Central Kalimantan Peatlands Restoration Project

Background

In Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, the peatswamps have been increasingly destryoyed by drainage, illegal logging and fire, which has impactd local livelihoods, the economy, and wildlife habits, along with contributed to greenhouse gas emissions. The Central Kalimantan Peatlands Project (CKPP) was started to respond to this problem. 

Goals & Approach

CKPP is a large-scale program that aims to both halt and rehabilitate the peatlands of Central Kalimantan along with protecting and regions biodiversity. This is achieved through a multi-pronged approach that includes damming drainage canals, planting commercially-important native tree species, and striving improve local socio-economic conditions while introducing sustainable agricultural techniques. 

Reported Takeways

The project has reported ecological benefits, including improving hydrology and protcting the region form natural threats such as fires, and socio-economic benefits, including improving economic stability and local livelihoods through climate stabilization, protection of agricultural, and enhanced cultural identity. The major lesson from the project was the benefit of raising regional and global awareness of the regions peatlands, which has increased the call for protection.