Asia's disappearing forests

Louise Wood of WWF Singapore highlights the impact of deforestation and how you can help save Asia's forests.

In the 12 months between 2005 and 2006, the world experienced one of the most rapid rates of deforestation in history. Although you may not have been aware it was happening, if you were living in Singapore then you would certainly have experienced the ill effects. Just half an hour away, in the Riau province of Sumatra, Indonesia, more than 280,000 hectares* of forest was being cleared, causing some of the worst "haze" the Lion City has ever experienced.
          Deforestation occurs when large blocks of natural forest habitat are cleared for large-scale commercial purposes. The trees are either logged for the timber industry, or are removed to make way for plantations. And the biggest threats to the forests of Riau are the pulp, paper and palm oil industries.  
          Traditionally, the quickest and cheapest way of clearing forest for plantations is to use the "slash and burn" method. Once the forest is cleared of its most valuable trees, fires are started to remove the remaining trees and vegetation - destroying everything in their path. But often these fires rage out of control and spread further within the forest, away from their designated area. And it's these huge fires in Riau that emit smog, resulting in extremely poor air quality for neighbouring countries such as Singapore.  
          Figures for Indonesia's severe fires from 1997 to 1998 show the air pollution caused at that time affected the health of as many as 75 million people regionally. With up to 40,000 people hospitalised as a result of respiratory and other pollution relation ailments - such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as eye and skin problems. 
          But apart from health concerns, the financial impact on local villagers in Riau is also immense. Forests that once offered a livelihood are now predominately logged and destroyed in an irresponsible manner by multi-national corporations. This often results in poor soil quality, leaving a ravaged land - unsuitable for farming or replanting. But such issues aren't limited to the human population. The existence of thousands of species of plants and animals in these areas is now precarious. Large animals - desperate for shelter and food - are being evicted from fragmented forests, forcing them into conflict with people. And In Riau alone, the Sumatran tiger and elephant are at the brink of extinction. What many people don't consider is if the animals in a particular environment cannot source food and shelter, how long will it be before humans are faced with the same fate? 
          Sadly most of South-East Asia's rainforests have been affected already. And there's only one place remaining where equatorial rainforest can be saved on a very large scale. This area is known as the "Heart of Borneo" and straddles three countries - Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. An exceptional natural paradise, this pristine rainforest stretches over an incredible 24 million hectares and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. In fact, 361 new species have been discovered there in the past 10 years - that's three a month! And sadly, it's only one of two remaining places on earth where orangutans, elephants and rhinos can co-exist. Global conservation organisation WWF is currently working with governments and businesses to ensure this stretch of forest stays that way, rather than suffer the same fate as Sumatra. 

*WWF-Indonesia Technical Report (2008): Deforestation, Forest Degradation, Biodiversity Loss and CO2 Emissions in Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia.

HOW TO HELP

Illegal logging is driven by an increasing global consumption of products such as wood, paper and palm oil. We can hinder this devastation by reducing our consumption, so think carefully about where your products come from and try the following:

• Reduce the amount of paper you use within the office and home. Sign the pledge at http://www.shrinkpaper.org/ and visit the website for easy, realistic ways to reduce your paper consumption.

• Ask your company to use the WWF responsible buying paper scorecard, downloadable at www.panda.org

• Be careful with the loo roll! Used toilet paper, kitchen roll and tissues cannot be recycled, so cut back where you can.

• Buy tissues with a high recycled element - better still, use cloth handkerchiefs!

• Support the work of an environmental organisation such as WWF (http://www.wwf.sg/).

• Use your purchasing power when shopping for furniture. Insist on buying "good wood", by questioning where the wood comes from. Opt for recycled wood whenever possible and look out for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label on reproduction or new furniture, to ensure the wood used is the result of responsible forestry.

WWF has an office in Singapore and active conservation programmes in 22 countries throughout Asia Pacific, visit www.panda.org or www.wwf.sg to find out more.

Back to ECO Tips & Living