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The jungles of Kalimantan suffered from a large-scale fire in 1997

that was caused by El Nino.

The fire partially resulted from the jungles being subjected to producing goods

that we use on a daily basis. There is not any hope for the forest to recover.

What can we do in these circumstances?

The forest fire was partly caused by the soil becoming dry and easy to burn. This was a result of the development of a canal for exporting large quantities of lumber and palm oil. Japan is the major destination for these exports. There are a number of commodities with names like hand-friendly palm-oil soap and body-attentive palm. They are not expensive and seem to be good for the health. Demand for them is large and exports expand. The people of Kalimantan develop Kalimantan excessively in order to export more. I do not buy products from excessive development in order to stop this cycle. When we buy commodities, we express our approval that includes the production process. I would also like to consider "green purchases".

Forest fires have also destroyed the orangutans' habitats. In addition, young orangutans are illegally caught to sell to pet shops. Japan receives the largest number of these illegal exports. It is said that the poachers catch baby orangutans alive after killing the parents that get in their way. Even if the babies are sent back to Kalimantan when we find out that they are smuggled animals, they cannot return to the jungle at once. They do not know how to live as group members in the jungle. A large portion of the jungle has been burnt away which makes things even worse. At least let's stop buying and keeping illegally imported orangutans. Please access "Saving Orangutans from Fires" and "Orangutan Survival Foundation" for more information on orangutans.

Various research is being conducted to find effective means for regrowing the forests. The plant in the picture is one of them. It may be useful for this purpose. Trees have been burnt down and the soil has also been burnt in Kalimantan. Therefore, it is very difficult to regrow the forests. I would like to provide assistance for any possibility of forest recovery. I can collect and spread information on the present situation and connect necessary human resources, assistance, and materials with the local personnel. If you are interested in this, then please refer to sites such as "Tropical Rain Forest Action Network" and contact the relevant research institutions and NGOs.

Researchers engaging in a forest recovery project at Palangkaraya University are considering laying tram railways to make inspection visits to the jungle including portions already burnt and those surviving that are exposed to the possibility of illegal cutting. They say that this is to patrol the protected area from the viewpoint of research, and it is also helpful for inviting as many people as possible. This will increase people's awareness of the present situation in the jungle and the importance of environmental conservation. It costs about one million yen to lay 1 kilometer of railways. They intend to accept tourists with an eco-tourism program in the region where railways have already been laid. Then they will apply the program fees received to extending the railways. I am considering asking friends of mine to participate in this tour when the program starts.

Another cause of the jungle fire was El Nino as it prevented the rainy season from coming to Kalimantan. El Nino, a natural phenomenon occurring once every several years, has appeared frequently in recent years because of global warming. El Nino may come even more and more frequently. It will cause a fire if it comes again now, just as it did in the past. I can help to prevent this by avoiding, as much as possible, the use of things that accelerate global warming. I cannot, however, do without electric power and cars. I would like to do without artificial energy as much as I can, by utilizing things like man-pulled carts.

Palm trees absorb the jungle groundwater and make the soil dry and easy to burn. Nevertheless, people plant many of these trees because they make a lot of money. They grow very fast and palm oil can be collected when they become three years old. People need other jobs that produce enough money to live in order to protect the jungle from fires. Rattan products are among items for which the demand is expected to increase. Rattan is not yet known in overseas markets. Rattan makes curry tastier. Are there any stores that sell rattan products? Personal import could be one means of introducing them.

Kalimantan culture could produce enough money for the local people to support themselves without illegal jungle cutting or palm tree planting. Music is one possibility. Tunes played on original musical instruments are very expressive and could fascinate many people. Tunes could be recorded on compact disks for selling in every corner of the world. The proceeds could be support many people. Concerts and musical events could be held for eco-tourists. There should be a number of items still unknown such as textiles, dyed goods, craftwork, and paintings unique in Kalimantan. It may be possible for me to introduce Kalimantan culture for the purpose of helping the local people support themselves by using their own culture.

Power for protecting your native area and culture includes the ability to look ahead to the future. If people do not recognize the imminent effects of illegal cutting and large-scale development of the jungle, they will not be aware of anything until they are faced with a grave situation that cannot be solved. This also applies to me, living in Japan. Japan is a wealthy country and has a great influence on the people of other countries. We need to equip ourselves with the power of foreseeing the future and acting accordingly. I welcome comments and recommendations from readers of this page.