Deforestation in Indonesia: Interview with Researcher Diana Parker

Summary

Dr. Diana Parker discusses her study on deforestation in Indonesia from 1991 to 2020, revealing that over a quarter of the country’s old-growth forests were cleared, with 44% of the land left idle for years. The study highlights the role of land speculation for palm oil production, where deforested land is later converted into plantations. This idle land could be used for future production without further forest clearance, but this depends on strong forest protection policies. Despite challenges, a notable decline in deforestation rates in recent years offers hope for future forest conservation efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deforestation in Indonesia from 1991 to 2020 led to the loss of a quarter of its primary forests, an area 50 times the size of Bali.
• 🌱 Over half of the deforested land remained idle for years, with no crops planted or visible land use detected.
• 🔥 While deforestation fires during severe El Niño events contributed to some land loss, over half of the idle land was not cleared by fire.
• 🌍 Land was intentionally cleared for future use, but much of it remained unused until eventually being converted into palm oil plantations.
• 🌴 The palm oil industry, as the world's largest producer, plays a significant role in deforestation and land speculation in Indonesia.
• 📊 The study suggests that the environmental footprint of palm oil production is much greater than previously understood, due to idle land speculation.
• 🔎 Millions of hectares of land deforested before 2020 could potentially be used for palm oil production without additional forest clearance, presenting an opportunity to reduce further deforestation.
• 📜 The EU's Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) regulation, which only applies to land cleared after 2020, may overlook significant idle deforested land in Indonesia that could be used for palm oil.
• 🚜 If strict forest protection policies are enforced, expanding palm oil production into idle land could prevent future deforestation while utilizing existing cleared land.
• 💡 From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia saw a significant decline in deforestation rates, marking a positive trend in forest protection efforts in the region.

Q & A

What was the focus of Dr. Diana Parker's study on deforestation in Indonesia?

Dr. Parker's study focused on deforestation in Indonesia between 1991 and 2020, specifically looking at what happened to the land after forests were cleared, to understand the drivers of deforestation.

What surprising finding did Dr. Parker's study reveal about deforested land in Indonesia?

Dr. Parker found that more than half of the deforested land in Indonesia between 1991 and 2020 was left idle and unused for years after being cleared.

How much of Indonesia's total old-growth primary forest was lost between 1991 and 2020?

Indonesia lost a quarter of its total old-growth primary forest, an area roughly 50 times the size of Bali, during this 30-year period.

What is the significance of idle land after deforestation in Indonesia?

Idle land, which accounts for 44% of the deforested area, is important because it suggests land speculation for future agricultural use, especially palm oil production, rather than immediate agricultural activity.

What is the role of forest fires in deforestation in Indonesia, according to the study?

While forest fires, especially during El Niño events, contribute to deforestation, the study found that more than half of the idle land was cleared intentionally, and forest fires were not the primary cause.

How does the palm oil industry relate to the findings of the study?

The study suggests that land speculation for future palm oil plantations is a significant driver of idle land creation. While palm oil production has been linked to deforestation, much of the deforested land could potentially be used for palm oil production in the future without clearing more forests.

What does the study imply about the environmental footprint of the palm oil industry?

The study suggests that the environmental footprint of palm oil is likely much larger than previously believed, as land has been deforested in anticipation of future palm oil production, even if it remains unused for years.

What is the potential environmental impact of converting idle deforested land into palm oil plantations?

Converting idle deforested land into palm oil plantations could prevent further forest loss if strict forest protection policies are in place. However, if these policies are weak, it could lead to more land being cleared to meet demand for palm oil production.

How has Indonesia's deforestation rate changed in recent years?

Indonesia experienced a dramatic decline in deforestation from 2017 to 2020, achieving the lowest deforestation rates observed in the entire study period.

What does the study suggest about the future of deforestation in Indonesia?

The study offers hope that with strong enforcement of forest protection policies, the momentum to reduce deforestation can continue, and idle land can be used sustainably for palm oil production without further environmental harm.