Natural Vegetation (LORMs)

Introduction: There are various measures that have been implemented to help to conserve tropical rainforest. These include; afforestation and reforestation, controlled logging, nature reserves and controlling forest fires. Point: Afforestation and reforestation. Elaboration: Afforestation refers to the planting of trees on areas that were not originally covered with forests, like abandoned agricultural land. Reforestation refers to the planting of trees in areas that were formerly forested, areas that had been cleared by logging. Example: The Ministry of Forestry (MOF) in Indonesia has set aside 900,000 ha of forest annually in Kalimantan. The local people are involved in replanting in areas affected by fire. Timber companies are required to replant in areas that are logged. Timber companies must pay to fund he cost of replanting trees. Success: Forest is usually planted with fast growing, commercially valuable trees like teak. These trees can restore forest areas very quickly. They also allow the replanted forest to be sustainably logged. Limitations: Rates of replanting are much slower than rates of deforestation. In 2000, 90,000km2 replanted however over 250,000km2 cleared. Planting only teak trees causes a decrease in forest biodiversity, and cannot support the variety of flora and fauna of the original forest. Point: Controlled logging Elaboration: This allows logging of only selected trees that have met certain criteria. Only certain commercially valuable trees of a certain circumference, or only a certain number of trees per hectare can be logged. Example: The MOF in Indonesia has introduced laws to ensure selective logging. Severe penalties, fines and imprisonment, are enforced for non-compliance. Success: Selective cutting enables the forest to regenerate. Young trees are able to grow to replace old trees due to availability of sunlight. Selective cutting minimizes soil erosion. Limitations: It is difficult to monitor logging and detect illegal logging activities. This is due to lack of man power and, remoteness of forested areas. Selective logging may still damage surrounding trees.

Lianas may twine around a few trees for support. When one tree is logged it may cause its neighbour to topple. Point: Nature reserves Elaboration: Forests can be set aside as nature reserves where only activities that do not damage the forest are allowed. For example, ecotourism allowed while logging is not allowed. Example: The Betung Kerihun Nature Reserve was set up in 1992. It covers an area of 8000 km2 in west Kalimantan. Success: It has become a safe home for a diverse range of animals. It has also conserved a variety of forest ecosystems including; lowland forest, swamp and montane forest ecosystem. It has also allowed the tribes living there to continue on with their unique traditional lifestyle and culture. Limitations: Illegal logging is still carried out. in 2002 found that about 31,000 trees were illegally logged in BKNP. These are difficult to detect due to vastness of the reserve, and the lack of man power. Point: Controlling forest fires Elaboration: Forest fires are a major cause of deforestation. The Indonesian government has made it illegal to clear forest by burning. An Integrated Forest Fire Protection System and National Fire Management Plan have been implemented. Annual fire awareness campaigns have been carried out. Success: NONE Limitations: Burning is the cheapest way to clear land. Many plantations still use this methods to clear the land. Local people are reluctant to stop burning as a way to clear land. They are used to their traditional ways passed down the generations. Conclusion: These measures have slowed down the pace of deforestation to some degree, however as demand for forest timber and land increases, the rate of deforestation will continue to increase.

Some ways to ask the same question: Evaluate why some of the measures to conserve tropical rainforest are difficult to put into practice. [8] With reference to example(s), evaluate the success of the measures implemented to reduce the extent of deforestation with reference to example(s) [8] With reference to example(s), assess the effectiveness of the methods used to manage deforestation. [8] With reference to examples, evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies to protect the decreasing area of tropical rainforests around the world. [8]