Borneo, the Southeast Asian island known for its lush rainforests, has lost half of its forest cover since the 1930s, threatening the habitat of endangered species like orangutans and impacting carbon storage. To address this issue, the non-profit organization Health in Harmony (HIH) has implemented a chainsaw buyback scheme in Borneo.
The scheme, launched in 2017 under the name Alam Sehat Lestari (ASRI), encourages farmers to surrender their chainsaws in exchange for financial support to establish sustainable livelihoods. Farmers who engage in illegal logging are offered around $200 for their chainsaws, along with up to $450 to start alternative businesses such as organic farming or beekeeping.
HIH recognizes that many farmers turn to logging due to financial needs, including healthcare expenses. By providing access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, HIH aims to address the root causes of deforestation. The organization works closely with communities near the Gunung Palung National Park in Indonesia, where logging is illegal.
One of the key initiatives of HIH is the establishment of a medical center near the national park, which has led to a significant drop in infant mortality rates. The center accepts non-monetary payments such as seedlings, manure, and rice husk, which contribute to reforestation and sustainable farming efforts.
Furthermore, the medical center offers discounts to villages that demonstrate a reduction in illegal logging activities. A study conducted by researchers from Stanford University in 2020 revealed that the clinic, along with conservation and alternative livelihood programs, resulted in a 70% decrease in deforestation over a decade, protecting over 27.4 square kilometers of rainforest.
