Global Aspirations to Local Actions: Can Orangutan Save Tropical Rainforest?

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2008

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Abstract

"Flagship species are important icons for the international conservation lobby, because they are appealing, and need intact ecosystems for their survival. Orangutans are one such flagship species. However, its habitat continues to be threatened by development plans of both governments and companies. A pulp and paper company adjacent to the Kutai national park in East Kalimantan, complained that orangutans are increasingly a problem, destroying the young acacia trees of the plantation. To explore possible solutions they initiated discussion including a range of stakeholders to develop an orangutan survival action plan. This study presents the views of stakeholders on the importance of orangutans and conservation in general. We also examine examples from elsewhere in Indonesia to analyze the different approaches used by and incentives for stakeholders to participate in saving the flagship species and its habitat. "We conclude that international lobby and attention to flagship species does not reach the local stakeholders nor automatically translate into similar vision of stakeholders closest linked to the use and management of the flagship species habitat. This lack of interest and understanding leads to denial of the problem, limited understanding of the extend of the problem or partial solutions. International lobby will put pressure on big companies to adapt better practices, but the risks exists that they look for easy solutions and transfer the responsibility. The local government and population often perceive conservation as contradictionary to development and of limited direct value. "What is needed in improve joint responsibility for public good such as conservation area? A mix of attention, incentives and pressure will be needed to ensure that key stakeholders to go beyond quick and superficial solutions."

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stakeholders, orangutan, conservation, global commons--policy, forests--tropics, IASC

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