Abstract:
Lowland peatswamp ecosystems are the largest among the major forest formations of
Riau Province. This Province, located in Sumatra island, still remained the large blocks five
of natural peatswamp ecosystem. One of them, officially declared to become the world
heritage in May 2009, is Giam Siak Kccil-Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve. For the future those
of peatswamp ecosystem remnants will be considered to get more advantages through trade
carbon mechanism. Moreover this fragile ecosystem is vitally linked to environmental and
conservation issues, as well as its economic value for human survival. Their unique
ecological features, as well as logistical difficulties in accessing and utilizing peatswamps,
have not, however, deterred exploitation. Overlapping land use between protected areas and
developed areas has appeared. Most of the natural peatswamp ecosystem has been converted
to oil palm and acacia plantation. Even though the development on peatswamp ecosystem has
brought in a lot of profit, but the effect of development has also brought the degraded
environment as the results of poor management and ignore the ecological characteristic of
these ecosystem. Conversion of large amount of land has had a dramatic impact on
environment not only of the local area, but also of the regions surrounding the land globally.
The changes have resulted in the detrimental development of peatswamp and huge
degradation of the natural resources particularly the forest. Ecological information is needed
urgently by decision-makers and land-owners, who may be contemplating conversion of
natural peatswamp ecosystems to other land uses, to improve the conservation policy and best
management practices for the wise use of this ecosystem. The paper provides an overview of
peatswamp ecology with recommendations for avoiding or reducing potential ecological
impacts associated with peatswamp development in this area, including to give more pay
attention on a policy of being proposed moratorium or conducting careful principle on
managing peatswamp towards a balance of economic endeavor and natural dynamics of
Riau's peat swamp. The development should be equal to its restoration and conservation
issues as well.
