Date: May 15 (Fri.), 2009 10:00～12:00
Venue: RISH, HS Room No.202
Title： Results and Potential Research at Nominated Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve
Presentation：
Enny Sudarmonowati, Research Centre for Biotechnology-LIPI
Commentator:
Kosuke Mizuno
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University
Osamu Kozan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University
Shuhei Kimura
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University
Baseline data on biodiversity and on socio-economic-cultural aspects that was obtained from the assessments conducted by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences in collaboration with Sinar Mas Forestry in the area of nominated Riau (Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu) Biosphere Reserve has been integrated in order to establish a Management Plan (2009-2013) which has to be in place for the nomination request to UNESCO. At least 195 species of plants (of which 173 species of them were tree species) and important genetic resources were identified together with the distribution and location of high value trees. Bukit Batu forest blocks have a higher diversity index as compared to Tasik Betung forest blocks which are located in Giam Siak Kecil (0.4% vs 0.3%). At least 162 species of moth which is a good indicator of forest condition, 30 species of fish, and 11 species of reptile/amphibian were found. Based on economic, social, and cultural interaction among stakeholders aspects in 5 villages i.e.: Tasik Betung, Tasik Serai, Tasik Serai Timur, Sumber Jaya, Tanjung Leban, it was observed that the communities were poor although the degree varied between villages, education levels were low, dependency on forest was still high, traditional knowledge had almost disappeared which was also related to the high migration rate into the area, and conflict among stakeholders and a lack of law enforcement were problems that needed to be solved. Planned activities/research, potential research and on going research related to 6 aspects i.e. (1) Peatland, (2) Carbon, (3) Hydrology, (4) Biodiversity, (4) Social aspects and (6) Bioethanol were also discussed. As part of the core zone of the area is Wildlife Sanctuaries which are considered to be conservation area, permits required and mechanisms for application as well as other related permits were discussed.
Commentator:
Kosuke Mizuno (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University)
“Destruction and conservation of peatland in Indonesia”
There are vast peatlands in Indonesia and their development brings about enormous carbon emission. Drainage of peatlands and the use of peatlands as dry land result in subsidence and carbon emission. To use peatland as marsh will prevent subsidence. The first thing we must do is to afforest trees such as Jelutung which can grow in marsh to promote the wise use peatland. Therefore, management is required to operate with accountability and transparency, develop new financial mechanisms and partnerships, undertake capacity building and apply appropriate technology in order to achieve success.
Osamu Kozan (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University) We endeavor to attain scientific results and useful information for the purpose of forest management. To engage in hydrology research, co-researchers who maintain observation systems and a decision on the observation site in the Riau area (Transition or Succession Area?) are necessary.
Shuhei Kimura (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University) There are several issues we must understand which are as follows: (1) transformation of living conditions in the last 10 years (local way of life, positive and negative impacts of Community Development Living conditions of migrants, values and norms in mixed situation), (2) the capacity for governance (the possibility of controlling the company-local community relationship, the relationships among central/province/district governments and local stakeholders).
Other comments
It is important to study what factor(s) are/is to create successful relations between the people, company and government (Tanaka) and to think of a good model to create these relationships (Sugihara), as well as a further study of the long term development of issues regarding the reservation area (Kono).