Title
Alternative futures for Borneo show the value of integrating economic and conservation targets across borders
Author(s)
Runting, R.K.;Meijaard, E.;Abram, N.K.;Wells, J.A.;Gaveau, D.L.A.;Ancrenaz, M.;Posssingham, H.P.;Wich, S.A.;Ardiansyah, F.;Gumal, M.T.;Ambu, L.N.;Wilson, K.A.
Published
2015
Publisher
Nature Communications
Abstract
Balancing economic development with international commitments to protect biodiversity is a global challenge. Achieving this balance requires an understanding of the possible consequences of alternative future scenarios for a range of stakeholders. We employ an integrated economic and environmental planning approach to evaluate four alternative futures for the mega-diverse island of Borneo. We show what could be achieved if the three national jurisdictions of Borneo coordinate efforts to achieve their public policy targets and allow a partial reallocation of planned land uses. We reveal the potential for Borneo to simultaneously retain [sim]50% of its land as forests, protect adequate habitat for the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), and achieve an opportunity cost saving of over US[dollar]43 billion. Such coordination would depend on enhanced information sharing and reforms to land-use planning, which could be supported by the increasingly international nature of economies and conservation efforts.
Keywords
Biological sciences;Ecology
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PUB15702