Question

Please describe the environmental issue in Borneo concerning conservation of the rainforest (a global hot spot) and the orangutans. What grassroots tools were used to improve the conservation and allow the regrowth of the rainforest?

Answer 1

Answer:

Borneo Island was once home to one of the most majestic forests in the world. During the 80s and 90s, Borneo underwent a profound transformation. Their forests were demolished at an unprecedented speed. Its rainforests ended in countries like Japan and the United States in the form of garden furniture, paper pulp and chopsticks. Today, the remaining forests are threatened by the new biofuel market, especially palm oil. As a result, large tracts of land are being transformed to oil palm plantations.

Explanation:

The jungles of Borneo were considered one of the wildest and pristine jungles of the planet, home to nomadic tribes and important populations of orangutans, pygmy elephants and rhinos. Currently, the traditions of these tribes have disappeared, rhinos are almost extinct, and orangutans and elephants are in danger. Otherwise, the rainforests of Borneo have gone from being a net carbon sink, which absorbed greenhouse gases, to being a carbon source, thus contributing to climate change along with deforestation and fires.

Conservation is a priority in Borneo, especially in biologically diverse regions that have escaped intensive logging and fires. The initiative called "Heart of Borneo" is an example of what can be achieved. It is essential that forests be restored. The use of native tree species should be encouraged through financial incentives and education programs, especially with the help of external governments, NGOs and private foundations. In addition, there is a possibility that under future climate agreements, reforestation could pay direct dividends stimulating the local economy and entrepreneurship in the villages.