Unlocking economic value of peatland ecosystem services and implications for effective peatland management: A case study from Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia

Peatlands are among the most valuable yet vulnerable ecosystems on our planet. They serve as vast carbon stores, biodiversity hotspots, and crucial hydrological regulators. However, despite their ecological importance, they have often been undervalued in economic decision-making. As a result, peatlands—especially those in the tropics, such as Riau in Sumatra, Indonesia—face relentless pressures from agricultural expansion, land conversion, and unsustainable resource extraction.
The booklet entitled “Unlocking Economic Value of Peatland Ecosystem Services and Implications for Effective Peatland Management in Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia” provides a timely and insightful exploration into the multifaceted benefits of peatland ecosystems and the potential for integrating their value into policy and management frameworks. By bridging ecological science, economics, and governance, this book illuminates the pathways through which peatland conservation can align with economic incentives, ensuring sustainable livelihoods while preserving critical ecosystem functions.
The case from Riau, Sumatra, is particularly compelling, given its vast peatland landscapes that have historically played a vital role in both local economies and global environmental stability. This book carefully illustrates the ways in which ecosystem services—such as food provisioning, carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation—can be translated into quantifiable economic terms, making a strong case for investment in peatland protection and restoration. It also highlights policy mechanisms, market-based solutions, and community-driven approaches that can support effective peatland governance.


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English



Authors

Yunus, M.,Pagdee, A.,Baral, H.

Publication year

2025

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