Taking action for biodiversity
The world is experiencing a biodiversity crisis. Significant loss of species, ecosystems and genetic diversity is human-induced and represents, together with climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our time. Biodiversity is vital for a healthy and resilient world, and for human health and wellbeing. By enforcing sourcing practices in line with Forest Stewardship Council® for the wood materials which enter our supply chain, the IKEA business can help to take action on biodiversity.
Forests are crucial for biodiversity
Forests cover approximately 30% of the world’s land area. These vital ecosystems with varied habitats are home to many species living on land. Addressing deforestation and engaging in reforestation and afforestation efforts are vital for preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
IKEA continues to collaborate in projects with others to support actions that help to protect biodiversity globally, going beyond our own business. Special focus is given to how biodiversity efforts can be monitored and made more efficient.
We also extend these efforts beyond our value chain, to ensure that we not only contribute to societal benefits but also gain insights we can apply to our raw material sourcing and potentially strengthen ecosystems connected to our operations.
Bringing Borneo's rainforest back to life with Sow a Seed
Over the span of more than 25 years, together with our partners, we have protected 18,500 hectares of heavily degraded rainforest in Borneo, Malaysia. This number includes the restoration of over 14,000 hectares. From the start, approximately 700 individuals have been involved. This project, known as “Sow a Seed,” is one of the world’s largest reforestation projects with a focus on bringing back biodiversity and has now been given the highest protection status in Malaysia. IKEA has funded and actively supported the project with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Sabah Foundation, a Malaysian government organisation.
As a result of assisting the natural forest regeneration and replanting over five million nursery-produced seedlings of over 90 indigenous species of trees, other species have followed to recreate a forest ecosystem which in many ways is close to the original. And most importantly – wildlife has started to return to the area, including pygmy elephants, orangutans, clouded leopards, and hornbills, as well as other rare species spotted using camera traps.
One of the major components of the project has been research activities. Data from more than 20 years exists, bringing important learnings in terms of carbon storage, ecosystem integrity, water quality, and much more. Researchers are actively involved in the project to support the development and to gain and share knowledge. One such activity is a post-doctoral position, funded by IKEA, which will determine the amount of carbon stored and measurable biodiversity gains.
“The Sow a Seed project offers important lessons in terms of carbon storage, ecosystem integrity, water quality, and much more. The most important conclusion is that it is possible to regenerate rainforests and restore biodiversity.”