Indonesia plans to rezone a significant portion of Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra for carbon trading and luxury tourism, a move officials say will generate funds for conservation efforts. Critics warn the plan could fragment critical habitat for endangered species and raise concerns about transparency and equitable benefit-sharing.
Rezoning Plan Details
The proposed rezoning would more than halve the park’s strictly protected core area from 59,935 to 27,661 hectares (148,103 to 68,352 acres), while expanding its utilization zone nearly tenfold from 3,934 to 32,091 hectares (9,721 to 79,299 acres), according to a Ministry of Forestry document. The core zone, currently a continuous block, would be divided into three separate sections.
Concerns for Wildlife
Environmental experts and activists fear the changes could harm critically endangered species like Sumatran elephants, tigers, and rhinos. Experts suggest carbon projects and reforestation efforts could reduce food sources for elephants and worsen human-wildlife conflict. The Wako–Way Kanan landscape within the park is part of the historical range of the critically endangered Sumatran rhino.
Government Rationale
President Prabowo Subianto’s administration views Way Kambas as a “pilot” for carbon trading and ecotourism within national parks, aiming to generate revenue for conservation. A recent regulation has opened protected areas to carbon trading, and a new task force has been created to innovate park financing and management. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that national parks should be “profit centers,” not just expenses.
U.S. Lobbying Involvement
Tempo magazine reported that former U.S. diplomat Karen Brooks has been involved in the Way Kambas carbon and tourism projects, meeting directly with President Prabowo and lobbying for the legalization of carbon trading and the rezoning of parts of the park.
Funding and Transparency Issues
Indonesia is seeking to become a major supplier of carbon credits, but has struggled to achieve its ambitions, with fewer than 2.8 million credits sold out of 90 million offered. Concerns have been raised regarding transparency in how carbon revenues will be used and whether they will truly support conservation and local communities. Way Kambas National Park had a budget allocation of roughly $1.3 million in 2021, significantly less than the estimated $10-$11 per hectare needed for adequate management.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Proponents suggest that premium tourism could generate significant revenue, potentially transforming the park into a “flagship tropical rainforest safari destination.” However, critics argue that such tourism may only benefit the wealthy and could exacerbate existing issues like encroachment and human-elephant conflict. Aida Greenbury, a sustainability expert, emphasized the need for public consultation and the free, prior and informed consent of affected communities.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
