Forest Fires Smoke in Riau

The Greenpeace ship MV Esperanza tours Indonesia to witness the massive conversion of tropical forests for oil palm plantation and to expose the ongoing forest destruction for timber. The rapid conversion of forests and peatlands for oil palm and pulp plantations, and logging, is a major driver of deforestation in Indonesia. The carbon released by these activities make Indonesia the third largest greenhouse gas emitter on the planet. The majority of Indonesia's palm oil exports are destined for China, Europe and India. Greenpeace states that it is crucial that Indonesia's forests are protected from the rampant expansion of the palm oil and pulp industries in order to combat climate change, stop biodiversity loss and protect the livelihoods of forest-dependent peoples. Greenpeace is calling on the Indonesian government to implement an immediate moratorium on all forest conversion, including expansion of oil palm plantations, industrial logging, and other drivers of deforestation.