Indonesia, an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands with a population of over 270,000,000 inhabitants, is home to rainforests inhabited by the widest variety of species globally. The rainforest, spanning over 83,800,000 hectares is rich of its resources, enabling civil society to cultivate the natural resources to fulfill their needs. Thus, around 50 to 95 million Indonesians depend on rainforests for their livelihoods (Katadata.id)(1).
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However, human activity and industrial interest have significantly increased over the past years in and around the rainforest, contributing to major deforestation and forest exploitation. As long-term consequences, deforestation and forest exploitation impact the rainfall, potentially leading to severe drought and negative implications for biodiversity. In contrast, the communities residing around the forest may experience scarcity of air and decreased crop yields (Kompas.id)(2). Hence, to put deforestation to an end and ensure the rainforests in Indonesia remain protected, numerous efforts and solutions must be implemented.
Exploring Digital Spheres, a podcast by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, sheds a light on the critical issue of rainforest protection and how to overcome it.In a captivating episode titled "Exploring Indonesia’s Digital Solutions for Rainforest Protection,” Chief Climate Officer Koltiva, Florian Reimer, and Roeland Hemsteede, the main author of the study “Preparing, Responding or Restoring?” uncovers how digitalization and technologies are implemented for local development in remote areas with the cruciality of the rainforest.
The study by Dr. Roeland and his colleague discovered that technology is necessary to assist the local communities in preserving the rainforest’s health by enabling the local communities to monitor the condition and coverage of the rainforest and identify signs of degradation. Still, there are limitations for the local communities to access the technology. Furthermore, the people who highly depend on the rainforest still lack awareness regarding the critical significance of protecting it.
To tackle this challenge, it is essential to present digitalization in a less technical manner that is comprehensible for grassroots communities. In addition, the actors could actively engage with the communities to provide insights into rainforest monitoring and protection and provide convenient training linked to their individual experiences, as the population has lived around the rainforest for decades.
“If we can find ways in which technology can bring down the costs of maintaining and monitoring and restoring the rainforest. Then, other livelihood options for people living in these communities can be way easier. If we cannot protect all of Indonesia's rainforests, let's make sure we protect the ones that are most valuable.” said Dr. Roeland.
In regard to protecting Indonesia’s rainforests while ensuring community development, Chief Climate Officer Koltiva, Florian Reimer, proposed an alternative income with a forest-friendly approach. Popular concepts like ecotourism and sustainable agriculture, which include climate-smart, regenerative, and organic agriculture, offer potential solutions.
Koltiva, as an agritech company, not only focuses on building technology-based solutions but also drives inclusivity on the ground. With over 500 qualified field agents, Koltiva ensures that local producers receive assistance in developing sources of income with sustainable approaches through a combination of triple-tech: agritech, fintech, and climatech.
“Illegal deforestation in that sense could be limited and sort of maybe not stopped, but at least slowed down heavily by deploying digital technology, which maybe has more information on the earth or on the soil, which sort of transmits knowledge directly to the farmers.” said the Chief Climate Officer of Koltiva, Florian Reimer.
Through innovation and forest-friendly approaches, the local community is still able to increase their livelihood without contributing to deforestation, ensuring the sustainability of the rainforest and planet.
“We never reach perfect sustainability. We need to be more sustainable than yesterday.” Florian Reimer - Chief Climate Officer at Koltiva.
Source & Reference:
Writer: Steven, Public Relation and Event Intern.
Editor: Vega Wellingutami. Media Relation and Partnership Executive
About the writer:
Steven is a dynamic professional with a keen interest in the realm of public relations and event management. With his experiences orchestrating projects, public relations campaigns, and events, Steven brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. His assertive communication skills are a standout feature, allowing him to adeptly foster strong connections and cultivate meaningful relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
Koltiva's work in rainforest protection is really important. It's great to see them using technology to make a positive impact and help local communities. 👏
Great session and article! Good job!😍
Interesting article and podcast!!! Kudos koltiva team!!
GOOD JOB! great article!