The dynamics of burning activity on degraded peatland in two villages in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Background: Recurring wildfires on degraded peatlands throughout Central Kalimantan have resulted in severe economic and social impacts for local people along with globally significant environmental impacts. The interdependence between the livelihoods of local villagers and wildfire is not well understood in areas of degraded peat in proximity to urban environments. Aims: The aim of the study was to consider fire hotspots in two villages close to the regional capital of Palangka Raya. These were Kalampangan, a Javanese transmigrant farming village, and Tumbang Nusa, a Dayaknese fishing village. Methods: A system dynamics model was constructed to study the factors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and wildfire extent resulting from long-term peatland degradation. The model was used to analyse existing policy scenarios where degraded peatlands are cultivated in perpetuity, and then consider hypothetical future policy scenarios where efforts are made to rewet and rehabilitate peatland while alternative livelihoods are enabled. Conclusions: Analysis reveals that the assumption within the model of unconstrained alternative livelihoods is insufficient to facilitate full rewetting where the incumbent livelihood is reliant on drained peatland. Implications: Only when livelihood alternatives displace drained peatland cultivation is full rewetting and sustained reduction in fire risk achievable in both villages.