TRF Case study Flashcards
What issue are the TRF’s in the Amazon Basin facing?
Deforestation
How is farming affecting the TRF’s in the Amazon Basin?
Areas of Rainforest are being cleared for Pastoral and Arable farming to take place. There has been an increase in the world’s demand for cattle so there has been an equal increase of pastoral farming
Why is logging affecting deforestation in TRF’s?
tropical rainforests are cut down so that valuable trees like mahogany can be accessed and sold for timber to make furniture. Other trees are cut down to make paper products.
Why is mining affecting TRF’s in the Amazon Basin?
the Amazon Basin is rich in natural resources such as iron ore, copper, tin, aluminium, manganese and gold. This has led to the development of mines which results in the clearance of tropical rainforest. The Carajas mine in Brazil is the world’s largest iron ore mine.
How does the construction of roads affect TRF’s in the Amazon Basin?
the construction of access roads for farmers, loggers and miners results in large parts of the tropical rainforest being destroyed.
How many square miles were lost due to the flooding for the Balbina Dam?
920 square miles
Why are hydro-electric power sources affecting TRF’s in the Amazon Basin?
The creation of HEP stations in the Amazon Basin has resulted in large areas of forest being flooded to create the reservoirs and dams.
How has population growth affected TRF’s in the Amazon Basin?
population growth has resulted in the loss of tropical rainforest as land is cleared to build houses and
infrastructure.
Where is malaysia?
South East Asia
What percentage of Malaysia’s land is covered by TRFs?
67%
In the 1980s Malaysia became the world’s largest exporter of what natural resource?
Wood
What is clear felling?
Where all the trees in a certain area are cut down
How did clear felling affect Malaysia?
Clear felling caused a mass destruction of many habitats in Malaysia
What is subsistence farming?
Where people farm for themselves
What is commercial farming?
Farming for a profit
What is slash and burn?
It is a way of clearing land, it destroys habitats but leaves many nutrients for plants behind, fires often can grow out of control
In the 1970’s why were large areas of forest cleared?
To replace the areas with palm oil plantation
What incentives did palm oil plantation owners receive?
A 10-year tax incentive
What region is Peninsular Malaysia home to?
An upland region called the main region
What title has the Main region gained?
The largest area of continuous rainforest left on the peninsula
What percentage of plant species are in the Main region?
25%
How many animal species are found in the main region?
600
How does deforestation affect soil erosion?
After vegetation is cleared the soil is left exposed by rain or wind
In Malaysia what creates many job opportunities?
Mining, farming and energy production
In Malaysia what are the pros of hydro-electric power
Creates clean energy and job opportunities?
What are cons of HEP in Malaysia?
Water shortages can become more popular due to a drier climate, water pollution
what is the forestry stewardship council(FSC)?
An international organisation that promotes sustainable forestry
What does the FSC do?
They try to educate manufacturers and consumers of the importance to source sustainable hardwood like mahogany
What is debt for nature swapping?
Debt-for-nature swaps are financial transactions in which a portion of a developing nation’s foreign debt is forgiven in exchange for local investments in environmental conservation measures.
What is selective logging?
Only felling trees which have the best timber or are suitable-not felling all trees in an area
What is Malaysia’s selective management scheme? (In 7 steps and with time stamps)
1)2 years before felling:pre-felling study to see what is there
2)1 year before felling: arrows painted on trees to indicate direction of felling-doesn’t damage other trees
3)Trees are felled by license owners
4)3-6 months after felling: survey to check what has been felled-illegal felling prosecuted
5)2 years after felling: Treatment plan drawn up to restore forest
6)5-10 years after felling: Regeneration work by state forestry officials begin
7)30-40 years post-felling: Cycle begins again
What is eco-tourism in Malaysia? What does this aim to do?
The use of its TRFs as a tourist attraction aims to introduce people to the natural world to benefit local communities and protect the environment
How is the Sukau Rainforest Lodge in Malaysia sustainable?
-Sustainable electricity usage
-Practices rainwater harvesting
-Uses a dual flush system
-Equipped with a septic tank- no waste enters the river
-Rooms aren’t equipped with a radio or TV
-Lodge built with local hardwood species
-Provides employment for the local community
-organic material turned into compost
