The Greenpeace ship Esperanza arrived this morning in
Jayapura, Papua, the last frontier of intact ancient forest in
Indonesia, to highlight the catastrophic impact that deforestation
- for palm oil, logging and other industry expansion - has on the
global climate, biodiversity loss and forest-dependent people.
The Esperanza (Spanish for "hope") carries the message
'Melindungi Hutan, Menyelamatkan Iklim', Indonesian for
'Protecting Forests Saves our Climate'.
"The forests of Indonesia are disappearing at an alarming rate,
and the rapid expansion of oil palm plantations is currently the
biggest driver of deforestation," said Bustar Maitar, Forest
Campaigner, Greenpeace Southeast Asia. "The majority of these
plantations are on biodiversity-rich peatland, which store huge
amounts of carbon. When they are cleared and burned, it's like
setting off a carbon bomb, releasing nearly two billion tonnes of
carbon dioxide every year."
Deforestation releases around 20% of the world's greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, contributing to dangerous climate change.
Indonesia is currently the third largest contributor globally of
GHG emissions (after the US and China), but instead of using
forests to save the climate, government and industry continue
deforestation, thereby exacerbating the climate crisis.
"Tropical forests and peatland are critical to regulate the
global climate," continued Maitar. "When forests are destroyed, we
lose twice. Firstly, the forests aren't there to absorb emissions.
Secondly, deforestation itself releases massive quantities of
greenhouse gases. We need these vast tracts of forest to combat
climate change and safeguard the planet."
The Esperanza will be touring the world's largest
archipelago until 15 November, calling on the Indonesian government
to implement an immediate moratorium on all forest conversion,
including expansion of oil palm plantations, industrial logging,
and other drivers of deforestation.
"This moratorium will not only help curb the country's
greenhouse gas emissions, but will also safeguard the wealth of
tropical biodiversity and protect the livelihood of forest
dependent communities all across Indonesia." said Shailendra
Yashwant, Campaigns Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
Greenpeace is an independent, global
campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and
behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote
peace.
Other contacts: Bustar Maitar, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Forest Campaigner:
+62 (0) 81344666135
Nabiha Shahab, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Media Campaigner:
+62 (0) 81314213432
Martin Baker, Greenpeace International Media Coordinator (Asia):
+62 (0) 81315829513
VVPR info: Greenpeace International picture desk: +44 (0) 207 865 8230Greenpeace International video desk: +31 646 16 2015