Cultivating non-timber forest products

Introduction

Indonesia is home to the largest area of tropical peatland in the world. Most of this habitat occurs on the islands of Sumatra, Borneo and New Guinea. While New Guinea still hosts large areas of forested peatland, Sumatra and Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) have lost around 70 % of their peat swamp forest over the past 30-40 years.

Description

Deforestation, drainage and peat fires in Indonesia are responsible for a significant proportion of global CO2 emissions from land-use; drainage alone causes annual emissions of almost half a billion tonnes of CO2 (Dommain et al. 2012). With growing global demand for palm oil, the clearance and destruction of valuable peatlands is happening at an ever increasing rate. Oil palm and pulp plantations cover nearly 20% (2.2 million ha) of western Indonesia’s peatlands (Miettinen et al. 2012a) and the remaining peat swamp forests suffer from illegal logging and fire. If these conditions continue, peat swamp forests are predicted to disappear in western Indonesia by 2030 (Miettinen et al. 2012b). Many indigenous people suffer from poverty in the absence of sustainable land-use options on drained peatland. Although new plantations can offer employment and income, the loss of traditional livelihoods is an on-going challenge. In addition, the new infrastructure of plantations brings more people, and competition, into remote areas. The loss of soil fertility and rapid peat degradation associated with drained peatland will not only lead to more poverty but also the loss of habitable land.

Restoration Delivered

The establishment of trial plantations of various peat swamp forest species on rewetted peatland is a critical step to further identify and widen the suite of highly valuable species. This step is also required to engage local people in possible paludiculture businesses that would counteract poverty and thus increase the value of peatlands in general.

Site Activity

Restoration and paludiculture can be used to overcome peatland degradation and reduce poverty levels. By rewetting the land, the peat can be conserved and CO2 emissions can be substantially reduced. This action reduces the likelihood of peat fires and associated haze, leading to direct health-benefits for the local people. The cultivation of native swamp forest trees for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) offers an attractive source of income and, in addition, reforestation can help restore peatland hydrology, microclimate and biodiversityExamples of successful cultivation of native swamp trees are Jelutung (Dyera polyphylla; for latex), Tengkawang (Shorea spp.; for butter fat, oil) and rattan palms (Calamus spp.; for furniture, bags, mats). Another interesting tree for cultivation is Gemor (Alseodaphne coriacea). The bark of this tree is widely used as a mosquito repellent but, because it has become an important source of income, populations of Gemor are often overexploited. Cultivation would counteract the population decline and secure the supply of its bark.
{"zoom":6,"lat":-0.789275,"lon":113.921327}

Project Name: Cultivating non-timber forest products

Organisation / Lead partner: University of Palangka Raya

Approximate area covered: 59968 ha

Predominately: Lowland

    Digger being used to carry out peat bog restoration. Photo: Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
    Adoption of University of Cumbria PhD student’s carbon calculator brings national and international significanceThis week University of Cumbria and Barker and Bland Ltd.’s innovative carbon calculator has been…
    Image advertising launch of the CivTech Round 10 Challenge
    CiVTech innovators leading drive for advances within Peatland and Woodland Carbon CodesBringing efficiences to the Peatland Code and Woodland Carbon Code is the focus for three…
    Interior of the Virtual Peatlands Pavilion, showing the information desk with a giant dragonfly and globe suspended above it.
    Embark on a voyage of discovery with the Virtual Peatlands Pavilion 2025 world tour To raise awareness of the global distribution and importance of peatlands, the Virtual Peatlands…
    Image of a computer screen displaying a survey
    Public Consultation for Biodiversity Quantification MethodologyThe Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code are pleased to announce their public consultation…
    Image of machinery being used on a peatland to restore the habitat
    Natural Resources Wales announces new funding for peatland restorationA new restoration fund, managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), was launched this week in an…
    The IUCN UK Peatland Programme team at the base of Kinder Scout
    Reflecting on 2024: a busy year for peatlandsAs the year draws to a close, the IUCN UK Peatland Programme looks back on 2024.
    Four people in outdoor clothing looking out across a peatland landscape. Image credit: Mark Reed
    Help answer the question: Do investors undervalue the social impact of peatland projects in the UK when making investment decisions?Business professionals at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership are seeking…
    Photograph of Cornwall Sustainability Awards on a table with a screen in the background
    Big Win for Cornwall’s Peatlands at Local Sustainability AwardsThe South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) has been recognised at the 2024 Cornwall Sustainability…
    Aerial image of hagging on a damaged blanket bog landscape. Image credit: Mark Brown
    Technical review of remote sensing for UK peatlandsThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme has commissioned a technical review of the potential and…
    Salmon leaping out of the water. Image credit Stephen Barlow
    New species showcase - Atlantic salmonThe latest in our series of species showcases celebrates the Atlantic salmon and the role that…
    Exterior view of Virtual Peatland Pavilion showing four large domes in an urban landscape
    New Virtual Peatland Pavilion launched for COP29To raise awareness of the global importance of peatlands during COP29, the latest pavilion has been…
    Cover image for 'The most important plant in the world' showing the film's title in yellow text over a background of Sphagnum moss
    Specially commissioned film celebrates 'The most important plant in the world'The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has commissioned the first in a series of short films, celebrating…