Publisher :
Place of publication :
Publication year : 2008
Thematic : Wetlands and Peatlands
Language : English
Note
Peatlands are the most efficient terrestrial ecosystems in storing carbon on earth.
Approximately 50% of worlds� total tropical peatlands are located in Central Kalimantan.
Peatland degradation, deforestation and fires cause these areas to contribute significantly
to greenhouse gas emissions. International investors and development agencies
recognise the potential cost efficiency of avoided further carbon emissions at relatively
low costs. Such measures, however, cannot be effective without the full support of local
communities.
The objective of the study is to estimate the socio-economic value of peatland resources
in Central Kalimantan from the perspective of local communities. Several issues were
studied such as the socio-economic situation of communities living in degraded peatlands,
the attitudes on peatland conservation and restoration measures, and the compensation
needed by local farmers to contribute to peatland restoration.
The study concluded that many local farmers find it difficult to make a living from the
infertile peatlands, which are not very suitable for agriculture. They are therefore willing
to switch to more sustainable practices such as reforesting part of their land, but only under
the condition that their income levels do not decline.
Furthermore, the study makes a number of recommendations for peatland conservation
measures to be effective, such as the need to create more awareness among local communities
about the benefits of conservation, the need to create a system of secure tenure
rights and reduce the risk of food and income shortages, as well as the opportunities for
setting up compensation schemes in return for collaboration of the local farmers. NGOs
proved to play a crucial role at present, although further coordination of their activities is
required.
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Keywords : Marine protected area
Encoded by : Pauline Carmel Joy Eje
