Indonesia's old-growth forests are facing significant challenges, as a study revealed that deforested land is often left idle and subsequently used for new palm oil plantations, contributing to the destruction of important forest ecosystems. Similarly, in Colombia, deforestation has reached historic lows, marking a 36% decline in 2023, with the government attributing this positive shift to reduced environmental destruction in the Amazon rainforest. The conservation of old-growth forests and natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change impacts. In a separate study, scientists in South Africa discovered that active termite mounds in an arid region are over 30,000 years old, underscoring the resilience and significance of ancient ecosystems. These stories emphasize the importance of protecting and preserving old-growth forests and their unique ecological contributions.