Impact of Logging and the Effective Ways to Prevent It

The impact of logging depends on the extent of logging. In the case of logging, exploitation often triggers extreme disasters. The environment and ecosystem structure are altered, threatening the sustainability of flora and fauna. Illegal logging can worsen natural disasters. Therefore, enforcement and prevention of illegal logging, supported by the implementation of a selective cutting and planting system, are necessary.

Impact of Logging

Logging certainly carries risks, especially if it's uncontrolled and involves upstream areas. Logging in protected forests and national parks also poses a threat. Nowadays, the driving force is not only timber sales, but also forest conversion for mining and oil palm plantations.

1. Floods

Floods and flash floods are among the main impacts of logging. Uncontrolled logging causes a drastic reduction in tree numbers. Severe flooding occurred because of a combination of illegal logging and heavy rainfall.

The drastic reduction causes rainwater can’t be absorbed optimally by tree roots. It simply sinks to lower areas and causes floods because the water stagnates. The condition worsens if rivers, reservoirs, or other water reservoirs are shallow or polluted. In areas with steep topography, the food currents are stronger because of the flow from upstream to downstream.

2. Landslides

Landslides are another major impact of logging. The risk of landslides increases if there is a drastic reduction in tree numbers. Rainwater that is not absorbed optimally by tree roots weakens the soil structure, leading to water saturation. This results in soil collapse and landslides. Areas with steep topography are particularly at risk due to the large number of landslide-prone areas on slopes.

3. Environmental Damage

Another risk of excessive logging is environmental damage. Excessive logging can develop into illegal logging due to violations of existing regulations. Forest areas become arid, the risk of flooding and landslides increases, and air pollution increases.

4. Ecosystem Damage

In line with environmental damage, the ecosystem is also damaged by excessive logging. Uncontrolled logging changes the structure of forests and the surrounding environment. The drastic reduction in tree numbers disrupts the bonds between flora and fauna. Habitats for various animal species are significantly reduced, sometimes even converted to mining or plantations.

Selective Logging and Planting System

The impact of logging can be reduced by controlling excessive logging. Furthermore, protected forest areas and national parks may not be logged or converted. Logging is permitted, but must comply with applicable regulations. The selective cutting and planting system needs to be socialized and strictly implemented to reduce risks.

The selective cutting and planting system is an effective solution for logging activities. Only certain trees may be felled, followed by replanting with new trees. Eligible trees are determined based on their diameter, condition, and growth stage (mature or immature). Planting spacing is also taken into account to prevent concentration in one area.

This will create productive and sustainable forests. The environment and ecosystem will be protected. Implementation of this system certainly requires the support of all involved parties, such as the government, the Ministry of Forestry, the forest area regulation task force, the attorney general's office, business actors, and managers of protected forests and national parks.

How to Stop Illegal Logging?

Deforestation occurs due to illegal logging for various purposes. Floods and landslides are triggered by a combination of natural factors and human activities. When heavy rainfall occurs, and triggered by deforestation and reduced water catchment areas, resulting in extreme impacts. Therefore, illegal logging must be stopped through the following effective ways.

1. Strengthen Regulation

Established regulations need to be updated to align with prioritizing the preservation and protection of forest areas. It includes protected forests and national parks. Not only regulations for logging, but include forest utilization and forest conversion must be strengthened. The strict regulation also includes strict legal sanctions.

2. Strengthen Monitoring in the Forest Area

Stopping illegal logging is effective if supported by strict oversight. This firmness can suppress illegal activities. Strict oversight and integrated law enforcement can stop bribery practices that perpetrate illegal logging.

3. Implement the Consequence

If there's evidence of a violation of regulations or illegal logging, it must be strictly enforced in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures. Otherwise, it won't have a deterrent effect, and other parties won't fear the sanctions.

The impact of logging is particularly threatening if massive logging and extreme weather occur. Besides to implementing prevention for massive deforestation, an early warning system is essential for disaster risk mitigation. Besides alarms or sirens, emergency messages are essential as a warning signal for providing comprehensive information.

An emergency message-sending machine based on Short Message Service (SMS) is available. It is able to sending real-time messages to mobile phones. This machine has a wide range of up to 2 km. The government can procure this specific machine to facilitate disaster risk reduction. Product photos and complete specifications can be found at smsbroadcaster.com.