In order to capture carbon and repair a fire damaged landscape, a large-scale ecosystem restoration project was undertaken in the Merang peatlands on the island of Sumatra.

Nature-based Intervention:

This project is managed under the Reduced Emissions from Degradation and Deforestation (REDD+) program and focuses on the revitalization of a tropical peatland forest. In the intervention they use a combination of techniques such as afforestation, reforestation, revegetation and wetlands restoration and conservation. So far these interventions have restored 22,934 hectares of peatland rainforest. In continuing the project they hope to focus on assisted natural regeneration strategies to expand the footprint of the restored landscape.

Overview of context and outcomes:

This protected landscape is located at the heart of the Merang peat dome. This is a one-contiguous high carbon stock peatland which covers more than 150,000 hectares of high priority conservation area. The area is also located along the important Merang biodiversity corridor and is 5km away from Sembilang National Park. This area was damaged by fires in 2015, and remains fire prone due to canals built in attempts to drain the peatlands.