Abstract

The destruction of forests in oil fields is a problem in remote regions of the tropics. Extensive damage occurs particularly when compared to the relatively small forest clearings required for most oil field installations. This paper examines how Lasmo Oil (Malacca Strait) Ltd. used a simple model of forest conservation management to understand the causes of forest disturbance. The model is then used to develop a comprehensive strategy of forest use planning and protection practices.

Initiated in 1989, the current achievements of the Lasmo forest conservation program are described. The results show that by using the comprehensive strategy derived from the management model a considerable reduction in off-site forest destruction has been achieved.

The paper concludes that to reduce forest destruction occurring beyond company boundaries, which is associated with oil field development, conservation management programs must give equal consideration to the local constraints imposed by institutional, ecological and socioeconomic systems. Also, to be effective the programs must achieve a balance between community-oriented programs for environmental awareness and education, and forest protection and enforcement activities.