Eco-tour to the research center and peatland conservation in Repeat Tumbang Nusa

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On March 23, 2021, we conducted an eco-tour to a local peatlands conservation and research center in Repeat Tumbang Nusa to celebrate Forest Day. We worked together with Banjarbaru Environment and Forestry Research Institute (LITBANG Banjarbaru) to provide an educational tour for 20 young people, who come from six districts across Kalimantan, to learn about peatland ecosystems and their restoration. We also planted 100 trees in a burned area in Repeat Tumbang Nusa. Between 1997 and 2018, half of the 5,000 hectares (19.3 square miles) area was burned, resulting in massive habitat loss. Since 2019, Youth Act Kalimantan has helped to plant more than 1,000 trees in the area. However, this is only the beginning, as 76% of the damage is still to be repaired.
“This is a meaningful experience for me. Although I live surrounded by peatlands, there are many things that I didn’t know about this valuable ecosystem. I learned many interesting things about the peatland ecosystem during the eco-tour, such as the functions of peatlands, endemic trees, and animals. I am happy to be part of this restoration effort,” said participant Ayu from Pulang Pisau regency (left).
A balangeran tree (Shorea Balangeran), a native tree of Borneo, and endemic plant in peatland are that we planted in 2019 in Repeat Tumbang Nusa has grown to almost 2 meters.