PEAT SWAMP FORESTS AND CARBON STORAGE IN RIAU BIOSPHERE RESERVE: WITH INITIAL RESULT FROM RESTORATION ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The Riau Biosphere Reserve covers a total area of 698,663 ha and was established in 2009 as an effort to conserve tropical peatlands and promote sustainable development. This study highlights remaining natural peat swamp forest have distinct forest type formations, high biodiversity and stores a huge amount of above-below carbon need to be conserved. Above-ground biomass and carbon storage are highly influenced by forest cover. Below ground stored carbon is different in each land use, even if these land use have already changed from forest to agriculture. Multipurpose tree species was used in restoration. All methods of propagation were applied to ensure continuous supply of seedlings such as wildings, cuttings, and seeds. In general, survival rate of seedlings decrease after ten month planted. We planted tree species which have both economic values (i.e. timber and non-timber forest products) and ecosystem services values such as Dyera lowii, Tetramerista glabra, Callophylum lowii, Palaquium sumatranum, Palaquium burckii, and Cratoxylon arborescens. More than their potential to generate income from carbon storage and other ecosystem services.