Colliding Continents

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Two Faces of A Green Initiative

The Jakarta Post reported that environmentalists determined the population of Sumatran Orangutans has been reduced to a mere 6,500 in the wild. The primary cause being the loss of habitat due to deforestation for palm oil plantation, hunting and illegal trafficking.

It has been suggested that an eco tourism strategy be taken in order to combat the decimation of the orangutan population. It is interesting to note that the primary cause of this unfortunate situation (deforestation) is fueled by the production of basic consumer goods (cooking oil, soaps, detergents etc.) but even more so now with the aggressive moves western nations have taken towards alternative energy, specifically biofuels.

The primary use of palm oil may not currently be for biofuel but the demand for biofuels has created more of a demand for palm oil. This in turn increases the price of the palm kernels making them more profitable and consequently leads to more deforestation. I believe that eco tourism is a powerful tool that can be used to save what is left of the planet but, like all tools you have to want to use it before it is too late. In addition, we have to understand the basic laws of supply-demand and the consequences associated with it.

The orangutan population has been in decline for a while now and it seems that the Indonesian government doesn't care at all. With the price of gas as low as it has been lately I cringe at the thought of how profitable palm oil is, now more than ever.

From one traveler to another; If you have ever been to Sumatra, cherish those memories and images of lush green forests teeming with life.

Written at 7:29 PM by Sebastien.

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