Peatlands and Their Relationship with Poverty Levels in Riau Province

Abstract

The relationship between the existence of peatlands and poverty levels is very important to study. The aim of this study is to identify the area of peatland in Riau Province and its use and its relation to social and economic issues in the community as a basis for compiling long-term peat ecosystem utilization policy scenarios. The data collected for this study consisted of spatial data such as peat hydrological unit determination maps, administrative maps, and other types of maps as well as non-spatial data such as regional development planning documents, strategic environmental studies, and various other scientific publications. The results of the analysis were verified through focus group discussions and multi-party public consultations. The results of the study found that Riau Province has 4.9 million hectares of peatland, but 79.96% of the land has been converted, especially oil palm plantations. The results of the regression analysis showed that the area of peatland in Riau has a positive interaction with poverty levels. However, the increase in the proportion of plantations on peatlands over the past 2 decades has had a negative interaction with poverty levels. This contradiction is very important to note for further management and in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), so that the potential trade-off between the economic benefits of plantations on peatlands and sustainable environmental management can be minimized.