Protecting Forests, Saving Lives: How Gilded Bee is Supporting the Orangutan Land Trust

Deep in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, a quiet but urgent battle is taking place. The orangutan, a symbol of wisdom, curiosity, and resilience is under threat. Every year, vast areas of their forest home are lost to deforestation, illegal logging, palm oil plantations, and devastating fires. With their habitat shrinking, these gentle creatures are being pushed to the brink of extinction.

At Gilded Bee, we believe that businesses, no matter their size, have a duty to act to protect not just people, but the planet and its incredible wildlife. This belief drives our commitment as members of 1% for the Planet, where we pledge a portion of our sales to environmental causes.

This year, that commitment led us to the remarkable work of the Orangutan Land Trust.

I had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Desilets, the Trust’s Executive Director, and within moments, I knew this was more than just a charitable donation, it was a chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Michelle spoke passionately about their mission: securing the long-term survival of orangutans in the wild by conserving and restoring their natural forest habitats.

The Orangutan Land Trust isn’t just focused on emergency rescue (although they do that too). Their work is about creating lasting change safeguarding forests where orangutans live, supporting local communities, preventing forest fires, and restoring damaged ecosystems. They collaborate with organisations like the Borneo Nature Foundation, funding fire prevention efforts in critical habitats such as Sebangau National Park, and providing sustainable livelihoods to communities living alongside wild orangutans.

Backed by a Scientific Advisory Board of leading experts in conservation, ecology, and sustainability, the Trust ensures every project is guided by sound science and focused on where it can make the biggest impact. From building research stations to rehabilitating peat swamp forests, their work addresses both the immediate dangers and the long-term survival of these iconic animals.

When I asked Michelle how Gilded Bee’s donation could help, her answer was clear:

"We are so delighted to have Gilded Bee as our latest 1% for the Planet partner! Their generous donation will allow us to buy a drone, which will help our rescue teams precisely locate orangutans in distress where their forest habitat has been disturbed. This will cut the time it takes to find these orangutans dramatically so that action can be taken immediately."
— Michelle Desilets, Executive Director, Orangutan Land Trust

A drone may seem like a simple tool, but in the dense and often dangerous landscapes where orangutans now struggle to survive, it can be the difference between life and death. It means faster rescues, fewer animals lost, and more successful relocations to safe forest areas.

For us at Gilded Bee, this is exactly why we give back. Every gift we create is designed to bring joy, but also to leave a positive mark on the world. By supporting organisations like the Orangutan Land Trust, we know that our commitment to sustainability is helping protect not just forests, but the future of an entire species.

We’ll be sharing updates soon on how the drone is being put to use, and how together, we’re helping rescue orangutans in need.

If you’d like to learn more about the incredible work of the Orangutan Land Trust, visit orangutanlandtrust.org.

Because protecting nature isn’t just about saving wildlife — it’s about safeguarding the delicate balance we all depend on.

Gilded Bee is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of all sales to environmental causes around the world. Thoughtful gifting, with purpose.