Finding Strategies for Peatland Rehabilitation; Agroforestry Systems on Various Types of Peat Depth in Three Villages in Central Kalimantan

Abstract

Peatland rehabilitation is an urgent need in order to minimize the effects of peat degradation and to support climate change mitigation. However, the rehabilitation of degraded peatlands still faces many obstacles. This study aimed to study the agroforestry system on peatlands applied by traditional communities as an effort to discover a peatland rehabilitation strategy. This research was conducted in the Pilang, Tanjung Taruna, and Kalampangan villages from February to August 2019. The data in this study were obtained through field observations, interviews with the community, and Focus Group Discussion. The data was then synthesized using descriptive statistics. The results of data analysis showed that in the study area, six types of agroforestry systems were found. Communities develop different agroforestry systems at various types of peat depths. Farmers develop vegetable and fruit-based agroforestry on shallow peat, rubber-based agroforestry, annual crops and fruit on medium peat, fruit and rubber forestry plants on deep peat. Most farmers planted endemic species including Rubber (Havea braziliensis), Galam (Melaleuca leucadendra) and Gerunggang (Cratoxylum arborescens). The results of this study can be adopted as a peatland rehabilitation strategy since they are in accordance with the socio-culture of the local community and capable to accommodate economic and conservation interests