Management alternatives for developing the degraded peat swamp forests in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Development of inventory data and discussions on framework for comparisons

Abstract

Management projects are under progress at peat swamp forests in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia (CK) that has been degraded intensively with the past inappropriate development. The balance between environmental conservation and economic development are crucial to increase the local public welfare. By considering the strong social mindset of foraging from the nature in CK and rights of local residents to utilize local natural resources, plantation of natural rubber tree emerges as a more sustainable alternative to oil palm. To compare management alternatives from environmental aspects, the emissions of GHGs associated with the agricultural activities in rubber tree plantation, the production of fresh latex and three primary rubber products, i.e. Standard Indonesian Rubber (SIR), Centrifuge Latex, and Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS) are evaluated. Furthermore, the benchmark for comparisons of management strategies is discussed.