Management of the ex peatswamp forest fire areas of Berbak-Sembilang, Sumatra, Indonesia

Grant Agreement nr. WGP1 03 GPI 10

Agreement holder: Wetlands International – Indonesia Programme

Country/region: Indonesia, South-east Asia

Activity period: 01/08/2001 – 30/06/2002

Objectives and results:

To develop strategies and a management plan for the fire damaged peat swamp forest area of the Berbak-Sembilang in order to reduce ecological impact and future fire risk and to restore its ecological function and conserve biodiversity

1. Identify site-specific impact of forest fire on the wetlands and peatswamp forests of the Berbak-Sembilang Ecosystem
2. Initiate coordination among stakeholders involved in the management of the damaged peatswamp forest in the Berbak Sembilang area
3. Develop a management plan for the fire-damaged peatswamp forest area of Berbak-Sembilang in order to restore its ecological function and conserve biodiversity.

Achieved:

The objective was largely achieved. Follow-up is secured through (co-)funding by CIDA, GEF and a proposal has been submitted for further funding from GPI (phase 2).

1. Detailed maps have been completed, based on existing maps, satellite interpretation and ground-truthing field surveys, identifying impact and extent of the damage caused by forest fires, as well as an assessment of potential fire risks peat areas.
2. Village-level and provincial meetings/workshops were held, enabling involvement of all stakeholders in the development of the draft management plan.
3. Only a draft management plan was produced, still requiring further review by the key stakeholders. As a consequence the management plan has not yet been submitted for official endorsement of the local authorities.

The project achieved a great deal and partly more than it set out to do. In addition to enhancing the knowledge base and local capacity for peatswamp forest management, restoration and fire prevention, the project has succeeded in interesting other donors to step in. GPI funding was instrumental for obtaining substantial (co-) funding by the Canadian International Development Agency (3,5 million Ca $) and GEF (US$ 100,705; pilot area of the Peat and Climate Change project, approved by GEF Secretariat in November 2002). The project also contributed to the development of a Water for Ecosystems project proposal (Euro 671,000), focused on the Air Hitam laut river basin in the Berbak area. Stakeholder coordination facilitated also joint fire fighting by local communities, government agencies and private sector in 2002. The survey and remote sensing results, the draft management plan and the enhanced awareness of stakeholders has laid a sound foundation for this and other follow-up work.