Preparing for REDD scheme trials in Indonesia
| | MSI has a current AusAID funded project developing an integrated catchment management plan for the Sebangau River, Central Kalimantan. The project links to the broader consideration of climate change and developing alternative land/forest management policies. |
Indonesia’s status as the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases (behind the USA and China) has focused national and international attention on its forest management practices. Tropical forest land in Indonesia includes more than 120 million hectares of the world’s most biologically diverse habitats. Yet forestry and agriculture are significant sources of social and economic well-being. Climate change is increasing the probability of damaging forest fires and consequent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Central Kalimantan (home to iconic species such as the Orang-utan) is particularly exposed with more than 50 giga tonnes of carbon stored in its peat forests.
| | The Centre for International Cooperation in Management of Tropical Peat land (CIMTROP) has a research station at the end of this railway. It has current programs examining ecological impacts of deforestation. |
The Indonesian archipelago supports a diversity of cultures, religions, languages, and customs, barely constrained by a central government presiding over 33 provinces. The need to provide employment opportunities to poor communities favours land clearing for palm oil plantations and logging for timber production. These activities are increasing contrary to the need to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD).
In Indonesia, forestry and land clearing contribute to more than 80 per cent of its GHG emissions. Australia (through its Department of Climate Change) is assisting Indonesia to develop and apply policies for climate change mitigation through the Indonesia Australia Forest Carbon Partnership.
| | Monash University, AMSAT project staff, and CIMTROP leader (Dr. Suwido) at CIMTROP headquarters, Palangka Raya. AMSAT International is assisting MSI with project logistics in Indonesia. |
Effective policy development (to reducethe effects of climate change) will be influenced by the integration of social, environmental and economic issues as presented below. Science is clearly important in understanding the influence of climate on the dynamics of peat forests and of carbon cycling. However, acceptable REDD policies must deliver social and economic benefits at least equivalent to current forest and land management practices. Drivers of public perception including language, culture, ethnicity and religion, will influence community support through informal and formal political processes. These political processes link with legal frameworks to guide development of alternative sustainable livelihoods and effective environmental policy aimed at reducing GHG emissions.
| | Dr. Craig Thorburn of Geography and Environmental Science in the peat forest, Central Kalimantan. |
The Monash Sustainability Institute is developing multi-disciplinary projects involving the Faculties of Science, Law, Business and Economics, Engineering, and Arts to inform climate change policy development and application in Indonesia and in other countries in the region. It is collaborating with partner institutions in Indonesia including the National Council on Climate Change (DNPI), the Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), the University of Gadjah Mada, and the University of
Palangka Raya. A recent Monash delegation to Central Kalimantan and Yogyakarta examined requirements for REDD scheme trials particularly community-level engagement for alternative policy development.
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