InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — Protecting forests is not the duty of one party alone—it is a shared journey that requires collaboration. Bumitama (BGA Group) believes that the sustainability of the palm oil industry is not only measured by productivity but also by the commitment to protect forests and biodiversity. After all, preserving nature means safeguarding the future.
Forests are the heart of life. They pump oxygen into the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and serve as home to countless species that form the intricate web of life. From towering trees to tiny, nearly invisible insects, every element is connected in a natural harmony that sustains our planet.
Yet, in many regions, forests face immense pressure—from land conversion and development to the effects of climate change. Every alteration to the landscape has consequences for ecosystem balance, carbon absorption capacity, and natural habitats. However, each challenge also opens doors for innovation and collaboration in responsible forest management. Through conservation, restoration, and sustainable management, we can ensure forests remain a life source for humans and all living beings.
For Bumitama, conservation is not an option but a necessity. It is more than a slogan—it manifests through real actions to preserve, restore, and manage natural resources sustainably. This long-term commitment requires synergy, collaboration, and consistency from all stakeholders.
The awareness of conservation is not limited to governments or environmental groups. Every level of society—from individuals and communities to companies and policymakers—plays a vital role. This collective participation creates the power to drive meaningful change.
In the palm oil sector, conservation is essential to balance productivity and sustainability. With the right strategies, innovation, and partnerships, conservation becomes the bridge linking industry progress with environmental preservation, ensuring long-term shared benefits.
Through the Bumitama Biodiversity and Community Project (BBCP), Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA Group) demonstrates how companies can integrate conservation into business practices. Initiatives include building wildlife corridors to reconnect fragmented habitats, replanting native trees, providing community education, and maintaining strict fire prevention patrols—especially during the dry season.
BBCP also covers the protection of High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) areas. In 2023–2024, the company completed reassessments across 13 nucleus estates and 7 plasma smallholder areas in West and Central Kalimantan. Some areas previously mapped as HCV were found to no longer meet current criteria and have long been used by local communities for agroforestry, thus reallocated accordingly. (*)
Written by: Ezi Hendri, Conservation Assistant, Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA Group)
