Case study of deforestation in Kalimantan:

Deforestation in Kalimantan -Rapid rate of deforestation for the last 25 years. -Between 2000 and 2002, deforestation rose to 12 000 square kilometres a year in Kalimantan. -The rapid deforestation is brought about by human activities like agriculture, mining and logging. Causes of Deforestation in Kalimantan Agricultural land use -One cause of deforestation in Kalimantan is the increase in demand for land due to increase in agricultural activities. -More people was moved from Kalimantan to ease overcrowded area like Java and Sumatra. -There was also a demand of landuse from plantation companies especially for the planting of oil palms. Growth of settlements -As population increases in Kalimantan, more land is cleared for housing. -More people are moving to urban settlement such as towns and cities to live and work. -This expansion is known as urbanisation. -Balikpapan in East Kalimantan is an example of a town that is affected by urbanisation. Improved transport networks -Transport networks like road and railways are constructed to link settlements in Kalimantan. -The transport network allow access to previously remote forested areas in Kalimantan. -This has made it easier for people to destroy more areas of the rainforest. Growth of Industries -Heavy logging has resulted in West Kalimantan -loosing an average of 1 656 square kilometers of forest each year. -Mining companies has caused loose soil to wash away into a nearby river. Use of chemicals has led to the poisoning of animals. Forest fires -Forest fires caused the destruction of 23 750 square kilometres of rainforest in Kalimantan between 1997 and 1998. -Vegetation debris such as tree stumps, branches, twigs and leaves catch fire easily during the dry season, causing forest fires. Problems caused by deforestation Loss in biomass -The Earths biomass refers to the combined weight of all organisms which is measured in terms of kilocalories of stored energy. -The reduction of biomass in Kalimantan reduces its ability to support plant and animal life. Loss of biodiversity -The Kalimantan rainforests are home to more than 380 bird species and 10 000 plant species. -Due to deforestation, the biodiversity of plants and animals are reduced which leads to extinction of species. -Question: Give an example of an endangered animal from the Kalimantan forest.

Changes in the nutrient cycle -The removal of vegetation following deforestation results in the loss of leaf litter and affects the nutrient cycle. -Soils are leached due to the absence of roots. -Absorption of rainwater is reduced , the soil becomes infertile and cannot support vegetation. Changes in quantity of water -When trees are removed, less transpiration takes place. -Cloud formation is reduced and there is low rainfall. -Flood could also be triggered by deforestation. Changes in quality of water -When rainforests are cleared, soil is eroded and is washed away easily by rain into nearby rivers. -This increases the sediment level of the rivers and makes the water muddy. -The sediment changes the pH level, making the water acidic. -Question: What happens to aquatic life when the water becomes acidic? Air pollution -Huge forest fires cause dust and smoke to be suspended in the air. This results in haze. -Haze can cause people to suffer from health problems. -It will indirectly affects the tourism industry. Managing the Rainforets in Kalimantan -The Ministry of Forestry(MOF) - MOF issues licences to timber companies and monitor their activities. Community involvement - MOF involves local people such as local governments, native people and villagers. Sustainable management -refers to the careful use of resources, such as forests to allow people to continue using the resources in future. Four Main Policies of MOF Afforestation and reforestation -Afforestation - afforestation refers to the planting of trees on areas that were not covered with forests. -Effectiveness, success and limitations of measures - significant restorations of forests have been made possible. rates of which forests are restored are slower than rates at which they are cleared. Controlled logging -Controlled logging - controlled logging involves careful management of forests that are being logged. -Effectiveness, success and limitations of measures - selective cutting minimises soil erosion. However it is difficult to monitor logging and detect illegal logging activities. A significant variety of plant species could be damaged in the process. Conservation -Conservation refers to the careful use of resources to protect forests from destruction. For example forests could be set aside as nature reserves.-Effectiveness, success and limitations of measures Betung Kerihun Nature Reserve is the largest reserve in West Kalimantan. However Illegal logging activities are difficult to monitor.

Controlling forest fires -Forest fires - Indonesian government has implemented a policy that makes it illegal to clear forests by burning. Campaigns to discourage the local people from using fire to clear forests for farmland. -Effectiveness, success and limitations of measures - some plantation companies continue to burn forests because it is the cheapest way to clear land. Our Role in Forest Conservation

-Simple actions such as making use of both sides of a piece of paper can help to reduce wastage of forest resources. -To help reduce deforestation in other countries, we can buy furniture made of timber from sustainably managed forests.