Environmental Management
D. Frianto; E. Sutrisno; A. Wahyudi; E. Novriyanti; W.C. Adinugroho; A.S. Yunianto; H. Kurniawan; H. Khotimah; A. Windyoningrum; I.W.S. Dharmawan; H.L. Tata; S. Suharti; H.H. Rachmat; E.M. Lim
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Efforts to enhance carbon stocks and boost carbon absorption potential are essential for climate change mitigation. Peatland ecosystems, known for their high organic content, are particularly vulnerable to environmental management. The study aimed to examine the alterations ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Efforts to enhance carbon stocks and boost carbon absorption potential are essential for climate change mitigation. Peatland ecosystems, known for their high organic content, are particularly vulnerable to environmental management. The study aimed to examine the alterations in land use and land cover that occurred between 1998 and 2022, spanning a 24-year duration. Additionally, it sought to assess the associated variations in carbon stocks within the designated Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area. The area under investigation encompasses a peatland ecosystem that has experienced substantial changes in land cover and land use. This study investigated the fluctuations in carbon stock caused by these alterations and provides valuable perspectives on the potential of agroforestry systems to promote a wider range of land uses. Additionally, it highlights their role in ecosystem restoration initiatives and the better management of forest peatland regions.METHODS: A spatial analysis was conducted on Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images by using shapefile data stored within the Google Earth Engine platform. Data analysis was carried out using Classification and Regression Tree, a decision tree algorithm used in machine learning for guided classification. Furthermore, purposive sampling was utilized to gather socioeconomic data, followed by the implementation of a benefit-cost analysis.FINDINGS: The results revealed significant changes in the land cover within the Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area over a 24-year period, with forested areas and open areas decreasing by 23.15 hectares per year and 16.94 hectares per year respectively, and oil palm plantation areas expanding by 40.10 hectares per year. From 1998 to 2022, there has been a consistent annual decline in carbon stocks, resulting in a reduction of 1,933.11 tons of carbon per year. The changes in land use and cover are closely linked to this decline. In an effort to increase plant species diversity in the area and support the gradual transition away from monoculture, a participatory agroforestry scheme was implemented by intercropping Coffea liberica and Shorea balangeran between oil palm rows in a 2-hectare oil palm plantation block within the agroforestry demonstration plot. According to measurements taken at breast height, the aboveground biomass of these species was measured, leading to projected estimates of carbon stocks in Kepau Jaya specific purpose forest area reaching 19,455 tonnes of carbon by the year 2030, with Coffea liberica contributing 4,148 tonnes carbon and Shorea balangeran contributing 15,307 tonnes carbon. CONCLUSION: The study area experienced a substantial reduction in forest cover, whereas the extent of oil palm areas expanded significantly. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to strengthen the governance of specific-purpose forest areas through community empowerment and the establishment of demonstration plots to promote agroforestry development. The results of this study provide insights for long-term forest rehabilitation strategies aimed at fostering sustainable forest management that yields environmental and socio-economic benefits in the long run.
Environmental Management
A. Ibrahim; S. Withaningsih; R. Kinseng; Parikesit .; D. Muhamad
Abstract
Agroforestry offers sustainable solutions for small-scale farmers and the environment, crucial for climate change adaptation and resilience. They store carbon, conserve biodiversity, maintain water and soil fertility, and support livelihood diversification. Payment for ecosystem services has the potential ...
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Agroforestry offers sustainable solutions for small-scale farmers and the environment, crucial for climate change adaptation and resilience. They store carbon, conserve biodiversity, maintain water and soil fertility, and support livelihood diversification. Payment for ecosystem services has the potential to safeguard agroforestry systems in theory, yet it encounters obstacles concerning the permanence of these systems and associated risks and barriers. The primary objective of this research is to examine the obstacles and uncertainties related to the implementation of Payment for ecosystem services in smallholder agroforestry systems. This study plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Payment for ecosystem services schemes, thereby encouraging the widespread adoption of agroforestry practices. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the payment for ecosystem services model and its implementation. Data were obtained from databases of scientific publications such as Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Google Scholar. A total of 40 pertinent studies were selected due to the intricate array of obstacles and uncertainties that hinder the effective implementation of payment for ecosystem services initiatives. The findings indicate that financial limitations arise as a noteworthy obstacle, as small-scale farmers encounter considerable economic hardships and discouragingly expensive implementation expenses (ranging from 150 United States dollar per metric ton of carbon dioxide). Additionally, they face a low credit price (approximately 50 United States dollar per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent). Socio-cultural factors, including gender dynamics, traditional beliefs, and generational disparities, shape farmers' attitudes toward payment for ecosystem services adoption, necessitating targeted interventions to foster trust and community acceptance. The importance of reliable data is emphasized by technical hurdles like accurate measurement of ecosystem services and monitoring complexities, necessitating innovative solutions and robust methodologies. Biophysical conditions like rainfall patterns and soil health further influence program success, demanding tailored approaches for effective implementation. The payment for ecosystem services programs entails a multitude of risks, which encompass various dimensions. These risks include uncertainties in the market, internal factors within the programs, flaws in program design, and environmental challenges. Market risks, like delayed credit payments, hinder financial cycles in programs. Other factors like farmers' commitment, inequitable benefit sharing, and labour displacement contribute to program sustainability risks. The success of programs is further endangered by subpar program design, insufficient conservation measures, and the adverse effects of climate change. Ultimately, comprehending and addressing these obstacles is essential in order to fully realize the benefits of payment for ecosystem services in agroforestry.bComprehensive strategies, including policy support, stakeholder engagement, and fair compensation coupled with collaborative efforts from governments, non-government organizations, local communities, and private enterprises are essential. Through the mitigation of risks barriers highlighted in this study, the utilization of payment for ecosystem services has the potential to become an effective instrument in advancing sustainable agricultural land practices, combating climate change, and improving the well-being of smallholder farmers.
