Nature Alert: Letters: Clarification from WWF

Friday 7 August 2009

Letters: Clarification from WWF

Fri, 08/07/2009 1:56 PM | Opinion The Jakarta Post

I am writing in response to Alan Oxley's Aug. 3 article, which misrepresents WWF's position on forest and climate issues. Oxley is so opposed to conservation efforts that he can't see the forest for the trees.

WWF is not "anti-development" or opposed to responsible forestry practices. We work with forest industry partners around the world to foster sustainable production and procurement practices. Currently, in Indonesia alone, 38 companies are members of WWF's Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN), which promotes sustainable production practices that provide economic and social benefits to businesses and people that depend on forests.

As a founding member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), WWF also recognizes the important contribution of the palm oil industry to Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities.

WWF is, however, opposed to reckless logging or indiscriminate clearing of forests to make way for plantations and the associated negative impacts on biodiversity, water sources and the livelihoods of forest-dependent peoples.

We are also acutely aware that such destructive practices are the reason why deforestation accounts for roughly one fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions.

WWF advocates a new global climate deal that creates incentives for forestry practices that prevent deforestation and sequester carbon. If the Republic of Indonesia can halt rampant deforestation, it could reap billions of dollars in overseas investment under such a deal.

Even the Government of Indonesia has recognized this opportunity by launching "Indonesia Menanam" tree planting initiative and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, through his official website (www.presidensby.info) has also called on the nation to halt deforestation, and said, "Forest resources and the environment are integral parts of economy, social and cultural development of Indonesia."

Ian Kosasih
Program Director
Forests, Freshwater and Species Program
WWF-Indonesia
Jakarta

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/07/letters-clarification-wwf.html

Hall of Shame for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Palm Oil Industry.

Nothing can prepare one for the sight of the systematic extermination of orangutans by the government of Indonesia.

Look at the photos and news articles on these pages in the context of a statement the President made to the media on 10th December 2007.

“In the last 35 years about 50,000 orangutans are estimated to have been lost as their habitats shrank. If this continues, this majestic creature will likely face extinction by 2050,” President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said at the launch of an orangutan conservation plan at the climate talks in Bali.

“The fate of the orangutan is a subject that goes to the heart of sustainable forests … To save the orangutan we have to save the forest.”

Statements like these are most welcome, but unless backed up by action, such words fall on deaf ears within the Ministry of Forestry....who are busy granting licences to cut down the very forests the President says they should protect!

When you think you are to busy to help, please could you reflect for a moment on .........

The following extract refers to environmental problems in general. I just hope you find it as thought provoking and relevant to orangutans as I have.

"This is such a shocking and unpalatable fact that most people deny it, or they just don't want to think about it. They believe as individuals, they can do little about it, so push it to the back of their minds. But I can't do that.

When something has to be done, we need to do it. It doesn't matter how big the challenge is or how hard the solution; if I know something is wrong, and I am in a position to help, I will do my best to make it right." Duncan Bannatyne, successful British businessman.