42 million hectares of intact forest exist within commercial concessions across SE Asia—an area larger than Malaysia—but face conversion pressure from logging and agriculture. Current carbon credits sell at $5–$12/ton in SE Asia, while conservation requires prices 3–140 times higher, making carbon markets alone insufficient without complementary financing.
Carbon Markets Alone Can't Save SE Asia's Forests, Study Finds
Forest loss threatens water security, food systems, and livelihoods for millions across Southeast Asia dependent on ecosystem services.