Peatland Policy and Management Strategy to Support Sustainable Development in Indonesia

Abstract

The existence of peatlands plays a very important role both locally, regionally, and globally. Besides having an ecological function to maintain biodiversity and environmental balance, it also has its economic and socio-cultural functions. Furthermore, it has provided enormous benefits for life and has had positive social and economic impacts. Peat ecosystems have been damaged due to the mismanagement of land. Areas that play specific roles in its sustainability have been converted to lands for business activities, which contradicts their characteristic function. Land cover restoration policies will be useful for improving the quality of participatory-based land cover, protecting peat domes, and conserving watersheds (DAS). An increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which occurs due to insufficient peatland management is a serious threat to local communities and their livelihoods. Furthermore, the ecosystem can be conserved by ensuring that water is properly managed, drainage to cultivated areas is limited and peat swamp forest systems are protected. The application of eco-hydro technology can be beneficial to biodiversity as it minimizes degradation, reduces carbon emissions, and prevents fires.