• TUI Forest Peru provides habitats for almost 30 endangered species by planting over 2.3 million native trees in the Andes mountains
• TUI Forest Borneo launches to protect the critical habitat of the orangutan, and empower local communities to the south of the island
• Programmes are launched as part of TUI Care Foundation’s Forest February, which emphasises the global importance of reforestation

Berlin, 5^th February 2025. Deforestation is a significant global issue, with approximately 10 million hectares of forest lost each year. This loss of forest cover endangers the habitats of countless species, contributing to the decline of biodiversity. In response to this pressing challenge, the TUI Care Foundation is expanding its efforts to protect endangered habitats and support local communities through two key initiatives: the extension of TUI Forest Peru and the launch of the new TUI Forest Borneo. 

Building on the current success of the programme, TUI Forest Peru will extend its activities to plant an additional 450,000 native trees over a protected area of 220 hectares in the Tomas region, in addition to the 1.9 million High Andean trees already being planted in the Vilcanota mountain range. This initiative, in partnership with Global Forest Generation and Asociación Ecosistemas Andinas (ECOAN), focuses on restoring Polylepis forests, which are crucial for water security and biodiversity. These trees provide essential living conditions for almost 30 endangered species, including threatened birds such as the ash-breasted tit-tyrant and the white-browed tit-spinetail.

The project also supports the creation and management of a total of 25 community-run nurseries. This improves the livelihoods of indigenous communities, who receive income for growing the plants, which are then permanently planted in geographically strategic locations. Over 10,000 people are involved with the reforestation efforts. The project also enhances the attractiveness of both the Vilcanota Trek for ecotourism and the early development of Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve as an undiscovered wonder of the Andes. By maintaining 40km of nature trails and investing in infrastructure for visitors, TUI Forest Peru will provide the opportunity for over

50, 000 tourists to participate in a sustainable tourism experience and discover High Andean forests for themselves.

On the island of Borneo, the Masoraian wetlands are home to diverse species, including orangutans and Malayan sun bears. However, these lush habitats face threats from illegal logging and land encroachment for palm oil plantations. TUI Forest Borneo aims to protect and restore these critical ecosystems through a comprehensive reforestation campaign and widespread community engagement, in partnership with the organisation Friends of Nature, People and Forests (FNPF).

The project will plant 200,000 native trees over 125 hectares, creating 100 jobs for local people and involving 800 volunteers and staff in reforestation activities. By protecting the habitats of at least eight endangered species, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys, the initiative will contribute to biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the development of a sustainable tourism product will provide local communities with new income opportunities and training in hospitality and guiding.

Alexander Panczuk, Executive Director of the TUI Care Foundation says: "We are thrilled to expand the TUI Forest in Peru and continue our work with indigenous communities to restore native forests and promote biodiversity. This project demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful conservation outcomes. TUI Forest Borneo, meanwhile, represents a significant step in our mission to conserve endangered habitats, by combining sustainable tourism and environmental education to protect beloved and iconic species in Borneo such as the orangutan.”

The TUI Care Foundation's ‘Forest February’ is a month of activities dedicated to reforestation. Through a series of project launches and educational activities, it emphasises the importance of community-managed reforestation solutions and sustainable agro-forestry tourism practices to safeguard forest ecosystems for local communities and generations to come.