Hello!(: I haven't posted any Geog notes, so here's a couple of LORMS notes! I usually just study the LORMS questions for my geog elective exams and still manage to get an A1, so :D Hope this helps!

- debb

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Deforestation – Massive, permanent clearing and destruction of Tropical rainforest

Problems
1. Loss of biomass – disrupt nutrient cycle, infertile soil, loss of agricultural land
2. Loss of biodiversity – extinction of valuable plant, animal species; may be future medical cures
3. Soil erosion – destructive landslides and flooding
4. Climate Changes – global warming and changes in precipitation
Hence the need to manage tropical rainforest to reduce, eradicate problems.

Efforts To Reduce Deforestation;
Reforestation and Afforestation in Kalimantan under Forests and Land Restoration Initiative which seeks to restore 900 000Ha of land annually and put an end to soil erosion & depletion of soil fertility due to fertile top soil being washed away.
Successful especially in East Kalimantan – locals actively replanted teak trees in areas affected by forest fires, timbre companies replant and retain at least 25 commercially valuable trees/Ha in previously logged areas, pay reforestation fees to fund cost of replanting trees in logged areas.
However, rate of trees being cut down faster than replanted. Teak trees planted to restore entire forest (commercially valuable and grow fast) resulting in loss of biodiversity, as replanted forests are no more than plantations.

Controlled Logging practiced by Ministry of Forestry in Indonesia – careful management of rate of logging through law enforcement & strict control of logging licenses to minimize damage done in rainforest, education of locals to increase awareness of damage caused by extensive deforestation and research carried out to reduce extent of damage.
For instance, selective logging encouraged as sustainable method, leaving much of forest untouched and able to regenerate itself, removing economically valuable trees that have reached minimum girth – minimizes soil erosion and carried out in Danum Valley.
However, economically valuable trees removed, neighbouring trees damaged – loss of biodiversity.

Conservation where areas of forests set aside as protected nature reserves – only activities that do not damage forest allowed such as ecotourism. In 1992, Betung Kerihun Nature Reserve set up in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, extending to Brunei and Malaysia due to cooperation between governments and international NGO efforts – World Wildlife Fund. Illustrates how saving the rainforest and preventing problems of deforestation (changes in precipitation and atmospheric levels of CO2, loss of biomass) requires effort at various levels.
However, illegal logging still carried out in nature serves – lack of manpower; difficult to monitor and prevent in remote and vast rainforest. Impossible to completely eradicate problems of deforestation

Controlling Forest Fires by Indonesian government policy – illegal to clear forest by burning, measure to monitor forest fires (Integrated Forest Fires Protection System, National Fire Management Plan), seeks to educate Indonesians on damage/effects of forest fires. Hopes for reduced air pollution.
However, an ineffective measure as haze continues as annual problem; clearing forest by fire is cheapest and preferred way by plantations and traditional farmer.


Conclusion; problem of deforestation not easily resolved, especially in LDCs (lacks funds, technology), and requires cooperation on various levels.
International level: ASEAN and NGOs to highlight need for urgent efforts and pressurise governments to reduce demand for timber, ensure deforestation rates reduced.
National level: resolve of governments in implementation of policies and laws are favourable and necessary to ensure conservation and controlled logging is properly implemented.
Individual level: citizens to be educated on need to reduce deforestation. Only with concerted efforts will extensive deforestation and its destructive effects be controlled & we will see sustainable tracts of rainforest in the long run.
[Long-term vs. short-term effect, developed vs. developing countries, and ease of implementation to consider]

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Remember to twist your LORMs stuff to answer the question whatever it may be!(:

Labels: Geography

An otherwise carefree student at MGS, who is currently studying in secondary 4, and totally not proud to be a MUGGER! :O


I sincerely apologise for the subjects which I do not include (: The list may be found just below. Thanks!

gooodluck!