Female Farmer Groups Restore Forests and Coexist with Elephants Near Tesso Nilo National Park

In the buffer zone of Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau Province, Indonesia, a women's farmer group in Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency, is leading efforts to foster harmony between the community and wildlife. Their initiative focuses on restoring forests, which were previously threatened by conversion into palm oil plantations, and promoting coexistence with wild Sumatran elephants. This village is situated in one of Riau's most significant Sumatran elephant habitats and is also an area inhabited by indigenous communities. However, crop damage by elephants had become a severe issue. Ernita, a 33-year-old resident, recalls having to replant her palm oil saplings four to five times due to elephant raids. She has since implemented a strategy of planting citrus trees around her plantation. These trees act as a natural buffer, deterring elephants, which dislike citrus, from entering her crops. Consequently, her palm oil plants have been untouched by elephants since this measure was adopted. "Before planting citrus, our palm oil was always eaten by elephants. We had to replant four to five times. It wasn't a small amount, about 15 to 20 trees. Alhamdulillah, after creating the citrus fence, they haven't eaten them again," said the 33-year-old. Erni now observes that elephants are more frequently seen in the palm oil plantations of other villagers who have not erected citrus fences. She notes that not all palm oil plantation owners in Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village (LKB) are yet interested in adopting similar practices. Erni began implementing this natural method for harmonious living with Sumatran elephants three years ago, recognizing LKB as one of the villages bordering Tesso Nilo, a major Sumatran elephant stronghold in Riau, and a gateway to the national park. In addition to citrus, other fruit trees favored by elephants, such as jackfruit, cempedak, and petai, are also being planted. These serve as a food source for the elephants, effectively directing them away from the cultivated areas. This approach functions as an 'elephant-friendly farm fence,' establishing a natural boundary without resorting to expelling the animals. This initiative is gaining attention as a sustainable method that balances economic benefits from fruit cultivation with ecological conservation. However, not all palm oil plantation owners in the village have embraced this practice, highlighting the role of pioneers like Ernita in promoting wider adoption. The area surrounding Tesso Nilo National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, yet it is also a region marked by frequent human-wildlife conflict. The creative approach by this women's farmer group offers a potential solution to the complex challenges of environmental protection, local economic development, and peaceful coexistence with wildlife.