Innovations for financing wise use of peatlands in Indonesia

摘要

Since publication of the PEAT-CO2 Report by Wetlands International,Delft Hydraulics and Alterra Wageningen University,there has been much discussion on the shocking data it revealed,especially that Indonesia had become the third largest emitter of CO2 in the world as a result of peatland degradation and associated fires.At CoP13 of the UNFCCC that was held in Bali in December 2007 the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry acknowledged the issue firmly and published its own report,which integrally included the data of the PEAT-2 Report,thereby opening the way for constructive action to deal with this issue.Some of the drivers behind the problem are large-scale and rapid development of oil palm plantations on extensive areas with thick deposits of peat,development of unsustainable pulp tree plantations (e.g.Acacia spp.) and poverty of local communities,which forces them into unsustainable exploitation to maintain their livelihoods.