Innovative Fiscal Policies Drive Forest Conservation in Thailand and Indonesia
In 2021, Thailand lost 68,750 rai due to urbanization and 5.406 million rai to commodity-driven deforestation. To counter this, Thailand's Royal Forest Department has taken actions such as forest land reservation, tree plantations, and community engagement. Indonesia’s Komunitas Konservasi Indonesia Warsi (KKI-Warsi) employs sustainable land practices, supported by public-private partnerships, incentivizing community involvement for forest preservation.
According to Global Forest Watch, Thailand lost 68,750 rai in 2021 due to urbanization and 5.406 million rai to commodity-driven deforestation.
In response, Thailand’s Royal Forest Department has undertaken significant measures like legislating to reserve forest land for conservation and promoting tree plantations.
Community participation and ecotourism play vital roles in this sustainable management.
The government also employs environmental commodity taxation and ecological fiscal transfers to incentivize local governments and communities for conservation efforts.
Similarly, Indonesia's Komunitas Konservasi Indonesia Warsi (KKI-Warsi) focuses on sustainable practices like eco-fishery, sustainable coffee cultivation, and edu-eco-tourism in forest-rich areas such as Jambi Province.
Supported by public-private collaborations, initiatives like the Pohon Asuh (Foster Tree) program encourage community involvement and financial backing.
This holistic approach aims to curb carbon emissions, prevent forest fires, and ensure the economic well-being of local communities.
By leveraging similar strategies, ASEAN countries can combat deforestation and nurture a sustainable future.