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Indonesia’s forests are being destroyed. Ecotourism may offer
one way to protect them. By Gemima Harvey for The Diplomat.
Following a flurry of international attention and keen
anticipation, the extension of Indonesia’s forest moratorium,
preventing companies from getting new permits to clear protected
areas, was confirmed on Wednesday. The news comes days before
the original ban’s expiry on May 20, but even with this promised
respite for Indonesia’s forests, many remain concerned. Much of
this concern centers on the future of vast swathes of tropical
rainforest in Aceh, at the northern tip of Sumatra. Aceh’s
Governor, Zaini Abdullah, is pushing a pro-development plan that
would allow 1.2 million hectares of protected rainforest—some of
the most pristine areas left in the country—to be rezoned,
opening the gates to mining, timber and palm oil companies. The
plan is reportedly close to approval, unless Indonesia’s
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inter