MUNICH—BMW Group is highlighting the role of indigenous women in its project with Pirelli & C. S.p.A. and environmental group BirdLife to protect the Indonesian ecosystem.
Commenting on the "empowerment" initiative in Hutan Harapan, which means Forest of Hope, BMW said "the future of Indonesia's tropical forest needs more than hope alone.
"It needs women like Bi Teguh, who work day in, day out to protect species and preserve the rainforest on Sumatra."
According to the automotive manufacturer, the rainforest is threatened by intensive exploitation linked to palm oil production.
"The more forest areas are burnt and destroyed, the more difficult life becomes for us. We need the forest to collect resin, rattan palms and vegetables, and to fish," said Teguh in an April 1 BMW news release.
"If the forest disappears, where on earth will we live?" asked Teguh, who belongs to the indigenous Batin Sembilan group, which calls the rainforest home.
In response, BMW, Pirelli and the BirdLife NGO recently launched a three-year programme to improve the living conditions of the indigenous people.