Deforestation and Conservation in Borneo

What percentage of the world's land surface is covered by forests according to the United Nations?

31%

How much CO2 do forests absorb annually?

Approximately 15.6 billion tonnes.

What are three benefits provided by forests?

Purify water and air, prevent soil erosion, and act as a buffer against climate change.

How many people directly rely on forests for their needs?

1.6 billion people.

Where are tropical forests primarily located?

Along the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, between 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator.

What is the geographical range of temperate forests?

Between 23.5 degrees north and 66.5 degrees north and between the tropics and the Arctic Circle.

At what latitude are coniferous (boreal) forests mainly found?

60 degrees north to 70 degrees north of the equator.

When did the current distribution of vegetation stabilize?

Around 8000 years ago.

What percentage of deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests?

95%.

Define deforestation.

The permanent conversion of forests to another land use.

What is reforestation?

Regrowth of an area in which deforestation has occurred.

What is afforestation?

Growth in areas that have not had trees on them before.

What is a 'coupe' in forestry terms?

A section of the forest that is completely cleared.

What was the forest cover in Borneo in the mid-1850s?

95%.

What was the forest cover in Borneo in 2010?

53%.

What percentage of Borneo's forests have been lost in the past 40 years?

1/3 of its rainforests.

What are the main drivers of deforestation in Borneo?

Rapid population and economic growth, palm oil plantations, illegal timber collection, and wood for housing.

What was the total forest loss in Malaysia from 2000 to 2012?

4.7 million hectares.

What was the total forest loss in Indonesia from 2000 to 2012?

15.6 million hectares.

What percentage of deforestation in Malaysia is due to commercial agriculture?

87%.

What is the current deforestation rate in Kalimantan?

1.3 million hectares per year.

What is the leading cause of deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia?

Palm oil plantations.

What percentage of Malaysia's palm oil plantations are on deforested land?

87%

What percentage of Indonesia's palm oil plantations are on deforested land?

66%

What was the percentage of palm oil expansion in Kalimantan that came at the expense of forest cover from 1990 to 2010?

90%

By how much have palm oil plantations expanded in Kalimantan since 2000?

Nearly 300%

What is the average annual growth rate of oil palm areas in Malaysian Borneo between 1998 and 2003?

Nearly 8%

How many hectares of oil palms exist in Sabah and Sarawak?

Over 1.6 million hectares

What was the area used by palm plantations in Kalimantan in 2003?

Nearly 1 million hectares

What is the expected rise in demand for food in the next decade?

Expected to double

What target did the Indonesian government set for oil palm production from 2009 to 2020?

Increase from 20 million tonnes to 40 million tonnes

What percentage of all packaged foods contains palm oil?

50%

How much palm oil does the average Australian consume per year?

10 kg/year

What is one negative environmental impact of deforestation?

Soil erosion and increased sedimentation of rivers from water runoff

What is a consequence of air pollution from forest fires in palm oil production?

Increased CO2 in the atmosphere leading to higher global temperatures

What is the status of the Bornean Orangutan due to habitat loss?

Critically endangered; could become extinct in the next 20 years

What social issue arises from palm oil plantations regarding native people's food supply?

Natural food supply is in danger of running out.

How do palm oil plantations affect women's rights?

Women are more likely to be trapped in the poverty cycle with low pay and poor conditions.

What is a short-term health effect of exposure to toxic chemicals in palm oil plantations?

Blood noses, eye irritation, nail losses, and abdominal ulcers.

What economic benefit do local people gain from palm oil plantations?

Employment opportunities leading to increased standard of living.

What percentage of palm oil plantations are owned by small scale farmers?

41%

What is the estimated value of illegally logged timber traded in E & SE Asia?

Approximately $2.3 billion

What percentage of timber exported from Indonesia is sourced illegally?

73%

What percentage of timber exported from Malaysia is sourced illegally?

35%

What economic consequence can arise from overproduction of palm oil?

Over supply leading to a drop in price and demand.

What was the poverty rate in Kalimantan, Indonesia?

7% - the lowest rate in Indonesia.

How much did palm oil account for Indonesia's exports in 2015?

Almost 20%, generating US$18.6 billion.

What country exports more palm oil than any other?

Indonesia, accounting for 50% of the global market.

What is the aim of FORMADAT in Borneo?

To maintain cultural traditions, encourage sustainable economic alternatives, and ensure Indigenous Peoples' involvement in conservation.

When was FORMADAT originally formed and when was it formally registered?

Originally formed in 2004 and formally registered in 2011.

What are some economic impacts of FORMADAT's initiatives?

Promotes sustainable and organic farming using local resources, such as rice and handicrafts.

How has FORMADAT contributed to environmental sustainability?

By starting ecotourism programs and avoiding slash-and-burn techniques.

What cultural work has FORMADAT done to raise awareness?

Developed the book 'Highland Tales in the Heart of Borneo' documenting oral history and cultural sites.

What is the aim of the '100 million trees for Borneo' initiative?

To plant 1 million trees initially, then scale up to 100 million.

What economic benefits does the '100 million trees for Borneo' initiative provide?

Increases local income and self-sufficiency through rattan farming.

What environmental sustainability efforts are part of the '100 million trees for Borneo' initiative?

Planting fast-growing lightwood trees and reforesting over 900 hectares.

Who are the stakeholders in the Heart of Borneo initiative?

Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysian governments.

What is the aim of the Heart of Borneo initiative?

To enable conservation and sustainable development while minimizing deforestation.

What has been the overall effectiveness of the Heart of Borneo initiative?

It has positively impacted slowing deforestation but is not a complete solution.

What is REDD+ and what is its aim?

REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, aiming to create financial value for carbon stored in trees.

What are some reported activities of REDD+ as of 2024?

63 developing countries reported activities, with 60+ as partner countries in the UN-REDD Programme.

How many countries have received REDD+ finance?

59 countries have received REDD+ finance.

What percentage of global deforestation is accounted for by countries responsible for REDD+ forest reference levels?

56 countries responsible for about 75% of global deforestation.

How many countries reported REDD+ results and are eligible for finance?

19 countries reported results and are eligible for results-based finance.

What is the total emission reduction achieved by REDD+ activities listed in the Lima Information Hub?

10 billion tons of CO2 equivalent.

What sustainable practices does FORMADAT encourage in the Highlands of Borneo?

Organic agriculture and community-based ecotourism.

What does FORMADAT aim to preserve in the Highlands?

Water sources, riverbanks, community forests, and cultural sites.

What has FORMADAT accomplished in over 20 years?

Reduction of negative impacts and increase of positive outcomes preventing deforestation.

What is the significance of the 'Highlands Eco Challenge'?

It is part of the ecotourism programs initiated by FORMADAT.

What are some local resources promoted by the '100 million trees for Borneo' initiative?

Rattan, rice, fruit, cinnamon, mountain salt, and handicrafts.