Ensem Village, in the Talaud archipelago of eastern Indonesia, has been settled since the early days of the spice trade nearly 600 years ago. Spices still play a important role in the livelihood of the village’s 609 residents. They follow the centuries-old tradition of harvesting nutmeg and cloves as well as coconuts and other cash crops.
The village borders the northern section of a 60,958-acre rainforest reserve on the island of Karakelang. Because the rainforest reserve has exceptional biological significance, Birdlife Indonesia has been working with Ensem Village since 2003 to preserve it.
Ensem has committed to preserve its rainforest for at least 20 years. In return, Seacology is funding construction of a badly needed medical clinic.