SST INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT

TOPIC : FOREST TRANSFORMATIONS IN JAVA

GROUP - 2

Team Members: Nikhil, Rosita, Affan, Ali, Moulya, Mukul, Namratha, Poorvitha,
Pranathi, Punya
OBJECTIVES:
• Introduction on evergreen forest
• Introduction on forests of Java
• The impact of human activity on forests in Java
• How changes in land use has impacted the forests of Java
• How changes in Agriculture has impacted the forests of Java
• How changes in Industry has impacted the forests of Java
• Transformation of forests in Java, from pre-colonial to post-
colonial times
• Comparative and contrastive study of the conversion of forest into
agricultural land and the need
• History of forest transformations in Java
• How forest transformations in Java has impacted the environment
 Tropical Evergreen Forests

Tropical evergreen forests are the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems on Earth.
Java's Forests, with over 3,000 species of plants and 500 species of birds, are a prime
example of this.
● Tropical evergreen forests receive high rainfall and warm temperatures year-round,for
example Java's tropical evergreen forests receive an average of 2,500 mm of rainfall
per year and have average temperatures of 25-30 degrees Celsius.
● These forests are also important for regulating the climate and absorbing carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere. Java’s forests play an important role in regulating the
climate of South East Asia.
● They absorb rainwater and release it slowly into streams and rivers, hence, they are
important for water regulation in many areas.
Introduction on forests of Java
• Java, the densely populated and agriculturally vibrant island of Indonesia, boasts a rich
tapestry of forests that have played a pivotal role in shaping its ecological, cultural, and
economic landscape.
• As a major component of Indonesia's diverse archipelagic terrain, the forests of Java have
witnessed profound changes over the years, driven by factors ranging from historical
land-use practices to contemporary environmental challenges.
• One cannot escape the mesmerizing symphony of sounds that resonates through the
forest—a harmonious blend of chirping insects, melodic birdsong, and the occasional
rustle of leaves as wildlife moves gracefully through the underbrush.
• Java's forests are not only a haven for biodiversity but also a source of livelihood for
local communities. Many people living in the vicinity of these forests rely on them for
resources such as timber, non-timber forest products, and traditional medicines.
 Impact
Impact of HumanActivity
of Human Activity on
inthe
theForests
Forestsof Java
of Java
Human activity has had a significant impact on the forests of Java. The impact of deforestation
on Java has been severe. The effects of this are:

● The loss of forests has resulted in a decline in biodiversity, with many species of plants aIn
the period 1950–2017, 35% of the national territory (over 66 million of hectares) has been
affected by deforestation at an average rate of 985,200 ha/year
● The island's forest cover has decreased from over 90% in the 18th century to less than
20% today.
● The loss of Forests has also resulted in many species of plants and animals becoming
extinct or endangered. Some examples are the Javan Rhinoceros, the Javan Leopard, the
Javan Gibbon, the Javan langur and more.
● In East Java, 438.1 hectares per year comprising of 5.7% or 25.1 hectares per year of
primary forests have been lost due to the effects of previous deforestation.
● The island also 770 metric tons of topsoil in 2010 as direct result of deforestation.
HOW CHANGES IN LAND USE HAS IMPACTED THE
FORESTS OF "JAVA'​
Changes in land use have had a profound impact on the forests of Java. As one of the
most densely populated islands in the world, Java has seen significant transformation of
its landscape over the years. Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and industrial
development have led to deforestation and the conversion of forested areas into cities,
farmlands, and infrastructure.​
The most striking consequence of this land use change is deforestation. Vast swathes of
Java's once lush forests have been cleared to make way for agriculture and human
settlements. This has not only led to a loss of biodiversity but has also disrupted the
delicate ecological balance in the region.​
Furthermore, land use changes have increased the pressure on Java's remaining forests,
leading to issues like illegal logging and forest degradation. These changes have resulted
in soil erosion, reduced water quality, and increased the risk of landslides, negatively
impacting both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities..​
Historically, agriculture in Java has undergone significant changes, impacting the island's forests.
The conversion of forests to agricultural land, particularly for the cultivation of crops like rice and
coffee, has been a major driver of deforestation. This process has been accelerated by population
growth and the need for more arable land.
• Impact on Biodiversity: The conversion of forests to agricultural land has led to the loss of
biodiversity in Java.
Species that were once native to these forests are often displaced or face habitat
Fragmentation.
• Policy and Conservation Efforts: Efforts have been made to address deforestation and promote
sustainable agriculture in Java.
Government policies and conservation initiatives play a crucial role in mitigating
agricultural changes on forests.
 Changes in industry that impacted the forest of java​

• The expansion of industrial activities, Such as logging and

agriculture, has led to significant deforestation in Java, resulting in
the loss of valuable forested areas.​
• Some industrial possesses release pollutants in air and water,
affecting the quality of environment and potentially harming the
forest and their ecosystem. ​
• As industry expands, forested lands are often converted for
industrial use, reducing the overall forest cover in Java.​
• Some industrial activities, like agriculture , can increase the risk of
forest fire , which can devastate large areas of forest in Java.​
Transformation of forests in Java, from pre-colonial to post-colonial times

Pre-Colonial Era:
In the pre-colonial period, Java's forests were predominantly managed by indigenous communities with deep-rooted
ecological knowledge. These societies, often organized around agricultural practices, had sustainable methods of
resource extraction. Traditional agroforestry systems, such as shifting cultivation and swidden agriculture, allowed
for a harmonious coexistence between human communities and the forest environment.

Colonial Period (Dutch East Indies):

With the arrival of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, Java underwent significant changes in land
use. The Dutch introduced large-scale plantation agriculture, including tea, coffee, and rubber, leading to extensive
deforestation. This marked the beginning of a transformation where the forests became a source of revenue for the
colonial powers.
.
After gaining independence in 1945, Indonesia, including Java, faced the challenge of rebuilding and
development. Rapid industrialization and population growth increased the demand for land and resources.
Forests continued to be exploited, leading to concerns about environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity
FOREST TO FARM: BALANCING ACT​
Comparison ​
1.Purpose:​
•Forest to Agriculture: create
farmland for food production.​
•Need: resource demand​
2. Impact:​
•Forest to agriculture:
deforestation, habitat loss​
•Need: balance resource demand
with sustainability.​
Contrast ​
1.Process:​
• forest to agriculture: clearing, tree removal​
•Need: promote sustainable agriculture​
2. Ecosystem:​
•Forest to agriculture: biodiversity loss.​
•Need: priorities conservation and responsible land​
3. Sustainability:​
•Forest to agriculture: profit-driven.​
•Need: focus on sustainability for future generations.​
4. Policy:​
•Forest to agriculture: stricter deforestation regulation​
•Need: emphasize responsible resource management.​
​
​
 How forest transformations in Java has impacted the environment?

Forest transformations in Java have had significant impacts on the environment, including
deforestation, biodiversity loss, and altered carbon cycles. Here is a brief overview :
1. Deforestation and Land Use Change:- Java has experienced extensive deforestation due to
agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development. The conversion of forests into
farmlands and settlements disrupts local ecosystems.
2. Biodiversity Loss:- Forest transformations have led to the loss of critical habitats for
numerous plant and animal species. Java's unique biodiversity is threatened by these changes.
3. Carbon Sequestration:- Forests play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide. The
reduction in forest cover in Java contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
BIBILOGRAPHY:

• Cribb, Robert. (2000). "Historical Atlas of Indonesia." Curzon Press.

• Boomgaard, Peter. (2003). "Frontiers of Fear: Tigers and People in the Malay World, 1600-1950." Yale University
Press.
• Li, Tania. (1999). "Compromising Power: Development, Culture, and Rule in Indonesia." Cultural Anthropology,
14(3), 295–322.
• Elson, R. E. (1994). "Suharto: A Political Biography." Cambridge University Press.
• Peluso, N. L., & Vandergeest, P. (2001). "Genealogies of the Political Forest and Customary Rights in Indonesia,
Malaysia, and Thailand." Journal of Asian Studies, 60(3), 761–812.
• Dove, M. R. (1985). "Swidden Agriculture in Indonesia: The Subsistence Strategies of the Kalimantan Kantu'."
Dordrecht, Foris Publications.
• Sodhi, N. S., & Brook, B. W. (2019). Southeast Asian biodiversity. In Routledge Handbook of Southeast Asian
Development (pp. 189-199). [DOI or URL]
• Meyfroidt, P., et al. (2020). Deforestation in an era of globalization. Nature, 7698(555), 27-34. [DOI or URL]
• WWF. (2018). Living Forests Report: Sustaining People and Planet. World Wide Fund for Nature. [URL]
• van der Werf, G. R., et al. (2009). CO2 emissions from forest loss. Nature Geoscience, 2(11), 737-738. [DOI or URL]
• Margono, B. A., et al. (2014). Primary forest cover loss in Indonesia over 2000-2012. Nature Climate Change, 4(8),
730-735. [DOI or URL]
• Geeks For Geeks