The Demise of the Forest People

By Katherine A. Kurth, Tomika M. Haller, Annalisa L. Sharkey

Abstract

In this case study, the complexity of the Malaysian palm oil industry is examined through the perspective of various stakeholders, namely, villagers, corporations, orangutans, smallholders, conservationists, and an average consumer. Students learn about the plight of the orangutan and the environmental impacts of the palm oil industry but also understand the influence of global markets and the effect of their own purchases. Students are challenged to make ethical decisions, propose policy recommendations, and examine their own contributions to the demand for palm oil. The aim of the case is to provide students with tools to personally champion change. The case is appropriate for undergraduate students in wildlife, ecology, biology, or related classes but can also be tailored for advanced high school science courses.

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Date Posted

05/07/2018

Overview

Objectives

Identify the stakeholders involved in and affected by the palm oil industry.
Compare and contrast the viewpoints and drivers of each stakeholder.
Interpret the environmental effects of the palm oil industry.
Analyze personal contributions to the demand for palm oil.
Devise a plan for how to personally help conservation efforts and reduce palm oil usage.
Examine current environmental mitigation techniques and policies.

Keywords

Orangutan; palm oil; Malaysia; stakeholder analysis; wildlife conservation; slash and burn farming;

Subject Headings

Agriculture

Ecology

Economics

Environmental Science

Interdisciplinary Sciences

Natural Resource Management

Wildlife Management

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF, Word, Excel

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Policy issues, Social justice issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Discussion

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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Materials & Media

Supplemental Materials

The following files are used with this case study.

Videos

Peatlands in Indonesia, Beyond the Burning Issue
This video outlines the issues involved with slash and burn deforestation of the Malay Archipelago. Of particular value is the animation (from 3:35–5:45 min) explaining the effects of development on storage and release of carbon in peat forests. Running time: 14:53 min. Produced by The National Council for Climate Change (Indonesia), 2014.