The Big Idea Funding Forest Conservation | Andika Putraditama | TED

Overview

This talk explores the critical role of forests and peatlands in mitigating climate change, the challenges of financing conservation, and the innovative Rimba Collective initiative. Andika Putraditama outlines how linking commodity production to ecosystem restoration can create a sustainable model for forest preservation and restoration.

Notable Quotes

- The products that you use every day, maybe the shampoo that you used this morning, might not reflect the true environmental cost behind them. – Andika Putraditama, on the hidden environmental impact of consumer goods.

- The climate-regulating function of a forest is called an ecosystem service, and I’m sure other services in your life, you must be paying for that, right? – Andika Putraditama, advocating for financial accountability in ecosystem preservation.

- 500,000 hectares sounds ambitious, but it should be seen as a starting point of what is possible if actors across the supply chain work collectively. – Andika Putraditama, on the potential of collaborative conservation efforts.

🌳 The Role of Forests and Peatlands in Climate Mitigation

- Forests and peatlands are vital carbon sinks, storing carbon accumulated over thousands of years.

- Agriculture, forestry, and land use contribute to 20% of global emissions, making forest conservation essential for combating climate change.

- Protecting and restoring ecosystems like mangroves and peatlands is critical to achieving a nature-positive future.

🛒 The Impact of Commodity Production

- Everyday products, such as those containing palm oil, are major drivers of deforestation.

- Palm oil is ubiquitous in consumer goods, making its complete elimination unrealistic.

- Companies have adopted no-deforestation policies, but these must be complemented by proactive forest protection and restoration efforts.

💰 The Conservation Financing Gap

- Forest conservation is severely underfunded, receiving less than 4% of global climate financing.

- Effective conservation requires significant investment, including infrastructure like watchtowers, vehicles, and water regulation systems for peatlands.

- There is a need to shift the perception of conservation from charity to a necessary cost of doing business.

🌱 The Rimba Collective: A Scalable Solution

- The Rimba Collective links companies’ raw material usage to conservation funding, creating a scalable and long-term financing mechanism.

- Companies contribute proportionally to their environmental impact, fostering shared responsibility across supply chains.

- The initiative aims to conserve 500,000 hectares of forest in Southeast Asia over 25 years, while supporting local livelihoods and protecting endangered species.

🚢 Challenges in Implementing Conservation Projects

- Identifying suitable forests with secure land management rights is difficult but essential for sustainable interventions.

- Many forests are in remote locations, requiring significant logistical efforts and partnerships with capable local organizations.

- Companies often underestimate the cost and long-term commitment required for effective conservation, necessitating a shift in mindset.