Karang Sari Peatland Restoration Project in South Sumatra

Karang Sari Peatland Restoration Project

The Karang Sari Peatland Restoration Project is a community-led carbon and conservation initiative located in Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia.

Developed under the Social Forestry scheme and managed through KUD Sari Usaha, the project covers approximately 9,135 hectares of community-managed peatland. It is designed to support the transition from extractive land-use practices toward a sustainable, low-carbon rural economy.

Restoring and Protecting Peatland

The project focuses on restoring degraded peat areas through rewetting, water management, reforestation, and the controlled planting of native species.

These activities are intended to improve peatland hydrology, protect important carbon stocks, and reduce further ecosystem degradation.

Community-Based Fire Prevention

Peat fires are one of the most significant environmental risks in the project area.

To address this challenge, the project plans to establish a community-based fire prevention and early-warning system supported by hydrological sensors, satellite data, field monitoring, and local patrol networks.

Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods

Community participation is central to the project.

Alternative livelihood programs may include sustainable agroforestry, honey production, aquaculture, and other locally appropriate enterprises. These activities are intended to reduce dependence on destructive land clearing while strengthening household income and economic resilience.

Carbon Project Development

The project applies internationally recognised carbon methodologies, including VM0007 for REDD+ activities and VM0033 for tidal wetland conservation and restoration.

Monitoring activities are expected to combine remote sensing, land-cover analysis, field sampling, and Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) procedures aligned with the Verra Verified Carbon Standard.

Environmental and Community Benefits

The project is designed to restore degraded peatland, reduce fire risks, protect biodiversity habitats, and strengthen local economic resilience.

Its community development plans include cooperative management, green employment opportunities, sustainable agriculture, and a revolving fund to support community enterprises.

Through the integration of environmental restoration, carbon finance, and community empowerment, the Karang Sari project represents a practical model for inclusive and locally led climate action.