In the 25 years between 1985 and 2001, more than half of protected lowland forests in West Kalimantan, Indonesia were lost due to illegal logging. In an attempt to understand the root cause of this concerning trend, Health in Harmony collaborated with local communities in the region. Their research revealed that many people turned to illegal logging as a means of covering healthcare expenses. These costs included healthcare services, transportation costs to access them, food and housing expenses, as well as the loss of income while unable to work due to illness.
In response to the community’s needs and to protect the forests, Health in Harmony partnered with the district government and national park management to establish a local health clinic in 2007. The clinic accepted non-cash payments such as seedlings and handicrafts and provided discounted care based on the volume of logging in a patient’s community. Additionally, conservation programs were implemented and educational activities and training on sustainable livelihoods were offered to create long-lasting impact.
Thanks to these initiatives, over 28,400 individuals accessed healthcare services at the clinic, resulting in a reduction of deforestation by 70%. These success stories demonstrate how climate change mitigation can have a positive impact on health across various sectors. By implementing similar programs on a larger scale, governments have an opportunity to secure a sustainable future for all people.
