SNC1D Science Journal

Background

Borneo’s rain forests are one of the most diverse ecosystems. Multiple different species are losing their homes due to the deforestation in Borneo. Some are even on the edge of extinction such as orangutans and elephants. Also, with the loss of trees and oxygen, and island risks, the island is becoming not safe for citizens. Unfortunately, the trees only grow in tropical forests. This causes major deforestation.

If the palm oil industries continue with this method, Borneo would be put at high risk for climate change, floods, forest fires, human health, and changes in agriculture. Borneo has lost half of its forests due to palm oil plantations, among other things in the last century. These industries make it very clear that they have no respect for the land or animals.

My Goals

My goals to save these forests from deforestation are to raise money to plant trees and to stop using palm oil altogether. By planting trees, the animals would be gaining back their homes. It would not be entirely the same as before but it’s a step closer.

If we don’t use palm oil anymore, what’s the point of producing it? You can help save these forests by simply looking at containers labels and looking for different oils, oils that do not take our forests away.

I would also like to create fundraisers and donation centres to help these communities affected. Many communities are being forced out of their homes and aren’t left with what they are promised. They are forced to buy new homes.

My Team

I have chosen the ‘Borneo Project’ to help me on this plan. The Borneo Project is an organization of indigenous communities in Borneo. They have come together to save their land. They are educating the world about what is happening and asking for help. They want a peaceful world.

I really like how they are spreading awareness. They include many photos and video on their website and it’s heartbreaking. They allow lots of ways for people internationally to learn about their land and what’s happening. They have also set up a donation space to go towards helping their home.

I have also chosen the Health in Harmony organization. Health in Harmony is an organization dedicated to reversing global heating. They address the health of people, ecosystems, Etc. Health in Harmony wants to end the forest loss in Borneo. They look for solutions to problems that lead to forest loss.

I chose Health in Harmony because their plan is very simple and straight forward. They want to provide healthcare to those who are not safe and cannot afford the expensive hospitals provided to them. They are helping the humans and animals. They also want to help find alternatives for the people doing the work. “Many people who clear forests do so because they lack access to more sustainable jobs. We respond to this need through programs that provide training, assistance, and money to people who want to switch careers” they say. They aren’t taking it out on the enemies. They understands everyones needs.

Both of these teams already have sources up to help these forests. They have the same ideas I do. I think it would make working them very easy.

Resources

In order for this plan to succeed, we need a lot of people’s help. We will need lots of donations and help to plant the trees. We can gather communities in the areas to help plant trees.

We will also need to contact companies and get them on our side. We can try to convince companies to stop using or supporting palm oil in their products. We will also need donations and fundraisers to raise money for the communities in Borneo.

Team Timelines

I think by the time we start the fundraisers and get enough money to start planting trees, it will be around the 7-month mark. Once we plant the trees it will be around the 8-month mark.

The tricky part would be to convince people to stop buying products with palm oil. This could take years. It all depends. It could take a year to convince a single company to stop supporting palm oil.

In conclusion, I think this plan could take a couple of years, maybe 4. In the end I really think it is worth it. These communities deserve to have a home. They should not have to be threatened by these palm oil industries.

Citations

https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/borneo_forests/borneo_deforestation/?

https://borneoproject.org/