ENHANCING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF RUBBER PLANTATIONS IN THE TROPICS

Abstract

Rubber expansion is associated with multiple challenges including biodiversity loss, deforestation, and livelihood vulnerability. I recognize rubber as a driver of deforestation in tropical conservation landscapes. I detect persistent socio-economic and environmental risks in smallholder rubber and recommend agricultural advice, defined land tenure and productive clonal varieties as potential interventions to enhance sustainability. As the rapid expansion of more economically competitive oil palm is displacing rubber, I quantify the extent and rate of this conversion in Southeast Asia. Since such competition could drive further forest loss I evaluate rubber-associated deforestation and degradation and identify underlying drivers in Indonesia. Finally, I compare bird functional and phylogenetic diversity in agroforestry and monoculture rubber plantations in Thailand to determine which habitat structure and land-use characteristics support biodiversity. I emphasize that the most feasible interventions are urgently implemented for the protection of the natural environment and for enhancing the sustainability of the rubber industry.