In the Media
New satellites to help save Indonesian forests
June 12, 2012
Voice of America
Virtual mapping has become a vital tool in forest conservation, allowing the public to see where deforestation is occurring. In Indonesia, several environmental organizations are leading efforts with new technology that they hope will pressure businesses and the government to stop illegal logging.
When the environmental news website Mongabay launched its Indonesia site in late May it revealed a new tool that will allow users to monitor changes in Indonesia’s forest cover. Mongabay founder Rhett Butler says non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can use the deforestation alert tool to enter areas where trees are being cut, determine why that is happening and then work with local communities to stop deforestation. The government could also use the tool to determine if companies operating in deforested areas have the proper licenses.
Rauf Prasodjo, a research analyst helping develop the tool says the tool could help potential investors seeking certification for palm oil projects from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, an industry group promoting environmentally friendly palm oil development. They could enter the coordinates of their concession and determine vital information, such as the total amount of primary forest in the area.
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Keywords: Asia, deforestation, Indonesia, mapping, MRV, satellite map