In Memoriam: Emerald of the Equator

THE climate change conference started in Bali at the beginning of this week. Attending this important event are about 10,000 people, representing 190 countries of the world. During the two-week conference, delegates will discuss several major issues, including carbon trading. One can be forgiven for not knowing much about the subject.

Carbon trading is one of many efforts to save the earth from the threat of global warming. Carbon must be kept in the bowels of the earth, so it does not escape into the air, increasing the temperature and melting the polar icecaps.

At the conference, Indonesia plans to propose a scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and degradation of her forests known by its acronym, REDD. This is a type of incentive for each hectare of carbon-saving in the forests and peatlands. Yet, what can Indonesia really offer when chainsaws are still cutting down trees everywhere? How much of our forests remain? Tempo reports from the heart of the jungles in Riau, Kalimantan and Papua.