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Climate changes
Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest tropical forest cover in the world. These forests serve as the lungs of the Earth, providing habitat for millions of plant and animal species while helping to balance the global climate. Spanning over 120 million hectares, Indonesia’s forests support highly diverse and complex ecosystems that are critical to both biodiversity and planetary health.
However, not all forests are in the same condition. In the context of ecology and conservation, forests are generally divided into two main types: primary forests and secondary forests. These two forest types have different characteristics, functions, and ecological values.
Primary forests are natural forests that have never been significantly disturbed by human activity. They develop naturally without interference from agriculture, logging, or infrastructure development. Typically, primary forests are the original habitats of endemic species and possess very stable ecosystem structures.
Some relatively intact primary forest areas can be found in Lorentz National Park (Papua), Leuser Forest (Sumatra), and parts of Central Kalimantan and West Papua. These areas are usually the focus of conservation efforts due to their high ecological value.
Secondary forests are forests that grow back after disturbances such as logging, fires, or land clearing. These forests are usually the result of natural regeneration or human reforestation efforts after damage occurs to primary forests.
Secondary forests are commonly found in areas previously subjected to land clearing or logging, such as in East Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, and parts of Sumatra. Although not as robust as primary forests, secondary forests still play a crucial role in environmental stability and the local economy.
Primary forests have a complex and multi-layered vegetation structure. They include towering trees, epiphytes, and lower shrubs. In contrast, secondary forests have a simpler structure due to the dominance of fast-growing species.
Primary forests boast significantly higher biodiversity due to the absence of human disturbances. Meanwhile, secondary forests, being in recovery, have more limited plant and animal species.
Primary forest ecosystems are more intact and stable. Secondary forests, on the other hand, are still in the recovery phase and tend to be ecologically imbalanced.
Primary forests play a crucial role in maintaining global climate balance, storing large amounts of carbon, and protecting water sources. Secondary forests also serve ecological functions such as reducing erosion, storing water, and providing wildlife habitats, although not as effectively as primary forests.
Primary forests are home to many endemic and rare species that cannot be found elsewhere. In contrast, secondary forests are usually dominated by generalist species and have lower biodiversity.
These form naturally over very long periods without human intervention. This process creates highly stable and complex ecosystems.
These arise from the recovery of ecosystems after disturbances. Regeneration can occur naturally or with human assistance, such as through reforestation and agroforestry.
Primary forests often fall victim to land clearing and illegal logging. Such activities convert primary forests into secondary forests or barren land.
Rehabilitation and restoration efforts are essential to rebuild the ecological functions of damaged land. Secondary forests are often the result of these efforts.
Primary forests are untouched ecosystems that play a vital role in maintaining global environmental balance. Their preservation is critical for the health of the planet.
Although regrown, secondary forests still offer many ecological and economic benefits. They play an important role in supporting sustainable development and local livelihoods.
Despite their importance, both primary and secondary forests face growing threats due to human activities and climate pressures.
To protect forest ecosystems, a range of conservation efforts are being implemented by various stakeholders, from governments to grassroots communities.
Understanding the differences between primary and secondary forests enables communities and policymakers to make better decisions in forest management. Protecting primary forests and optimizing the functions of secondary forests are crucial for environmental sustainability and future generations.
Primary and secondary forests both play equally important roles but have different characteristics and ecological values. Protecting primary forests is key to preserving biodiversity, while secondary forests offer opportunities for environmental recovery and community livelihoods. Both types must be managed sustainably to ensure long-term environmental health.
A primary forest is one that has never experienced significant human disturbance and develops naturally.
Younger vegetation, lower biodiversity, and formed after disturbances to primary forests.
Because they are home to rare and endemic species and store large amounts of carbon.
Not entirely, but with long-term restoration, a secondary forest can resemble the structure of a primary forest.
By avoiding illegal logging, participating in reforestation, and supporting sustainable forest products.
Jejakin’s green programs combine high-tech monitoring, biodiversity restoration, and community-led initiatives to deliver powerful, sustainable change across ecosystems.
