Between 1985 and 2001, more than 60% of protected lowland forests in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, were lost to illegal logging. This devastating trend prompted the non-profit organization Health in Harmony to investigate the root causes of the issue. What they discovered was that many local communities turned to illegal logging as a means to cover their healthcare expenses. This included the costs of healthcare services, transportation to access these services, as well as basic necessities like food and housing that were impacted by loss of income while individuals were unable to work due to illness.
In response to the community’s needs and to protect the forests, Health in Harmony partnered with the district government and national park management to establish a local health clinic in 2007. The clinic innovatively accepted non-cash payments like seedlings and handicrafts and provided discounts on care based on the level of logging activity in a patient’s community. The organization also implemented conservation programs, offered educational activities, and provided training on sustainable livelihoods to create long-lasting impact.
As a result of these interventions, over 28,400 people were able to access the clinic, and deforestation in the region decreased by 70%. These successful case studies demonstrate that climate change mitigation efforts can also have positive impacts on public health. Scaling up initiatives like these could be crucial in ensuring a sustainable future for all.