The
Sumatra Merang Peatland Project is
restoring more than 22,900 hectares of peatland rainforest in
Indonesia. Protecting an area more than 3.5 times the size of
Manhattan, the project targets the Merang biodiversity corridor, one
of the largest and deepest peat swamps in South Sumatra.
The project at a glance
22,934 ha
protected and restored
31 species
endangered protected
7.8 million
tons of CO₂ avoided
145 locals
directly employed
12 fisherman
supported
25% of jobs
held by women
Why we chose it
Peatlands have a high carbon stock and are important carbon sinks,
so ensuring that emissions from fires and further degradation is a
key tactic in the fight against climate change.
Annual
gross emissions from Indonesian forests and peatlands already exceed
their gross removals, which is largely from industrial conversion
and fires on unmanaged areas. Through peatland restoration, active
forest patrols, biodiversity preservation, and community
development, the project directly contributes to climate mitigation,
conservation goals, and biodiversity objectives in a way that
empowers local communities.
Ecological impact
Regeneration and regrowth of natural vegetation.
Peatland restoration through the creation of long-term
compaction dams.
Habitat restoration for unique and endangered species such as
the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros hornbill and sun bear.
Community impact
22 residents enrolled in continuing education programs.
210 children enrolled in after school programs.
88 people are provided with employment, teacher training,
farming or fishing livelihoods.
Implementing partners
The Sumatra Merang Peatland Project is implemented on the ground by
PT Global Alam Lestari
and Forest Carbon. Forest
Carbon restores tropical wetland forests, and is a leading technical
project developer in Southeast Asia. PT GAL is an Indonesian company
licensed to hold and manage forest concessions, specializing in
restoration, ground operations, and logistics.
