AreaIndonesia

Commodity GroupOilseeds, oils and meals

CommodityPeatland

Date01/02/2018

Policy CategoryOther

Policy InstrumentEnvironmental policy

DescriptionChannelled USD 21.7 million in state funds to the governors of seven provinces designated as priority intervention areasfor field programmes to accelerate peatland restoration.

NotesFurther to setting up, in 2016, an agency responsible for coordinating the restoration of damaged peatland (see MPPU Feb.’16), in February 2018, the Government channeled USD 21.7 million in state funds to the governors of seven provinces designated as priority intervention areas for field programmes to accelerate peat restoration, a civil society group reported. The provinces concerned are Central, West and South Kalimantan, South Sumatra, Riau, Jambi and Papua. The drainage and subsequent burning of peatland for agriculture and plantations represent a major source of carbon emissions. On a related note, a group of Indonesian researchers has developed a methodology for mapping peatland using remote sensing technologies, combined with established on-the-ground measurements. Reportedly, measuring the extent and depth of peat soils is essential for assessing ecological damage resulting from disturbances. Allegedly, the Indonesian Government intends to use the new methodology in the protection, sustainably management and restoration of peatland areas.