Dream Team - My role

In my view, I think I am the (PL) Plant. I had to play the role because I provide ideas, remembering what happened to what topic, may help solve solutions and obstacles.

Should Deforestation Be Allowed in Malaysia?

I have been researching the deforestation of Malaysia for my first Global Perspectives project. The deforestation is happening because....

With the higher production of palm oil the higher the profit which help Malaysia to become a developed nation by 2020, more work opportunities, advancement of country in various sectors and better infrastructure will attract other countries to invest in Malaysia.

My personal perspective on this issue is that the deforestation is a _good_ thing _bad_ thing because:

The good thing is that Malaysia is aware of the deforestation issue and is gearing towards sustainable development. At the moment 62.3% is forested according to FAO. Of this 18.7% is classified as primary forest, the most bio diverse and carbon dense form of forest. It dated 130 million years old. Malaysia could develop eco-tourism from its forest.

The bad thing about deforestation is is it will increase in floods, destroy environments, surface runoff, landslide decline of animal habitat and migration of native peoples to other parts of Malaysia.

The Malaysian government feels that the cost of losing some forest is worthwhile because:

In 10^th Malaysia Plan, Malaysia aims to increase its annual export earning from palm oil by RM29.9 million to RM69.3 million. Palm oil is Malaysia’s second largest income exports. Since 2008, Malaysia has increased the volume of certified sustainable oil palm to over 3 million tonnes and it has progressed the standards for sustainable palm oil which include banning the clearance of land which is important for wildlife, the environment, and the local people who depend on the land for living.

However, this is not the view of everyone. From the global perspective, opinion is much more split. Supporters of the deforestation include the FAO. They argue that in their report: Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010 that Malaysia loses about 0.19% of its forests annually, which means Malaysia is responsible for 13% of the world’s forest every year. But Malaysia is taking an active role in reforestation and eco-friendly projects.

On the other hand, some argue that is should be stopped. These include groups such as....

1. Wetlands International in Netherlands reported two thirds of Sarawak’s peat land covered with thick rainforest was rapidly opened up largely for all palm production. In the year 2005–2010, almost 10% of Sarawak’s forest and 33% of peat swamped forest have been cleared. Of this 65% went to oil palm production.

2. Rainforest Action Network (RAN); in their updated issue July 28 2011 Palm oil: A Global Threat to Rainforests. It claimed that oil palm is used in 50% of all consumer goods from lipsticks to biofuel. They are working to stop the destruction of the rainforests by using grassroots, pressure, corporate engagement and non-violent direct action to encourage companies and their customers to stop producing trading and purchasing palm oil that destroy rainforests.

In the future, I believe that....

There will possibly be more tourists for eco-tourism and its resorts

It will increase the standard of living for Malaysians

Must control deforestation rates by banning the export of raw logs instead Malaysia should export processed timber

Must help to support the environment to be an Eco-Friendly country from destroying biodiversity and wildlife habitat

Setup rangers’ camp by professional rangers to monitor the sustainable practice of logging companies