Last week we brought you news of the devastating forest fires which have ravaged Indonesia and Kalimantan in particular, and caused havoc with both the local people and wildlife in the country. However, this week we are bringing you some good news! The forest fires are finally being extinguished and life in Indonesia is returning back to normal!
Over the last week persistent rains have helped to clear the air across vast swathes of the country which was previously coated in a thick haze due to the smoke from the fires. The fires, which were amplified by the El Nino phenomenon, are being brought under control by the start of the wet season in South-East Asia.
In Indonesia, the disaster agency spokesmen Sutopo Purwo Nughro said that recent rainfall on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo has dramatically reduced the smoke and that even more precipitation was predicted. He also said that affected communities had “welcomed this with joy and said grace after two months of being held captive to haze.”
Residents in the city of Palangkaraya have expressed relief at being able to see blue skies for the first time in months and schools which had previously been closed for health reasons have been able to reopen. Over the past couple of months the fires were so widespread and the smoke they created so prominent that Indonesia overtook the USA as the second largest producer of C02 being released into the atmosphere. These two months of additional pollution increased worries about global warming, and as a result climate change.
The fires may be under control and close to being fully extinguished, but the ongoing effects of them will still be felt for months to come. The Orangutans in Indonesian Borneo still drastically need your help. A huge amount of forest has been destroyed by the blaze and this means that a large number of Orangutans have been displaced from their homes. Volunteers are still needed and will play a crucial role in helping the Orangutan sanctuaries such as IAR and Samboja get back on their feet after a huge increase in their workloads. The sanctuaries need your help so find out how you can volunteer here, and with 15% off our Orangutan projects in celebration of Orangutan Awareness Week there has never been a better time to do it. Make a difference now!
Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.
Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.
Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.
Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.
Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...
Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...
Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...
The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...
The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...
As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...
Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...