WWF strongly opposes to conversion of Kalimantan forest to the world's largest oil palm plantation
In response to an urgent request of our counterparts in Indonesia, WWF Hong Kong has written to both the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong and the Governor of The China Development Bank to express our strong opposition to the conversion of 1.8 million hectares of protected forest in the Kalimantan region into a palm oil plantation. You can also express your concerns by sending the letter to the Indonesian Consulate General.
The proposed scheme, funded by China Development Bank, will run through two protected areas –Betung Kerihun National Park in West Kalimantan, and, Kayan Mentarang National Park in East Kalimantan. Under Regulation No. 5/1990, conversion of protected areas for palm oil plantations is prohibited. The Indonesian Government in breach of its own laws!
Most of this mountainous region, part of the "Heart of Borneo" joint project among Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, still holds huge tracts of forests, where threatened species such as orang-utans and the Borneo bay cat live, and 14 out of the island's 20 major rivers originate.
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Palm oil seedlings in a plant nursery.
Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. |
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According to an experts’ report published in 2003, oil palm is not recommended to be planted in areas above 200 metres sea level, because of low productivity above levels. Furthermore, oil palm plantations should be restricted to areas where the incline is less than 30 percent to avoid &/or reduce soil erosion. Most of the Heart of Borneo border area is between 1000 and 2000 metres high, with slopes inclined in excess of 30 percent.
We are at a loss to understand why the Government of the Republic of Indonesia supports this project, when there are considerable tracts of degraded and non-forested land in the area and where oil palm plantations could be established. It has been suggested that the true purpose of the proposal is to allow logging companies the rights to the timber in the region.
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Cleaning forest fire for palm oil plantation (Slash & Burn)
Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. |
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The project, will destroy an important habitat for a wide diversity of species and is a tragedy for conservation. It will be a sad loss to future generations. It may also threaten the lives and livelihoods of Indonesian citizens through soil erosion. We need only remember the devastating floods along the Yangtze River in 1998. The Government of the P. R. Chine responded to this tragedy by imposing an immediate ban on logging in the head waters of the river. How can we allow history to repeat itself in Indonesia?
WWF on an international basis is strongly urging the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to reconsider and cancel this proposal, which is in breach of its own laws. We need your support to change their decision.
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