Forest Tenure

Fire in the wet tropical climate of Indonesia is not a new phenomenon. The 'Great Fire of Borneo' in 1982-83 was one of the worst fire events in recent decades. Small holders clearing land for cultivation were primarily blamed for starting fires that rapidly spread out of control. Subsequent fires linked to El Nino-Southern Oscilation occurred in 1987, 1991 1994 and most recently in 1997-98.