Orangutans and the economics of sustainable forest management in Sumatra

Deforestation is responsible for approximately 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and is therefore a major contribu- tor to climate change, but also to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services and a direct threat to Asia’s great ape – the orangutan. Between 2005-2010, Indonesia had accelerating for- est loss compared to 2000-2005 and is within the highest five countries for percentage of primary forest loss globally. This ac- celeration in forest loss not only negatively impacts forests and biodiversity, but also local and global ecosystem services such as water supply, human health and food security in addition to cli- mate change mitigation. Much of the deforestation is caused by both illegal and short-term economic gains, often undermining long-term development goals. This study explores opportunities for a more sustainable path- way to development and looks for reconciliation between forest and biodiversity conservation and economic progress. It focuses on two pilot sites on the island of Sumatra, namely Tripa swamp and the mountain forests of Batang Toru, both hosting signifi- cant orangutan populations. The assessment quantifies the eco- nomic trade-offs between unsustainable and sustainable forms of land use, and considers the role of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and broader Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes in achieving balanced conservation and development objectives. The tropical rainforests where Sumatran orangutans occur hold some of the most spectacular biodiversity on the planet: Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, and Sumatran rhinoceroses are notable endemic fauna among a bewildering diversity of other animal and plant species. As such, these forests form an incredibly important area for conservation. Nevertheless, they are among the fastest dis- appearing forests in the world as they are rapidly being converted to other land uses such as oil palm and timber plantations.

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