Tropical Forest Biodiversity to Provide Food, Health and Energy Solution of the Rapid Growth of Modern Society

Abstract

Indonesia is home to some of the most magnificent tropical forests and a unique biological richness. The major forest types of Indonesia range from evergreen lowland forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan to seasonal monsoon forests and savanna grasslands in Nusa Tenggara and alpine areas in Papua. Indonesia also contains the most extensive mangrove forests in the world, estimated at 4.25 million hectares in the early 1990s. The value of biodiversity to provide alternative solution to the basic human needs(food, health and energy) is not being explored yet. Sago forest in Papua, wild species of palm in East Nusa Tenggara and nipahalong the coast, and diverse species on lowland forest of Sumatera should have a potential value for future food alternative which could be dedicated to adapt and mitigate global climate change. Diverse plant species and microbial genetic resourceshave medicinal properties and may provide solution to the current and future health issues. Furthermore, biomass include micro- algaecontain oil thatmay be used as raw materials for biodiesel. Some wild plant species can easily be converted to monomeric sugar whichshould be of interest for future feedstock of biomass base energy production and avoiding conflict with food production, while improving quality of the environment.