Central Kalimantan Peatlands Project

Central Kalimantan Peatlands Project

BACKGROUND

The Central Kalimantan Peatlands Project (CKPP) grows out of an increasing recognition at the local, national and international levels of the urgency of halting and reversing degradation of the peatswamp forests of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Drainage, illegal logging and fire devastated the area’s peatswamps in recent decades, and the impacts on local livelihoods, the broader economy and critical wildlife habitats have been staggering. 

GOALS & METHODS

The  Project aims to restore degraded peatlands and protecting remaining peatswamp forests. The area is located on land where the peatswamps were drained for rice cultivation.  Run as part of a consortium of five organizations: University of Palangky Raya, Wetlands International, CARE Indonesia, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Indonesia, BOS Foundation) and funded by the Dutch government, the project actions include damming drainage canals to restore the hydrologic conditions, controlling fire, introducing sustainable agriculture techniques, and revegetation of cleared areas with native tree species.

CONCLUSION & TAKEAWAYS

Project organizers estimate that their actions have halted four million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Since 2006, more than 50,000 ha have been restored, but project proponents stress that restoration is still urgently needed on at least 12 million hectares of degraded peatland in Indonesia.

 

Reference: 

“Restoration Resource Center Indonesia: Central Kalimantan Peatlands Restoration Project.” n.d. Accessed December 29, 2019. https://www.ser-rrc.org/project/indonesia-central-kalimantan-peatlands-restoration-project/.

Affiliation: 

  • University of Palangky Raya
  • Wetlands International
  • CARE Indonesia
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - Indonesia
  • BOS Foundation