One Third Of Borneo Rainforest Receives Permanent Protection

Rainforests once covered 14% of the earth's land surface; now they cover a mere 6% and experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years. In fact, every minute across the world, nearly 150 acres are destroyed. Makes you pause and consider, doesn't it?
It came with great relief when I read today that nearly one-third of the Borneo Rainforest is receiving permanent protection. A tri-country declaration between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia will conserve nearly 220,000 square kilometers of this rich diverse region. It's a welcome change: since '96, "deforestation across Indonesia has increased to an average of 2 million hectares per year and, today, only half of Borneo's original forest cover remains."
The island is home to 13 species of primates, 150 species of reptiles and amphibians, over 350 species of birds, and around 15,000 species of plants, and continues to be the source of many new discoveries - more than 50 new species were discovered last year alone.
So there you have it! A little good green news to continue your day with. There's still a massive uphill battle to preserve the world's last remaining Rainforests; especially in South America where gas pipelines are the latest threat. However, with green initiatives receiving more awareness and the fragility of such ecosystems gaining recognitiion, I'm hopeful we can turn the tide of destruction before it's too late. Hit the article for more!
via Hippyshopper
Tags: Activism, borneo, Conservation, green, Outdoors, rainforest
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