Peatland Fires Research Articles

Perceptions of farmers regarding peatland restoration model of paludiculture in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Peatland fires are a common problem requiring urgent and comprehensive action. Therefore, this research aimed to examine perceptions of farmers regarding paludiculture model in peatland restoration efforts. The methodology used was a case-study design, while sampling was carried out with a deliberate method, producing a total of 50 farmers. Data analysis was performed through tabulation followed by interpretation using Likert tables. Statistical tests were conducted with chi-square, multiple linear regression, and logistic analysis. The results showed that perceptions of farmers were in a good category, with the influencing factors being social, economic, and environmental. Efforts made by the government and academics produced significant results regarding the factors influencing perceptions to adopt paludiculture model. Adopters were divided into five categories of farmers with the largest number being the initial majority, namely 23. Chi-square analysis identified variables strongly related to perceptions of farmers, including income, production amount, and education. The decision of farmers depends on the assessment of perceptions regarding the paludiculture model. In conclusion, the paludiculture model is a solution for making informed decisions to sustain peatland and yield significant profits for farmers.

Community empowerment for reducing the risk of peatland fires in the wetland area of South Kalimantan

Fires that continue to occur in the dry season, cause fire management to be carried out immediately. Community empowerment in fire suppression is essential to improve. This study analyzes community empowerment in fire management in fire-prone peatland areas in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The number of samples in this study was 250 people directly involved in empowerment activities in fire-prone areas. There are 37 questions about physical capital, social capital, human capital, ability in empowerment, empowerment process and community empowerment—data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that physical capital, social capital and empowerment capabilities have not formed communities that can make decisions and are independent in combating peatland fires. Community empowerment programs are limited to volunteer groups and do not cover all community groups.

Estimating Groundwater Level in Peatlands by Using Submersible Sensor

Peatland fires pose a significant challenge in peatland management, with declining groundwater levels being a contributing factor. Real-time monitoring of groundwater levels (GWL) is essential to address this issue effectively. This study examines GWL data collected from submersible sensors and manual readings in peatlands of Tangkit Baru and Pematang Rahim villages, Jambi Province. Results reveal an increase in GWL in Tangkit Baru coinciding with rising precipitation, while Pematang Rahim experiences a contrasting decrease despite heavy rainfall. Statistical analysis, specifically t-tests, indicates no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two measurement methods. However, slight discrepancies (0.1-1 cm) between submersible sensor and manual measurements underscore the importance of sensor maintenance for accurate GWL assessment. Keywords: Peatlands, sensors, groundwater level

Refining greenhouse gas emission factors for Indonesian peatlands and mangroves to meet ambitious climate targets

For countries' emission-reduction efforts under the Paris Agreement to be effective, baseline emission/removals levels and reporting must be as transparent and accurate as possible. For Indonesia, which holds among the largest area of tropical peatlands and mangrove forest in the world, it is particularly important for these high-carbon ecosystems to produce high-accuracy greenhouse gas inventory and to improve national forest reference emissions level/forest reference level. Here, we highlight the opportunity for refining greenhouse gas emission factors (EF) of peatlands and mangroves and describe scientific challenges to support climate policy processes in Indonesia, where 55 to 59% of national emission reduction targets by 2030 depend on mitigation in Forestry and Other Land Use. Based on the stock-difference and flux change approaches, we examine higher-tier EF for drained and rewetted peatland, peatland fires, mangrove conversions, and mangrove on peatland to improve future greenhouse gas flux reporting in Indonesia. We suggest that these refinements will be essential to support Indonesia in achieving Forest and Other Land Use net sink by 2030 and net zero emissions targets by 2060 or earlier.

Urgensi Pengadopsian Ekosida Dalam Sistem Hukum Nasional Sebagai Respon Menghadapi Ancaman Krisis Lingkungan Hidup

The right to a healthy environment is enshrined in Article 28H paragraph (1) and Article 33 paragraph (4) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. These provisions assert the entitlement of every individual to a favorable living environment grounded in environmental understanding. Nonetheless, this principle stands in stark contrast to the prevailing reality. Within WALHI's documented records, three instances of ecocide crimes have occurred in Indonesia, encompassing the Lapindo mudflow, forest and peatland fires in Central Kalimantan, and the development of hydropower plants in Koto Panjang. Ecocide serves as a glaring testament to the classification of environmental offenses as extraordinary crimes, given their capacity to erode the fundamental tranquility of human existence. This composition adopts a normative juridical approach, employing legislative, comparative, conceptual, and analytical dimensions. The focal aim of this discourse is to scrutinize the ecocide threat, its incorporation within a framework of conscientiousness, and its correlation with Pancasila as a responsive measure against environmental perils. Recommendations set forth encompass: a) the formulation of definitive legislation in Indonesia concerning ecocide; and b) a comprehensive legal examination, entailing an in-depth analysis of the scope, regulatory orientation, and content, taking into profound account philosophical, sociological, and juridical facets.

Dynamics of Peatland Fires in South Sumatra in 2019: Role of Groundwater Levels

During the dry season, extensive peatland fires in South Sumatra and another peatland in Indonesia result in environmental damage and pose health risks to humans. The Indonesian Government has implemented several measures to prevent the recurrence of these fires. One such measure involves the establishment of observation stations to monitor hydrometeorological parameters in different peatlands across Indonesia, including those in South Sumatra. To effectively control fires in South Sumatra’s peatland and minimize hotspot occurrences, it is essential to determine hydrometeorological parameters that can serve as fire control indicators. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between groundwater levels and hotspot occurrences by analyzing groundwater level data collected from six Peat Restoration Agency stations in South Sumatra’s peatland, along with hotspot data obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite measurements. The findings reveal a significant correlation between groundwater levels and hotspots at the six stations. As the GWL increased, the number of hotspots tended to decrease, and vice versa. This means that GWL can be used as a controlling variable for hotspot emergence. To effectively minimize hotspot occurrences, it is recommended to maintain a minimum groundwater level of −0.45 ± 0.09 m in the peatland of South Sumatra.

The complex composition of organic aerosols emitted during burning varies between Arctic and boreal peat

AbstractPeatlands in the northern hemisphere are a major carbon storage but face an increased risk of wildfires due to climate change leading to large-scale smoldering fires in boreal and Arctic peatlands. Smoldering fires release organic carbon rich particulate matter, which influences the earth’s radiative balance and can cause adverse health effects for humans. Here we characterize the molecular composition of biomass burning particulate matter generated by laboratory burning experiments of peat by electrospray ionization 21 T Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, revealing a highly complex mixture of aromatic and aliphatic organic compounds with abundant heteroatoms including oxygen, sulfur and up to five nitrogen atoms. Primary organosulfur species are identified in the emissions of peat-smoldering, in part also containing nitrogen. Differences are observed when comparing structural motifs as well as the chemical composition of boreal and Arctic peat burning emissions, with the latter containing compounds with more nitrogen and sulfur.

Influence of Fuel Properties on the Light Absorption of Fresh and Laboratory-Aged Atmospheric Brown Carbon Produced from Realistic Combustion of Boreal Peat and Spruce Foliage.

Climate change has exacerbated fire activity in the boreal region. Consequently, smoldering boreal peatland fires are an increasingly important source of light-absorbing atmospheric organic carbon ("brown carbon"; BrC). To date, however, BrC from this source remains largely unstudied, which limits our ability to predict its climate impact. Here, we use size-exclusion chromatography coupled with diode array UV-vis detection to examine the molecular-size-dependent light absorption properties of fresh and photoaged aqueous BrC extracts collected during laboratory combustion of boreal peat and live spruce foliage. The atmospheric stability of BrC extracts varies with chromophore molecular size and fuel type: in particular, the high-molecular-weight fractions of both peat- and spruce-BrC are more resistant to photobleaching than their corresponding low-molecular-weight fractions, and total light absorption by peat-BrC persists over longer illumination timescales than that of spruce-BrC. Importantly, the BrC molecular size distribution itself varies with fuel properties (e.g., moisture content) and to an even greater extent with fuel type. Overall, our findings suggest that the accurate estimation of BrC radiative forcing, and the overall climate impact of wildfires, will require atmospheric models to consider the impact of regional diversity in vegetation/fuel types.

Assessing vulnerability of peat fire in the Indonesian Peat Hydrological Unit (PHU) areas

Prevention of fires in peatlands must be based on a holistic landscape approach in the Peat Hydrological Unit (PHU), which involves mapping the areas vulnerable to peat fires. This study employed regression modeling, incorporating land cover, soil (peatland), concession area, and tree cover loss, which were linked to hotspots verified by burnt areas derived from datasets obtained from 2015 to 2019. The results of this study in Indonesian PHUs showed that 3.8 million hectares were vulnerable in the high-class area, 12.6 million hectares in the medium-class area, and 7.7 million hectares in the low-class area. The PHU of the Kahayan River-Sebangau River in Central Kalimantan Province was the largest area with high vulnerability to fires (covering an area of 190 thousand hectares). This model was verified using the fire hotspot approach; out of 38 fire spots that occurred from January to June 2023, 33 locations (86.84%) were detected according to the predicted vulnerability of the peat fires category (high and medium class).

The value of local wisdom for peatland fire risk reduction in the wetland area of South Kalimantan

Mitigation of land fires that occur in wetland areas, especially in peatlands, continues to be addressed by the community in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan Province. Local wisdom that applies in the community, which includes local knowledge, local value, local skills, local sources, and regional society solidarity, is expected to reduce the risk of land fires. The research objective is to analyze the value of local wisdom for peatland fire reduction in the wetland area of South Kalimantan. The respondents interviewed were 30 from the Community and Fire Care Community or Masyarakat Peduli Api (MPA) members. Local wisdom prevailing in the community can reduce the risk of peatland fires. The community has the local knowledge, local value, local skills, local sources, and local society solidarity in managing peatlands. Peatlands managed by communities are less likely to burn than unmanaged lands. The tapulikampar system is a local wisdom in the Banjar community to prepare agricultural peatlands without burning. The Banjar community also has good skills in managing peatlands, which are not easily damaged and prone to burning. Cooperation between community groups in MPA is also well implemented in monitoring land fires and suppression efforts. The community makes maximum efforts so that peatlands are not damaged, and the risk of fire can be reduced because potential resources on peatlands must be passed on to the next generation.

Value chain analysis for community livelihoods in peatlands: A case study in Southern Riau

Many of the Indonesian peatlands have been cleared of forest, then drained and burned for both large- and small-scale agricultural crop development. This has resulted in regular occurrences of haze from peatland fires during the dry season. Peatlands have long been a livelihood source providing up to 80% of earnings for nearby local communities. Nevertheless, many such communities apply unsustainable practices involving the use of fire for land preparation and drainage of wet healthy peatland ecosystems. For that reason, haze-free sustainable livelihoods need to be found immediately. This research analysed commodities traded in local markets as well as those with the potential for trade that could be grown in targeted villages. We collected data through market observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews in nine targeted villages. Using Value Chain Analysis (VCA) methods, we analysed and assessed each commodity for their value chain distribution and governance, and power relations. The results of these assessments indicate that pineapple, areca nut, honey and fish are financially viable for generating income throughout the year and have fewer environmental impacts. These commodities have potential for consideration as alternatives in lieu of oil palm, which requires peatland drainage and often use of fire.

Impacts of rainfall on peat fire during the dry season and wet dry season on degraded tropical peatland in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Peat fires on cleared and drained tropical peatlands continue to cause tremendous damage to their ecological functions, contribute to global warming, and reduce in health of local communities, where the fire incidents in 2019 and 2020 correlated with weather conditions. The research aims to determine and clarify the correlation between rainfall dynamics and the occurrence and severity of peat fires in degraded tropical peatlands in South Sumatra, Indonesia. The research was conducted by recording rainfall Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) data, surface and peat fuel, and peat fire area primer data from 2019 to 2020. The results show that two types of weather correlate with the size of the burned area in the Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) regency. Temporal rainfall distribution, quantity, and duration a determining factor for the transition of surface fires to peat fires, especially in the role they play in the hydrology and moisture conditions of peat and surface fuels. This study will present the effect of rainfall in the dry and wet dry seasons on peatland fires and the extent of peat fires that occurred in two years.

Performance assessment of existing canal-blocking in restoration management of peatland conservation

The aim of this research is to assess existing results of the canal-blocking peatland conservation due to the classification of 5 canal-blocking types on peatland conservation as the management of restoration in the peatland area of Block-C ex-PLG. The low water levels (>40 cm from the surface) during the dry season make dry peatlands susceptible to fires. The back wetting of peatland is the early effort in preventing the peatland fire, which can be carried out on a wide scale by exploiting the available canal network through the overall and integrated canal blocking in unity of peatland hydraulics. The canal blocking due to the five types of canal blocking classification, which is intended to back the discussion of peatland, can give the ecology and society economic impacts that include supporting the natural vegetation recovery, preparation of water supply along season on the peatland hydrologic unity, and to be preventing drought and also the fire that are often happened in the dry season. Land use is suggested based on customization: agriculture and plantation in designated areas, adaptive vegetation in limited plantation zones, and protected areas restored to serve as safeguarded vegetation zones.

Shortening fire return interval predisposes west-central Canadian boreal peatlands to more rapid vegetation growth and transition to forest cover.

Climate change in northern latitudes is increasing the vulnerability of peatlands and the riparian transition zones between peatlands and upland forests (referred to as ecotones) to greater frequency of wildland fires. We examined early post-fire vegetation regeneration following the 2011 Utikuma complex fire (central Alberta, Canada). This study examined 779 peatlands and adjacent ecotones, covering an area of ~182 km2 . Based on the known regional fire history, peatlands that burned in 2011 were stratified into either long return interval (LRI) fire regimes of >80 years (i.e., no recorded prior fire history) or short fire return interval (SRI) of 55 years (i.e., within the boundary of a documented severe fire in 1956). Data from six multitemporal airborne lidar surveys were used to quantify trajectories of vegetation change for 8 years prior to and 8 years following the 2011 fire. To date, no studies have quantified the impacts of post-fire regeneration following short versus long return interval fires across this broad range of peatlands with variable environmental and post-fire successional trajectories. We found that SRI peatlands demonstrated more rapid vascular and shrub growth rates, especially in peatland centers, than LRI peatlands. Bogs and fens burned in 1956, and with little vascular vegetation (classified as "open peatlands") prior to the 2011 fire, experienced the greatest changes. These peatlands tended to transition to vascular/shrub forms following the SRI fire, while open LRI peatlands were not significantly different from pre-fire conditions. The results of this study suggest the emergence of a positive feedback, where areas experiencing SRI fires in southern boreal peatlands are expected to transition to forested vegetation forms. Along fen edges and within bog centers, SRI fires are expected to reduce local peatland groundwater moisture-holding capacity and promote favorable conditions for increased fire frequency and severity in the future.

Elevated methane flux in a tropical peatland post-fire is linked to depth-dependent changes in peat microbiome assembly

Fires in tropical peatlands extend to depth, transforming them from carbon sinks into methane sources and severely limit forest recovery. Peat microbiomes influence carbon transformations and forest recovery, yet our understanding of microbiome shifts post-fire is currently limited. Our previous study highlighted altered relationships between the peat surface, water table, aboveground vegetation, and methane flux after fire in a tropical peatland. Here, we link these changes to post-fire shifts in peat microbiome composition and assembly processes across depth. We report kingdom-specific and depth-dependent shifts in alpha diversity post-fire, with large differences at deeper depths. Conversely, we found shifts in microbiome composition across all depths. Compositional shifts extended to functional groups involved in methane turnover, with methanogens enriched and methanotrophs depleted at mid and deeper depths. Finally, we show that community shifts at deeper depths result from homogeneous selection associated with post-fire changes in hydrology and aboveground vegetation. Collectively, our findings provide a biological basis for previously reported methane fluxes after fire and offer new insights into depth-dependent shifts in microbiome assembly processes, which ultimately underlie ecosystem function predictability and ecosystem recovery.

Understanding the environmental impacts of peatland fires: optical density, gas emissions and airflow effects

Understanding the environmental impacts of peatland fires: optical density, gas emissions and airflow effects

Civil society movement in the protection of the peat ecosystem of Meranti Islands, Riau – Indonesia

In a country’s democratic system, the existence of Civil Society Organizations is indispensable. Civil Society Organizations are sociopolitical institutions that can be used by the community to channel their goals and demands to influence or even shape government policy. In this scenario, Civil Society Organizations can be viewed in two ways, namely sectoral groups and regional groups. Both Groups aim to persuade the government to address issues of public interest in a timely manner. In addition to persuasion, civil society organizations can also carry out advocacy and even file lawsuits against the Government and companies for ecosystem damage. Regarding the issue of peat ecosystem damage, this issue has become a serious issue for the Indonesian government in the last two decades. Damage to peat ecosystems due to illegal encroachment, exploitation for the benefit of plantation companies and brutal conversions have damaged peat ecosystems in Indonesia. Cases of forest and land fires in the last two decades show that management of peat ecosystems is not carried out wisely, the majority of peatland fires occur within company concession areas and very few are due to community activities. Cases of forest and land fires are the most troubling phenomena, especially in Riau this issue even stretches to become a national and transnational issue when the impact of forest and land fires disrupts the activities of citizens of other countries (Singapore and Malaysia). This study analyzes the Meranti Islands civil society movement in protecting the peat ecosystem in the Meranti Islands, in particular, the case of damage to the Meranti Islands peat ecosystem is no longer a secret and needs serious attention from all parties. Various literature suggests that the civil society movement has become a steep road when dealing with authoritarian governments, but after Suharto, this movement has actually become a political force to influence and shape government policy. Likewise with the Meranti Islands civil society movement in efforts to protect the peat ecosystem.

Education to raise community awareness in preventing forest and peatland fires

Forest and peatland fires in Jangkang Dua Village, Kubu Raya Regency, pose a recurring issue, transpiring nearly every year. Over the past three years, there have been forest and peatland fires covering an estimated area of approximately 6 hectares. This predicament can lead to various adverse impacts, such as ecological damage, health disturbances, and economic setbacks for the community. Hence, there is a need to enhance the vigilance of the Fire Care Community to preempt future fires. This program is scheduled for implementation from June to December 2022. The approach involves educational activities focusing on forest and peatland fire disaster mitigation, restoration of burnt peatlands, canalization, and peatland vegetation. Additionally, firefighting equipment has undergone renovation. Evaluation results indicate the program's considerable success, achieving a percentage index of 90.88%. Findings from this service activity affirm that PPK Ormawa activities are effective in heightening the Fire Concern Community's alertness.

Social Capital of Banjarese for Peatland Fire Mitigation: Combining of Local Wisdom and Environment

Repeated fires cause peatlands to degrade. Fire management has been carried out, but fires continue to occur, especially during the dry season. Through social capital that exists in the community based on the local wisdom of the Banjar people in environmental management, it is hoped that peatland fires can be overcome in this area. This research aims to analyze the social capital of the Banjar people in mitigating land fires based on local wisdom and the environment. The sample in this study was 250 people who live in an area prone to fires on peatlands in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. There are three variables in this study, namely Trust (T), Network (N), and Norm (N). There are 33 Likert scale questions (1–4, strongly agree-strongly disagree). We also conducted interviews with 20 members of the Fire Care Community (MPA) to obtain information about the social capital of the Banjar community in mitigating land fires. The analysis used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study results show norms have the greatest influence on disaster mitigation of peatland fires compared to trust and social networks. Norms in the community in the form of values from peatlands, rules, norms, and sanctions regulate the community more to deal with the problem of peatland fires than trust and social networks

Impact of Financial Development on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Indonesia: A Comprehensive Analysis (2000-2019)

This study aims to comprehensively analyze the impact of financial development on greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia during the period from 2000 to 2019. Using ordinary least squares with robust standard errors, the study revealed a positive and significant relationship between financial development and total greenhouse gas emissions. The study revealed a positive and significant relationship between financial development and total greenhouse gas emissions by employing utilizing a comprehensive financial development index. The findings indicate that higher levels of financial development by employing utilizing a comprehensive financial development index led to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, sector-specific analyses demonstrated that financial development significantly and positively influences emissions across various sectors, including the energy sector, agriculture, forest, and other land uses, peatland fires, and waste. However, intriguingly, financial development was found to have a significant and negative impact on greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial processes and product use sector, suggesting its role in promoting sustainable practices and contributing to emissions reduction in this specific domain.