TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
World environment day: RER Seven Years of successfully safeguarding restored forest
Change Size
(Courtesy of APRIL Group)
R
a href="https://www.rekoforest.org/">Restorasi Ekosistem Riau (RER), a restoration and conservation program in Sumatra’s largest peatlands, continues to show progress in its efforts to protect and conserve the habitat of protected flora and fauna.
The program’s achievements are summarized in the RER Progress Report, which was published on June 5 coinciding with World Environment Day and this year’s theme of “Ecosystem Restoration”.
Since its start in 2013, RER has been committed to protecting, restoring and conserving the ecosystem of peatlands as well as maintaining carbon stock and conserving biodiversity in a 150,693 hectare concession in Riau, which is comparable to the size of London.
“In line with World Environment Day celebrations, we would like to highlight five of our important milestones in the 2020 RER Progress Report; the increase of flora and fauna, seven consecutive years of successfully safeguarding restored forests from fire, initiating research on biodiversity and supporting the rescue of a Sumatran Tiger named Corina,” said RER external affairs director Nyoman Iswarayoga.
Throughout 2020, RER has identified 823 flora and fauna species in its restoration areas, an increase of 26 species from the previous year. It recorded 76 mammal species, 308 avian species, 101 amphibians and reptile species, 89 species of fish, and 57 of insects in the odonata order in Kampar Peninsula and Padang Island.
The 57 species of odonata were identified in the first of four planned odonata surveys. It identified 57 species of dragonflies and damselflies in the RER area in Kampar Peninsula, of which nine species were first recorded in Riau, four species first recorded in Sumatra, and one species of Amphicnemis bebar recorded for the first time in Indonesia.
From the 823 species, 57 are listed on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable (39), critically endangered (17), and endangered (10). Approximately 115 species are also included on the CITES list, as well as 99 protected species under the Indonesian government.
Other research efforts strengthening RER’s role as a biodiversity restoration and conservation area include the monitoring of raptor bird migration recording a total of 302 birds, as well as the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) that monitored 440 birds from eight species in a day. The RER area on the Kampar Peninsula did not experience any forest fires in seven consecutive years thanks to its strong commitment to restoring and protecting the forest alongside the direct involvement of locals.
RER also took part in the Environment and Forestry Ministry’s efforts to return a Sumatran Tiger by the name of Corina into the wild. The endangered animal was found early last year trapped in a local’s plantation on the Kampar Peninsula, bordering the RER area. The RER restoration area became the location of Corina’s release after a series of studies taking into account the forest’s natural condition, the presence of prey, active protection efforts and the low possibility of interaction between the tiger and locals.
RER is initiated by pulp and paper producer APRIL Group, a member of the RGE Group that oversees a number of globally operating natural resource-based manufacturing companies. PT Riau Andalan Pulp And Paper (RAPP) director Sihol Aritonang said RER’s achievements were made possible by its parent company APRIL Group’s methods, which utilize a production-protection approach on the Kampar Peninsula along with the realization of its APRIL2030 commitment.
APRIL is finishing construction of the Eco-Research Camp after four years. The research center will serve as the center for tropical peatland knowledge for scientists and academics, as well as stakeholders who wish to directly experience the ecosystem restoration efforts.
Through the APRIL2030 commitment, the company also supports a developing landscape in its operational area with support for restoration initiatives through collaboration. It has earmarked up to $10 million annually for investment in the environment sector for the next 10 years.
Also in the APRIL2030 commitment is continuous support for Indonesian wildlife protection and conservation, including those near extinction, through partnerships and collaboration. The APRIL2030 commitment aims to have a positive impact on nature, climate and the environment alongside encouraging sustainable growth for the company.
RER is the manifestation of the company’s commitment to encourage the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially point 15 on Life on Land and point 13 on Climate Action.
