Dynamics, Degradation and Future Challenges of Wetlands in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This paperaims to analyzedynamics, degradation and future challenges of wetlands in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Research methods using Focus Group Discussion (FGD), research data and information are processedusing SPSS program. There are four dominant types of wetlands in South Sumatra, namely lebak swamps, tidal swamps, rivers, lakes, and peatlands. The area of lebakswamps has dominantly increased from year to year, while other wetlands have decreased extensively over the years. All species living in wetlands have decreased in number; the most dominant decline was experienced by fish, gymnosperm and fern and at least in moss and angiosperm. The main causes of wetlands degradation are weaken forcement and legal compliance of inadequate policies, reclamation and excessive drainage. Current efforts to protect the wetlands are restoration, groundwater control, fish population conservation and wetland reserves.