National Nature Conservation Day, IPB University Expert: Protect Forests for Sustainable Energy
The observance of National Nature Conservation Day every August 10 serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of preserving forests as the foundation of life. In addition to safeguarding biodiversity and water availability, the condition of forests in upstream areas also determines the sustainability of renewable energy, particularly hydroelectric power plants (PLTA).
Dr Nyoto Santoso, Chief of the Conservation of Forest Resources and Ecotourism Department at IPB University, explained that water resources are formed through ecological and hydrological processes within a watershed. The condition of the forest ecosystem is a key factor determining both the quality and quantity of water.
“The greater the forest cover and the better the forest quality, the more water resources are stored within the forest ecosystem,” said Dr Nyoto.
He elaborated that rainfall in the watershed area can be stored within the forest ecosystem and seep into the ground to become groundwater. Dense vegetation cover also helps reduce surface runoff. Therefore, well-preserved forests can serve as a lifeline, particularly in safeguarding water resources.
Forest Degradation Threatens Energy Supply
Dr Nyoto explained that forest degradation in upstream areas can undermine energy security. This situation leads to a decline in water availability, while river flow becomes unstable and can drop drastically during the dry season.
“The kinetic energy of the water flow needed to drive PLTA turbines will decrease, meaning that the amount of electricity generated will also decrease,” he explained.
Forest degradation can also increase the risk of erosion and flooding during the rainy season. Furthermore, it diminishes the quality of ecosystems that support biodiversity and reduces the forest’s ability to provide food, medicinal resources, water, pest and disease control, and other ecosystem services.
Conservation Requires a Collective Effort
To ensure the sustainability of forests and energy, Dr Nyoto believes the government needs to carry out rehabilitation and restoration efforts, enhance oversight, monitor forest cover periodically, strengthen public education, and enforce the law against those responsible for forest destruction.
The private sector and the public must also contribute through rehabilitation, tree planting, agroforestry, and protecting forests from illegal logging, fires, encroachment, and the theft of biodiversity.
“Let’s work together to protect our forests from the threats of illegal logging, forest encroachment, biodiversity theft, and forest fires,” urged Dr Nyoto. (Fj) (IAAS/HNF)
