Borneo Orangutan Society Canada

The Borneo Orangutan Society Canada (BOSC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of orangutans and their natural rainforest habitat in Borneo. Registered under the Canadian Business Number 862824786RR0001, BOSC operates with a mission to support habitat preservation, rehabilitation of orangutans, and raise public awareness about the threats facing these great apes.

Mission and Objectives

BOSC focuses on combating the critical threats to orangutans, which primarily include habitat destruction caused by the expansion of commercial agriculture such as palm oil plantations, logging, and mining activities. The organization advocates for the protection and restoration of primary rainforests, as these habitats are essential for the survival of orangutans and other rainforest species. By supporting land acquisition, reforestation, and conservation programs, BOSC aims to maintain and expand suitable habitats for orangutans in the wild.

Activities and Programs

The society collaborates with international orangutan conservation efforts, notably with Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), which has been active since 1986 in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing ex-captive orangutans back into the wild in Borneo. BOSC contributes to these initiatives by helping local communities protect rainforest habitats and supporting scientific research and education outreach to foster sustainable coexistence between humans and orangutans.

Through fundraising and partnership efforts, BOSC also supports projects designed to reduce human-wildlife conflict and mitigate the impacts of destructive industries on orangutan populations. The society facilitates public education campaigns in Canada to raise awareness about the ecological importance of orangutans and the urgent need to curb deforestation linked to palm oil production and mining.

Conservation Context

Orangutans are critically endangered due to ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Palm oil plantations and timber harvesting convert biodiverse rainforests into monoculture plantations, resulting in "biological wastelands" unsuitable for orangutans. Additionally, mining operations cause significant environmental degradation, including pollution of rivers and destruction of forest landscapes.

BOSC's work is part of a broader network of conservation organizations dedicated to saving orangutans from extinction by protecting their habitats and promoting sustainable land-use practices. The society also supports international efforts to engage local governments and communities in Borneo to safeguard key forest areas through national parks and reserves.

Governance and Recognition

BOSC was granted tax-deductible charity status by the Canadian government, enabling it to operate as a registered nonprofit organization contributing to global wildlife conservation efforts. The society functions through volunteer support, donors, and collaboration with scientists and conservationists who share expertise and experience in orangutan protection and rainforest conservation.

The Borneo Orangutan Society Canada continues to play an important role in the international conservation landscape by bridging Canadian support with critical efforts on the ground in Borneo to ensure a future for orangutans and their rainforest home.