from a deep commitment to Leuser

KEL (Yayasan Konservasi Ekosistem Leuser) is a community-based environmental organization focused on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and empowerment of local communities in Aceh, Indonesia.

Founded by young conservationists, KEL was established in response to increasing pressures on the Leuser Ecosystem — including deforestation, land degradation, and human–wildlife conflict. KEL serves as a strategic partner for government, the private sector, civil society, and global partners in promoting sustainable natural resource management and community resilience.

2019 — First Field Programs
Distributed 150,000 Leucaena seedlings to 20 villages, supporting 800 coffee farmers in partnership with LWR.
2020 — Nespresso Partnership
Distributed 650,000 Arabica coffee seedlings to 35 villages, reaching 5,630 farmers across Aceh.
2021–Present — Scaling Impact
Distributed over 1,073,000 tree seedlings and expanded programs with international partners including Climate Impact Partner and CLARINS.
4.8K+
Ha Under Agroforestry
5K+
Farmers Involved
1M+
Seedlings Distributed
85%
Planting Survival Rate
Vision & Mission

Our guiding purpose

Vision
A Leading Conservation Organization
To become a leading organization in community empowerment and sustainable biodiversity conservation for the welfare of society and the preservation of Indonesia's natural heritage.
Mission
Five Pillars of Action
  • Protect and restore biodiversity through community engagement
  • Increase awareness and participation of stakeholders
  • Build cross-sector strategic partnerships
  • Support sustainable natural resource management policies
  • Promote green economies and nature-based livelihoods
Our Core Values

What drives everything we do

Sustainability
Every program is designed with long-term ecological and social sustainability in mind — balancing conservation goals with community livelihoods.
Participatory
Local communities are central partners in our work — not bystanders. Their knowledge and participation shape every initiative we undertake.
Transparency
We maintain open and accountable relationships with all donors, partners, and communities — sharing results, data, and lessons openly.
Collaborative
We build bridges between government, academia, the private sector, and civil society to create lasting, multi-stakeholder solutions.
Science-Based
Every decision is grounded in rigorous ecological research, field data, and monitoring to ensure measurable and effective conservation impact.
Social Justice
We recognize that conservation and human rights are inseparable. Our programs uplift vulnerable communities and promote equitable access to natural resources.
Core Programs

What we work on

Biodiversity Conservation
Protection of habitat, key species, and ecosystem restoration across the Leuser Ecosystem.
Community Empowerment
Assistance for social forestry groups and local communities to strengthen livelihoods and conservation stewardship.
Sustainable Agroforestry
Development of Gayo coffee under an agroforestry system — blending productivity with ecological integrity.
Mangrove & Coastal Restoration
Mangrove rehabilitation for blue carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and improved community livelihoods.
Human–Elephant Conflict Mitigation
Community-based approaches to promote coexistence between local communities and Sumatran elephants.
Environmental Education & Advocacy
Campaigns, education programs, and policy advocacy to strengthen environmental governance across Aceh.
Where We Work

Our operational coverage

Takengon
Aceh Region
Aceh Province
Our primary operating territory covering Bener Meriah, Central Aceh, Gayo Lues, Aceh Tamiang, Langsa, and East Aceh — spanning the Leuser highlands, Peusangan Watershed, and Jambo Aye Watershed.
Aceh Province, Sumatra
Leuser
Field Extension
North Sumatra
Extended field operations in Langkat – Pangkalan Berandan, covering coastal and mangrove areas alongside upstream Leuser Ecosystem landscapes.
Langkat, North Sumatra Province
Partners & Supporters

Working together for Leuser

Government
Regional and village governments across Aceh and North Sumatra, supporting policy integration and field coordination.
Academia
Brawijaya University, UGM, and Al Muslim University providing scientific expertise and research collaboration.
Private Sector & NGOs
Nespresso, Climate Impact Partner, PUR Projet, and CLARINS — international partners funding and co-designing conservation programs.
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