Progress towards adopting low-carbon agriculture on peatlands for sustainable development in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia, progressing towards sustainable development, faces the complex task of transitioning to low-carbon agriculture in peatlands, an essential part of broader sustainable objectives. Under the Paris Agreement, it targets a conditional 41% emission reduction, focusing on minimizing emissions from peat decomposition and fires within agricultural practices in peatlands. This paper explores the complexities and progress of low-carbon agriculture in peatlands, underscoring its significance in the larger sustainable development agenda. Our study reveals that current strategies to reduce carbon emissions in peatlands aim at restoring their natural waterlogged conditions. Yet, progress is hindered mainly due to an inadequate understanding of greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands and overlooking their unique features, which leads to overestimated emissions from agricultural use. For improved strategies, it’s important to analyze successful existing sustainable practices and enhance understanding of peatland ecology. Techniques like the “Water Management Trinity,” implemented since 1986, and eco-management emphasize the importance of using permanent water gates to maintain water levels optimal for both peat preservation and crop production. Over time, these practices modify peatland attributes, making emissions comparable to those from mineral soil, thus rendering low-carbon agriculture attainable. It’s vital for stakeholders to assess emissions with updated data, incorporating detailed information on peatland characteristics and emissions. The journey towards low-carbon agriculture in Indonesia’s peatlands is a complex endeavor necessitating the amalgamation of scientific research, sustainable practices, and socio-economic development. Adopting a holistic approach can strike a balance between agricultural productivity, peatland conservation, and climate change mitigation, fulfilling sustainable development goals in Indonesia and globally.