CURRENT SITUATION OF PEATSWAMP ECOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT IN RIAU PROVINCE, SUMATRA-INDONESIA

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.