Illegal logging is a major environmental issue facing Indonesia, with the country losing more than 24 million hectares of forest to logging in the past twenty years, an area larger than the UK. As a result, Indonesia has become the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The majority of this logging is attributed to illegal practices, predominantly by overseas companies, mainly to produce timber and palm oil (used in food products and the production of diesel fuel). The companies' logging has mainly been facilitated by corrupt Indonesian politicians and officials, making it difficult to punish these crimes.
A significant effect of this illegal logging is the destruction of natural habitats for the various species found in Indonesia. Despite only covering 1.3% of the earth's land surface, Indonesia contains 10% of global plant species, 12% of mammal species, 16% of reptile species and 17% of bird species. The fact that Indonesia has a longer list of endangered species than any other country is a stark illustration of the toll illegal logging is having on the country's natural environment. Illegal logging also has a significant effect on the livelihoods of the Indonesians themselves, relying predominantly on the forest to survive.
As a result of logging, Indonesian Orangutans have been forced to take to water after losing their natural habitats.
Telapak is an Indonesian organisation operating in several islands to combat the prevalence of illegal logging. The organisation is focused on forest management in preventing Indonesia's natural environment from being destroyed. Telapak has recently partnered with the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), exposing the names of major illegal logging companies. Although, there has been little development in relation to investigations and arrests. However, EIATelapak has managed to secure 200,000 hectares of forest across Indonesia in recent years. This has come at the cost of various kidnappings and torture of several EIATelapak employees, illustrating the ruthless and extreme nature of these logging companies.
Potico is a new project set up to combat illegal logging and preserve forests through forest management and replanting projects.
Separables has been created in response to these environmental issues, using Indonesian Ecolabel Institute (LEI) certified wood and natural materials to ensure the production and recycle of these shoes is friendly to the environment. The LEI wood used in the shoes is grown in sustainable plantations in Indonesia, avoiding the destruction of natural habitats by using fair and sustainable forest management practices. It is through these methods that consumers of Separables shoes are actively able to support the preservation of forests and biodiversity, and also encourage rural communities to engage in eco-friendly practices. Separables aims to produce little mark on the natural environment, ensuring the preservation of our beautiful planet for future generations.
