Peatland Protection and Restoration in West Kalimantan

Located in West Kalimantan, a 11,848-hectare timber plantation concession holds significant ecological value with more than 48 recorded flora and fauna species, including IUCN-listed species such as the endangered Southeast Asian Box Turtle, Greater Green Leafbird, and the vulnerable Rhinoceros Hornbill. The concession is primarily composed of peat swamp ecosystems, of which 22% is classified as protected peat dome by law.

Despite efforts to operate within regulatory frameworks, the concession faced numerous challenges:

• Biodiversity Risks: Habitat disturbance from timber plantation operations threatened unique flora and fauna.
• Peatland Constraints: The complex and fragile nature of peat ecosystems made timber plantation management costly and unsustainable.
• Fire Vulnerability: Approximately 30 hectares of peatland experienced fires in 2019 despite prevention and mitigation measures.
• Carbon Emissions: Continued deforestation and degradation of peatlands risked significant greenhouse gas emissions.

The concession holder, supported by Gaia Indonesia, is conducting preliminary feasibility assessment for transitioning from timber plantation operations to a conservation-focused model, leveraging carbon finance to protect and rehabilitate peatland ecosystems while creating community benefits.

• Peatland Protection: Safeguarding 9,231 hectares of peatland, in addition to the legally mandated 3,049 hectares, preventing deforestation and conserving biodiversity.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Implementing rehabilitation programs for degraded peatlands, enhancing their capacity for carbon sequestration and water regulation.
• Carbon Credit Generation: Developing a carbon project under robust standards, ensuring high-quality credits to sustain conservation efforts financially.
• Community Engagement: Introducing livelihood programs to support local communities and promote sustainable practices.