Commentary: Playing With Fire - The Economics and Network of Fire and Haze

CIFOR’s research project focusing on Riau, Sumatra, shows that a number of actors – large and small - are involved in burning land and forest. These actors benefit directly and indirectly from the business of fire, enjoying profits and economic rents at the expense of environmental quality. CIFOR initial findings show that the value of land cleared by fire is $900 per hectare, which increases to $3,800 per hectare for land planted with oil palm.