Case Study: Borneo rainforests

Question 1

why could deforestation be positive for Borneo?

Answer 1

if slash and burn technique used then ash makes soil more fertile

can leave space to plant crops such as palm oil trees which will help increase indonesias wealth (has made $110,000)

creates more jobs (2.9 million created)

Question 2

why is deforestation bad for Borneo?

Answer 2

fewer trees means less protection from rain so more leaching happens as the soil is eroded

also it means fewer leaves are dropped so less litter and therfore less nutrient rich soil

much more likely to flood beacuse theres less interception of water by trees and plants

less trees to take in CO2 for photosynthesis

Question 3

why are there high rates of biodiversity in the rainforest?

Answer 3

warm and wet climate

the rapid recycling of nutrients

most of the rainforest is untouched

Question 4

what are the issues with a decline in biodiversity?

Answer 4

species rely on eachother for food

decline in some species could mean tribes might be unnable to survive

key medical plants could become extinct

Question 5

who are the human inhabitants in Borneo rainforests?

Answer 5

the Penan

the forest provides them with food, natural medicines and homes and boats

Question 6

what are the causes of deforestion?

Answer 6

logging- timber is harvested to create commercial items, this can led to violent confrontation with indigenous tribes

mineral extraction- precious metals can be found there, mined areas can experience soil and water contamination, indigenous people are being displaced as roads are built to transport materials

energy development- high rainfall is good for hydro-electricity e.g. the bakun dam in malaysia both people and the environment have suffered #

agriculture- large scale slash and burn schemes to make space for crops, lots of carbon emissions, soil erosion as more exposed land

tourism- must build hotels in vulnerable areas, negative releationship between government and indigenous people has exposed animals to human diseases

road building-roads are needed to transport supplies

Question 8

why should we protect the rainforest?

Answer 8

some plants could be used to cure diseases
its large biodiversity
indigenous tribes
resources
water

Question 9

how can we manage the Borneo rainforest sustainably?

Answer 9

International agreements

Debt reduction-to pay off debts countries launch massive deforestation schemes, other countries can make an agreement to reduce their debt as long as they stop cutting down trees

Eco-tourism- lodges are low impact as there made with local materials and do not disturb the wildlife. Generates money and protects rainforests. Locals can work in the lodges as well

Selective logging and replanting- more careful way of cutting down trees means older and diseased trees can be identified, and trees are replaced, it takes time for the forest to return to its natural state and trees are still being cut down

Conservation and education- national parks and nature reserves can be created and can be used for tourism, research and education, they could hire rangers to look after the park