Indonesian authorities have paused a vast land-clearing project once called the world's largest deforestation project. The country reached rice self-sufficiency about three years early. As a result, about 4 million acres of rainforest, swamp and peatland may be spared. The final fate of the land is still undecided.
Why it matters: Keeping peatlands and forests intact protects wildlife and keeps large amounts of carbon out of the air.
Indonesian authorities paused a large land-clearing project after reaching rice self-sufficiency about three years ahead of schedule, potentially sparing around 4 million acres of rainforest, swamp and peatland. The long-term fate of the areas remains unclear.
Why it matters: Protecting peatlands and forests keeps large carbon stores in the ground and preserves habitat.