Rebuilding A Rainforest

After the previous post about the world food crisis, I thought it would be nice to balance it with a bit of good news. So I was delighted to find this item in The Observer about the successful restoration of 5000 acres of rainforest:

"Six years ago the area around Samboja in Borneo was like much of the world's tropical rainforest: denuded. The trees had been cut for timber, the land burnt, and in place of what should be some of the richest biodiversity on the planet were thousands of acres of grass.

"But from this ruined landscape a fresh forest has been grown, teeming with insects, birds and animals, and cooled by the return of moist clouds and rain. It is a feat that has been hailed by scientists and offers hope for disappearing and ruined rainforests around the world."

The project is the brainchild of Indonesian forestry expert Dr Willie Smits, the principal aim being to establish a new habitat for endangered orangutans. But the implications of what has been created are surely broader than this. Smits says: "If you walk there now, 116 bird species have found a place to live, there are more than 30 types of mammal; insects are there. The whole system is coming to life. I knew what I was trying to do, but the force of nature has totally surprised me."

What this suggests to me is that nature is ready and waiting to repair the damage we have done to our planet - if only we give her a chance.

Smits says: "The principles are that you must have scientifically sound approaches, work with local trees, and you have to have the respect of local people - that's the key."

Indeed, the project has been planned with the local population very much in mind. Local farmers were able to plant agricultural products between the trees in the early stages of reforestation, and for the long term, a circle of sugar-palm plantations has been planted around the forest. This provides income for over 650 families, and also acts as a barrier against forest fires.

Can you imagine what might be achieved if there was the will to create similar schemes on a global scale? This project illustrates what we humans are able to achieve if we are willing to work with passion: to take on board the complexities of the task in hand, and to work in harmony with people and with nature.

If we can approach our global fuels policy in the same sort of spirit, we can surely avoid the kind of suffering and injustice I described in the previous post. What we need is for our leaders to pay attention to what they are doing, to be present, instead of having most of their minds on how what they're doing is going to play at the next election. They need to engage with the complexities of the situation, instead of just setting headline-grabbing targets.

If we all sit down together and put our energy where it is really needed, working for the benefit of everyone concerned instead of just our own self-interest, there is no limit to what we can achieve. We can redress the damage we've done to our planet. We can create a better world. All we need is the will that it should be done.

You can read more about the reforestation project - and sponsor an area of rainforest - at the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Dr Smits and his colleagues have written a book about their work: Thinkers Of The Jungle - The Orangutan Report

Comments

[Robin]

Hi Simon - that project is really interesting - thanks!

[Mark]

Thanks for this great news. I do believe that the earth given enough time will always reclaim it self.

[Liara Covert]

It makes sense to raise awareness of positive initiatives. When negative images take over the media, they often influence energy and moods of people and convince them they aren't in a position to "make a difference." Persaonally, I believe each of us can make a big difference, a positive impact on the world in our own way, one step at a time. Empowering thoughts lead to life transforming endavours. Each one starts with us.

[Marion]

A good, positive post, Simon. I signed the petition in the previous post.

I have watched Mother Earth reclaim devastated land many times...with help from humans, there is no limit to what she can do.

If the baser emotions such as greed and envy regarding land can be kept at bay, it will be awesome in watching the difference on Mother Earth.

Thank you, Simon!

[Sue Ann Edwards]

The idea of a video just keeps getting better and better...and here our weatherman has said there is clear, sunny and warm weather on its way.

I guess what most people don't know about me is that I live in a rain forest. It was for the pleasure and enjoyment of living in the rain forest, that made living without a lot of creature comforts possible for me.

My husband and I have been Stewards of over 16 acres of rain forest over the past 8 years. That's how long it has taken for us to clean it up as far as we have. And one of the key elements of our success has been getting along with the local community. We didn't just buy, rent and then leave...

We actually experienced the same conditions everyone else here lives with everyday. We understood the local perspective.

There is a very nice lady and friend that comes to visit me every Monday. She's own acres down the road and has been at odds with local government for over 3 years, as building permits are denied. She drives over 2 hours every Monday, to attend Council meetings. Like a puffy bulldog, never allowing her petition to rest.

She comes 'armed' citing bills, codes, amendments and sees herself as campaigning to right a wrong. Actually ending up helping the local community in the long run.

I asked her last week as she told me how much her health was breaking down in fighting this battle every week over so many years, what was more of value to her? Being "right"? or being "loving"?

Because AS a member of this community, I find the attitude of not accepting local authorities elected and selected by the local community, ARE acting upon the desires of their community, to be rather disrespectful, as if she wants to FORCE her views upon everyone *here*, without regard nor understanding, for the people's needs and views that actually live here.

So while she has fought, we have succeeded. Literally 100's of truckloads of trash have been hauled away. One pile alone was 20 feet wide, 30 feet long and 15 feet high. Junk, like car batteries leaking acid, was buried 4 feet below ground level.

Sorting and bagging this pile for recyclables is part of what I did for my physical therapy coming back from my strokes. Everything that could be recycled, was. And this area is now blooming with 1000's of native buttercups.

Would anyone like to see a video of my "backyard"? And see how unspoiled it remains? Part of the ONLY rain forest in the World, btw, that is not in a tropical zone.

[Simon]

Hi Robin, Mark, Liara, Marion and Sue Ann - Many thanks for your positive comments! And yes, Sue Ann, I'd love to see the video!

[AngelBaby]

It is so true that the earth is ready and willing to repair itself if only we will help it along. I loved this positive and uplifting post. Thank you for sharing it.

Love and Blessings,
AngelBaby