Peatland conservation strategies and carbon pricing possibilities for climate change mitigation in Indonesia: a review

Abstract

Humankind is digging to solve one of the world’s most complex issues at present, climate change. Many studies were conducted and initiatives were proposed as mitigation and adaptation strategies to date, such as restoration and preservation of carbon storage. Peatlands are widely recognized as the largest natural carbon storage of all terrestrial ecosystems. Peatlands can help mitigate climate change by its ability to sequestrate huge amounts of carbon and maintain water balance. This valuable yet vulnerable ecosystem needs to be managed properly to maintain the functions. This study aimed to critically review the peatland conservation strategies and possibility of carbon pricing for mitigation and adaptation of climate change, specifically for Indonesia. It was revealed that restoration strategies such as rewetting, revegetation, and revitalization could help with peatlands conservation and further reduction in emissions from land sectors. However, the funding for conservation activities would become a hindrance to the viability and sustainability. Carbon pricing could be a potentially effective approach to conservation of peatlands. Sequestrated carbon and potential additional value from ecosystem services could higher up the price that made the option for conservation more stunning. Therefore, to establish tradable carbon credits on peatland as a means to support the sustainability of Indonesia’s peatland conservation in the future, the action to well managing and standardizing the carbon credits should be started immediately. Though the process will take time and great willingness from all parties, this option could be used for long-term peatland conservation activities.