When exploring the northern part of Kebumen Regency in Central Java, you will see something that can’t be found anywhere else on Java. The rocks here are actually ancient sea beds, which are packed with marine fossils of corals and radiolarian plankton. 

This landscape, now surrounded by forests, is part of the Kebumen Geopark – an area recognized by UNESCO in 2024 as a Global Geopark, in recognition of its remarkable natural, cultural, and historical value. This landscape is a living testament to the natural history of our planet. 

“Over 80 million years ago,” explains Suparmin, one of the park’s caretakers, “a tectonic collision between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate triggered a massive earthquake that lifted the seabed to sea level, forming the karst landscapes we see today.” 

The story of this amazing geopark is still being written. Trees4Trees has been working here since 2008, planting trees to help support ecosystem health, protect biodiversity, and sustain the communities who depend on the land for their livelihoods.  

Kebumen Geopark: A Biodiversity Hotspot 

The Kebumen Geopark is home to abundant natural and cultural wonders, including 42 geo sites, 24 cultural sites, and eight biological sites. This includes terrestrial and mangrove forests, a sea turtle conservation center, and cultivation areas for local species, like the dwarf honeybee (or klanceng) and native genjah entog coconut. 

These sites provide habitats for wildlife, including rare and protected species. Among them are the endangered Javan hawk-eagle, Javan slow loris, and Javan leopard. “Our forests are home to diverse species, from birds and mammals to reptiles,” says Suparmin, before adding that there are also species of snakes like cobra, python, and tiger snakes here. “This area also shelters the endangered Javan slow loris, which is often targeted by illegal wildlife hunters,” he added. 

In addition to abundant animal species, the geopark is also home to a range of native and vulnerable plant species, such as Indian sandalwood, valued for its aromatic wood and bark. Other native species include the yellow cheese wood, pangi (or kluwak), bayur, and sugar palm. Some of these species’ feature in Trees4Trees’ ongoing planting program for the region. 

Natural Heritage Meets Local Wisdom 

This area is just as rich in cultural diversity as it is in geological history. Spanning over 100,000 hectares of land (and 2,000 hectares of sea), the geopark spans valleys, hills, and coastal areas. These places are home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as centuries-old cultural practices, rituals, and arts, underpinned by a deep respect for nature.  

“Sites in the geopark are sacred to local communities,” explains Suparmin. “Traditional wisdom prohibits exploitation and helps protect this heritage.” He also notes that local communities are actively engaged in nature preservation efforts that are strengthened by government regulations and stakeholders’ support. 

Tree Planting in the Geopark  

Over the past 16 years, Trees4Trees has planted more than 1.2 million trees within the geopark. “We’ve worked across 24 villages in four districts within the geopark,” explains Henning Ilmi, Trees4Trees’ Field Coordinator in Kebumen. “This includes planting shade, fruit, and water-conserving tree species to help address drought,” she added.  

Henning also notes that many of these trees offer a mix of environmental and economic benefits. “Genitri trees, for example, are incredibly good at purifying air and their seeds can be made into beautiful beads that provide a source of local income.” According to her, pangi trees (kluwak) are also excellent at conserving water and produce fruits that are highly valuable, as they are central to Indonesian culinary traditions. 

Supporting Biodiversity, Strengthening Local Community Resilience 

Healthy ecosystems support more than just biodiversity – they can also sustains cultural traditions and local livelihoods. For example, in Kebumen Geopark, the landscape supports practices like the tapping of sugar palm sap, a tradition passed down through generations and a key source of income for many families. Sugar palms also help conserve water in drought-prone areas within Kebumen. 

Nature also provides for communities in other ways. Hanafi, a local farmer, relies on a healthy forest to cultivate dwarf honeybees. “Bees get their food from forest trees,” he explains, “without them, I couldn’t raise my honeybees.” 

Henning says the long-term tree planting initiative from Trees4Trees has been designed and implemented to improve ecosystems and environmental quality, protect biodiversity, and strengthen local livelihoods. “The geopark is a center for geological heritage conservation and promotes sustainable development,” she explains. “Our tree-planting program supports this effort and aligns with the wider mission of the geopark.”   

The tree-planting program in Kebumen Geopark is a collaborative effort. You too can play your part and help secure its survival by donating trees to the project. This will not only help sustain the ancient ecosystems that protect biodiversity, but also help to support the local communities who depend on them for survival. To find out more, please visit our website. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Interview, source compiling & photos:  Yulianisa Dessenita & Henning Ilmi.