Forest Conservation: A Vital Step Towards Sustainable Health in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

In the years between 1985 and 2001, over 60% of protected lowland forests in West Kalimantan, Indonesia were lost to illegal logging. In response to this alarming trend, the non-profit organization Health in Harmony sought to understand the reasons behind it by consulting with local communities in the area. They discovered that many people turned to illegal logging as a means of paying for healthcare costs. These costs included expenses for healthcare services, transportation to access these services, food and housing, and loss of income while unable to work due to illness.

In order to address these issues and protect the forests, Health in Harmony partnered with the district government and national park management to establish a local health clinic in 2007. The clinic accepted non-cash payments such as seedlings and handicrafts and provided discounts on care based on the volume of logging in a patient’s community. Additionally, conservation programs were implemented and educational activities and training on sustainable livelihoods were offered to create long-lasting impact.

Thanks to these efforts, over 28,400 people were able to access healthcare services at the clinic and deforestation was reduced by 70%. These success stories illustrate the potential for climate change mitigation to positively impact health across various sectors. Through the implementation of similar initiatives on a larger scale, governments have the opportunity to secure a sustainable and livable future for all.