Deforestation in Malaysia Flashcards
what is it?
clearance- the removal of a forest or area of trees where the land is thereafter converted to non- forest use
why is deforesttaion significant in Malaysia?
Orangu-tans are losing their natural habitats. As natural forest is destoryed, many young Orangu-tans are killed or orphaned
Rate of deforestation
is increasing faster than in any tropical country in the world. Between 2010 - 2013, faster than any tropical coountry in the world
logging
in 1980, became the world’s largest exporter of tropical wood - clear felling common
- Recerntly, celar felling replaced by slective logging - trees that have important ecological value are left unharmed
energy development?
in 2011, Bakun Dam in Sarawak started to egenrate electricity - the dam supplies energy for industrialised Peninsular Malaysia.
The dam’s resevoir flooded over 700km (^2) of forests and farmland
Mineral extraction?
Mining (mainly tin and smelting) is common in Peninsular Malaysia
Rainforest has been cleared for mining and road construction
Remove trees to get minerals ➡ danger of oil leaks ➡ in water too
Population pressure?
In past, poor urban ppl were encouraged by Gov to move into the countryside from the rapidly growing city ro relive pop pressure in city. This is called transmigration 1956- 1980’s, aboout 15,000 hectares of rainforest was felled for the settlers
Commercial farming?
- M largest exporter of palm oil in world
- During 1970’s, large areas of land were converted to palm oil plantations + planitations owner recieve 10 year tax incentives, so increasing amounts of land been converted to plantations
Subsistence farming?
This tyoe of farming is smalll scale and sustainable
once they’ve used nutrients in soil, they elave it for 30 years and come back
- ‘Slash and burn’ involves use of fire and clear land - burning creates valuable nutirents that helps plants grow. fires can go ou of control, destroying large areas of forest
Environmental loss in malayisa - effects on soil
it exposes soil to soil erosion by wind and rain and soil takes thousands of eyars to form - but it can stripped away in a matter of hours
Environmental loss in malayisa - biodiversity
Biodiversity - is a measure of the variety of plants and animals ecosystem
Environmental in malayisa - Peninsular malaysia
- forests are pticularly rich in theri biodiversity which is over 600 species
- still many undiscovered plants that have medical properties that could provide cures for diseases
- the highland forests are home to over 25% of all plant species found in Malaysia
Environmental loss in malayisa - effect on climeat change due to deforestation
- trees give off more moisture by the process of transpiration, deforestation reduced moistire in the air resulting in a drier climate
- The process of evaportation uses up ehat and cools the air; if trees are cut down, this cooling ceases and temperature rise
3 economic gains
- Minerals such as gold are very valuable
- Hydroelectric power will provide cheap and plentiful energy
- Development of land for mining, farming, and energy wil lead to jobs both directly (construction, farming) and indirectly (supply and support industires)
Why should rainforests be protected? cimate change
- trees absorb co2
Why should rainforests be protected? biodiveristy
they contain 50% of all the plants and animals in teh world. 1000’s species
Why should rainforests be protected? climate
prevents climate from becoming too hot and dry
28% of worlds oxygen comes from rainforest
Why should rainforests be protected? medicine
- 25% of all medicines come from here
- More than 2000 have anti-cancer properties
Why should rainforests be protected? Resources
- Mahogany and teak
Why should rainforests be protected? Clean water
important sources for clean water
Why should rainforests be protected? Tribal people
Tribal ppl live in harmony in the world’s rainforest making use of the forests’ resources without causing long term harm
Managing tropical rainforests - Malaysia Selective Management system
2 years before felling; Pre-felling study to identify what’s there
1 year before felling; Trees marked for felling. ARROWS PAINTED ON TREES TO INDICATE DIRECTION OF DAMAGE TO AVOID DAMAGing otehr valuable trees
felling: trees felled by licence holders
3-6 months after felling; surve to check what has been felled - prosecution may result from illegal felling
2 years after felling; treatment plan drawn up to restore forest
5 - 10 years after felling; Remedial and regeneration work by state forestry offcials. Replacement trees planted
Selective logging and replanting?
- Most daamging forms of clear felling. Selective logging managed carefully is completely sustainable
Conservation and education?
Rainforest can be preserved in consevation areas such as national praks or nature reserves. These areas can be used for education, scientfic research and tourism
Businesses have supported conservation projects in exchange for carrying out scientific research
Ecotourism?
Costa Rica, Belize, Malasyia
- Aims to introduce ppl to the natural world to benefit local communities and protect env for future. Income genrated, local people and govs benefit from retaining and protecting their rainforest trees
International agreements
have been amde to help protect rainforests
International agreement: Hardwood Forestry
the forest stewardship council tries to educate manufacturers and consumers about the need to buy sustainable hardwood like mahogany. It aims to reduce demand for rare and valuable hardwoods
International agreement: debt reduction
Some countrieshave borrowed money to fund developments. To pay of these debts, some ahve rasied money from massive deforstations
WE REDUCE DEBT ➡ THEY PROTECT FORST
