Park Buffer Zone Reforestation Initiative: Batang Gadis National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Sumatra holds extremely high biodiversity, yet its biodiversity is some of the most endangered on Earth, threatened by rapid deforestation. Despite their protected status, some national parks in Indonesia are under severe threat of deforestation due to lack of support from local governments and communities. Batang Gadis National Park (BGNP) is one of the first national parks established through a “bottom-up” process by local communities and local government officials. The buffer zone of BGNP is established to extend 10km outside the national park to reduce the impact of humans on species inside the park. However, the buffer zone is densely populated and the population pressure has caused illegal logging and forest clearing for agriculture and human settlement. The reforestation project is designed to achieve forest rehabilitation and also socio-economic reform of local communities by providing economic alternative income sources and resources. This study suggests priority sites for reforestation projects by analyzing the ecological impacts and socio-economic factors. GIS analysis was employed to examine ecological impacts and to select priority sites. Social survey was used to understand the attitudes and expectations of local communities toward reforestation projects and conservation. This study also provides some suggestions for the effective implementation to achieve conservation goals and enhance both the participation of local communities and their conservation awareness.