The Inequity Implications of Peatland Conservation Policies

Abstract

Implementation of conservation policies can result in negative impacts and exacerbate existing disparities, yet studies of these risks in peatland communities are minimal. This chapter identifies the equity implications of peatland conservation policies on local communities and suggests appropriate policy directions. The study is based on field work and a survey of 63 randomly selected households (22% of total households) in a multi-ethnic village of Riau Province, Indonesia that has both peatland and non-peatland. Analysis reveals that the make-up and efforts of the local firefighting group, the Masyarakat Peduli Api (MPA), do not include all villagers, suggesting that only specific villagers make an effort to participate in peatland conservation activity. Participation in Livelihood Improvement Programs is also limited, with high-earning households that own non-peatland benefiting the most, thus threatening to accelerate existing economic disparities. There is a strong need for policies and programs that mitigate and correct these disparities while taking into account the diverse nature of peat communities and fires.