The Impact of Rewetting Peatland on Fire Hazard in Riau, Indonesia

Abstract

Rewetting peatland is an ongoing effort in Indonesia to restore the hydrological cycle and carbon balance of the ecosystem. However, quantifying the impact of rewetting on mitigating fire remains a challenge. Here, we assess the impact of large-scale rewetting on fire risks and occurrences (duration, coverage area, and the number of events) in 2015–2021. The weather research and forecasting (WRF) model was integrated with a drought–fire model to spatially quantify fire hazards in Riau, Sumatra. The results show that rewetting has resulted in decreasing the frequency of extreme events in the study area (pre- and post-rewetting, respectively, were seven and four events). Although the area influenced by extreme events reduced following rewetting by 5%, the mean duration of extreme events increased. Our findings reveal that widespread prolonged extreme fire hazards only occurred during drying El Niño events in 2015 and 2019. The findings obtained in this case study provide quantitative evidence of the reduced fire hazard resulting from peat restoration in Indonesia. Further, the findings assist in assessing the success of peatland restoration programs and improve our knowledge of the ability to monitor and forecast fire risks in tropical peatlands.

Dataset of physical properties of histosols topsoils effected by wildfire in Indonesia

“…The rainfall seasonality in the site is an equatorial type with two dry seasons in February and July-September [2] . The annual rainfall is >2500 mm, which is similar to other equatorial regimes in Riau [3] and West Kalimantan [2] . For secondary forest in Jambi was dominated by Shorea pauciflora and Dyera polyphylla [4] .…”

Economics of Peatland Ecosystem Services: A Study of Use and Non-Use Values and People Interplays in Sumatra, Indonesia

“…Fire prevention exhibits a natural mechanism for curbing outbreaks and fire escalation, safeguarding not only peatlands but also the surrounding areas. The waterlogged condition of peatlands forms a natural barrier against fires [71]. Government allocation for peatland protection and fire damage compensation is one measure of their economic value.…”

Economic Value of Peatland Ecosystem Services and People-Peatland Landscape Interplay: A Case Study from Sumatra, Indonesia

“…Fire prevention exhibits a natural mechanism curbing outbreaks and fire escalation, thereby safeguarding not only the peatland but also surrounding environments. The waterlogged nature of peatlands establishes a built-in barrier against fires [76]. The government's budget allocation on peatland protection and fire damage compensation is one measure of its economic value.…”