The overall Objective of MRPP is to contribute to sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and rehabilitation of degraded peat lands in South Sumatra.

Three indicators used to achieve the overall objectives are:

 RESULT RELATED TO PSF REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES

One of the Results to be achieved from PSF rehabilitation activities is the management structure (KPHP) is developed and set up for the Merang peat lands area, rehabilitation of selected areas is implemented

The indicators for the activities are:

Another Result of the PSF rehabilitation activities is that REDD preparation steps are supported including for carbon trading. Part of the activities to achieve this result is to implement water management in peat lands in order to reduce peat drain.

The rehabilitation program is urgenttly needed in the area of MRPP as this is the last existing natural peat swamp forest in South Sumatera. The area is allocated by the regent permit of letter No. 522/2235/Kehut/2008, 21 Oktober 2008 for 24.092 Ha. The condition of the forest is about 8931 Ha (37%) as degraded forest land (Shrub, bushes, trees cover < 10%); about 15.161 Ha (63%) as the degraded primary forest and secondary forest.

The major causes of area degradation are fire, logging ( both legal and illegal logging) and canal digging for log transportation.

There are two villages (Muara Merang and Kepayang) both with 819 households, 4244 people. Hence in average there is 14.1 people per square kilometer. In the two villages, MRPP had formed two core community forest rangers (CFR or KMPH). Beside the two core forest rangers, there are other six(6) supporting groups of community forest rangers (CFR).

MRPP is also collaborating with other relevant stakeholders. Some potential aspects for collaboration on PSF rehabilitation activities are seedling production, village nursery development, and PSF reforestation by local community and hydrological restoration by canal blocking.

Village Nursery Development

MRPP had implemented technical guidance for village nursery establushment and management. Two village nurseries in 2 CFR are Muara merang and Kepayang villages both catering for 100.000 seedlings. There has been several training and technical assistance offered to these two villages. The seedlings will be bought back by MRPP for average of Rp 1.000 per seedling.

Degradation of MRPP Area Classified into Three (3) Degradation Types (Based on ITTO Classification)

Ø Degraded Primary Forest

The PSF primary forest where the initial cover has been adversely affected by the unsustainable harvesting of trees. Density of pole and trees are currently about 400 trees per hectare and 400 trees per Ha respectively, caused by logging.

Ø Secondary Forest

Gelam and Tembesu species re grow on land that was largely cleared of its original forest cover. This is commonly developed naturally after repeated fire. Density of pole and trees are about 300 to 400 trees per hectare.

Ø Degraded PSF Land

Former forest land are severely damaged by the excessive harvesting of wood, poor management, repeated fire. Forest cover is less than 10 % and density of pole and trees less than 300 trees/hectare, Shrub, bushes, trees cover less 10% and more 300 trees/ha.

Canal Blocking

The objectives of canal blocking are to restore hydrological aspect in the area in order to support rehabilitation program, to prevent the fire which will increase the water level and to give direct benefit to local community through income generating activities like fish farming etc.

From 33 canals that have been identified by using these criteria, about 22 canals have the highest priority to be blocked:

Ø 1 canal in Tembesu Daro

Ø 9 canals in Kepayang River

Ø 12 canals in Buring River