Forest protection in the Asia-Pacific region
Syahir Syah, WWF-Indonesia Communication Officer in Kapuas Hulu, Indonesia
© WWF-Canon/Jikkie JONKMAN
The livelihoods of many of the people in Australia's region depend on their continued access to the natural environment.
We aim to support and strengthen communities, civil society organisations and governments to protect and manage their natural resources. Our work focuses on complementing local knowledge with expert advice, where necessary, for scientific research, conservation management and conservation planning.
WWF-Australia supports WWF offices in the South Pacific and south-east Asia by helping to secure funding, providing technical or strategic advice, monitoring on-ground activities and undertaking project analysis.
Snapshot of our activities
Forests of Melanesia
The forests of Melanesia contain the world's second largest block of unbroken tropical rainforest, more orchid species than any place on earth, with vast areas of savannah woodland and essential habitat for migratory birds.
WWF is working on a range of activities with local communities. One objective is sustainable forest management in which we support and promote sustainable and certified forest management for both timber and non-timber forest products.
Another objective is to develop community-based, sustainable non-timber forest products, such as Eaglewood, that benefit the livelihoods of local communities while protecting the forests on which they depend.
Post-tsunami reconstruction
WWF internationally is involved in facilitating the sustainable reconstruction of areas affected by the 26 December 2004 Asian earthquake and tsunami disaster.
WWF-Australia is responsible for coordinating the global WWF response to the disaster, incliding the preparation of Green Reconstruction Guidelines for the region, which include the Timber for Aceh initiative.
The guidelines are aimed at helping people to build strong communities while protecting the province's rich wildlife against mass deforestation and inappropriate use of its resources.
