Borneo Program Pays Locals to Photograph Orangutans

In the Kapuas Hulu district of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, Borneo Futures launched KehatiKu, a program that compensates local residents for photographing or recording orangutans and other wildlife. The initiative aims to address inefficiencies in traditional conservation by directly involving those who live near wildlife as data collectors. Participants download an app, submit observations, and receive payment—roughly 29 cents of a dollar for common birds, up to about $5.84 for an orangutan—after verification.

Borneo Futures, led by biologist Erik Meijaard, developed KehatiKu after a study revealed that nearly $1 billion spent on orangutan conservation between 2000 and 2019 coincided with the loss of approximately 100,000 individuals. The program currently involves nine villages and over 800 observers, with some earning a significant portion of their monthly income—up to $292—through sightings.

Currently, a team in Brunei verifies observations, but the increasing volume—around 300-400 daily—necessitates the development of AI-assisted recognition systems. While initial results are promising, long-term sustainability remains a question, as incentive-based programs require consistent funding to maintain motivation. The work continues as researchers assess the program’s impact on wildlife populations.