London, October 19, 2025 – At the Blue Earth Summit in London, International Animal Rescue premiered their latest project, Batutegi: Seeds of Hope. The visually stunning 29-minute documentary shines a light on the urgent fight to save one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
The Batutegi Protection Forest, located in Lampung Province, covers an area of over 58,000 hectares and is home to a variety of endangered species, including Sumatran tigers, Sunda pangolins, Malayan tapirs, sun bears, clouded leopards, and over 200 bird species. It is also a vital resource for local communities, providing water and fertile soil for farming. However, the forest is under threat, with almost 9,000 hectares lost in the last four decades due to agriculture, particularly for coffee expansion. Today, only 11,000 hectares of the core forest remain intact.
The underlying issue for many local communities is the lack of opportunities. With few alternatives, families have resorted to clearing the forest for survival. However, as the forest disappears, so do food security, clean water, and soil fertility, trapping people in a cycle of vulnerability.
To address this issue, International Animal Rescue supports the efforts of their Indonesian partner, Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), and the Forestry Department of Lampung Province. Together, they have implemented a new approach that combines forest protection, livelihoods, education, science, and governance.
Batutegi: Seeds of Hope is not your typical nature documentary. Instead, it is a story of resilience, told by the communities themselves. The film showcases how conservation efforts can improve livelihoods, empower women, and provide opportunities for young people. At the same time, it protects forests and species that are irreplaceable.
International Animal Rescue’s work goes beyond saving individual animals. Their goal is to protect entire ecosystems and the people who rely on them for their way of life. This is achieved not only through on-the-ground protection but also by engaging with local communities and using education to help them reduce their dependence on destructive practices and become advocates for conservation.
For organizations, it is becoming increasingly important to be environmental stewards. In a global survey by Deloitte, 69% of workers stated they would like to see their companies invest in sustainability, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and waste. Additionally, 70% of employees say they would feel more loyal to a company that enables them to make a positive impact on the environment.
One way for companies to align their values with environmental efforts is through partnerships with already fully certified organizations, such as 1% for the Planet. This platform offers a simple and powerful way for companies to invest in climate action and embed a purpose around the environment into their company’s DNA.
The future we want to build is one where humans can coexist with animals and nature in harmony. By protecting the planet, we are ultimately protecting ourselves. International Animal Rescue is determined to create this future, one seed, one forest, and one community at a time.
To learn more about or support International Animal Rescue’s work, please visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.