Strengthening the traditional knowledge on the conservation of Kerinci wetlands

Wetland ecosystems in Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP) include rivers and lakes, peat swamps, freshwater swamp forest and marshland. Lake Kerinci is a volcanic lake (4.200 ha, 110 m depth) at 783 m above sea level, formed by blockage of a flat-bottomed valley by a volcanic eruption. The lake is located in the Kerinci Enclave, a cultivated area of 140.000 ha within the Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP), Central-West Sumatra, that consists mostly of (sub) montane forest. Notwithstanding a large problem of illegal logging, encroachment and land conversion within the boundaries of KSNP, the park still supports a rich biodiversity, amongst which the Sumatran tiger. The Kerinci wetlands are said to be an important stop for migrant birds such as bitterns, cranes and harriers. Swamp Bento (1,350m ASL) and Swamp Ladeh Panjang (1,950m ASL) are peat moss swamps, the latter is the highest swamp in Sumatra. The swamp forest and marshes have been largely converted into rice paddies, and their fauna is subject to illegal hunting and poaching. Most of the residents (283.000) in the enclave area work in the agricultural sector, with as main products rice, coffee and whitewood. Fisheries production in Lake Kerinci has steadily dropped through the years, with a steep drop in the 1960s and 70s caused by the effects of the introduction of water hyacinth in the lake. However, after a successful program to eradicate this plant from the lake, fisheries did not recover, mainly due to overfishing and loss of spawning areas (due to check-dams), the loss of submerged Hydrilla beds, the effects of agricultural (chemical) wastes and eutrophication, and siltation due to deforestation uphill. Tourism is also said to have some negative environmental impact, especially by rubbish waste. So far, onservation programmes in KSNP have often been of limited success due to a lack of proper communication and dialogue with the local societies, that are often not fully involved in decision making processes. These, in turn, do not take into account Adat or customary laws whereas people in Kerinci are more likely to obey to Adat law and their tradition than to externally imposed regulations. Overall goal of the proposed project is to halt the degradation of the Lake Kerinci ecosystem, Swamp Ladeh Panjang and Swamp Rawa Bento by strengthening the system of traditional knowledge on the conservation and water resources of Lake Kerinci, thereby involving all local societal components, such as Adat (customary) authorities, religion authorities, farmers, and women. Specific objectives: * Strengthening the system of traditional knowledge on the conservation of Lake Kerinci, Ladeh Panjang and Rawa Bento, and facilitating a dialogue between local communities and policy makers on the conservation of these wetlands. * Seeking solution for improving the life-standard of people surrounding Lake Kerinci, without disturbing natural resources and without excessive water use, and to persuade government to pay more attention to improving the life-standard of people. Activities: * Researching and documenting traditional wisdom and customs regarding Lake Kerinci, Swamp Bento and Swamp Ladeh Panjang ecosystems including agricultural and fisheries use, the result of which will be recommended to the local governmental bodies; * Researching and documenting wetland biodiversity aspects and the factors threatening wetland ecosystems in Lake Kerinci, Swamp Bento, Swamp Ladeh Panjang * Disseminating information on the protection of wetlands and their biodiversity, especially Lake Kerinci, Swamp Bento, and Swamp Ladeh Panjang, and at the Batang Merao and Merangin rivers, by use of local radio and billboards; * Forming six discussion groups, united in one forum; * Consulting and inviting Adat groups, religious authorities, youth, women, and government, KSNP authorities, Tourism department, and Forestry and Agriculture departments to join in a workshop and dialogue on the importance of conservation of the lake ecosystem (80 persons, 5 days); * Facilitating an agreement between villagers and local/regional government on conservation of the ecosystem and water resources of Lake Kerinci, Swamp Bento, Swamp Ladeh Panjang and on environmentally sound socio-economic development. Expected outputs: * Master plan and 'reconciliation materials' for conservation and water resource protection at Lake Kerinci, Swamp Bento, Swamp Ladeh Panjang. * Formation of six discussion groups united in one forum with the purpose of rescuing the ecosystem and water resource of Lake Kerinci, Swamp Bento, Swamp Ladeh Panjang. * Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between local society and regional government and other related institutions.

- Surveys and documentation of water resources and wetland areas at Kerinci have been conducted, consisting of social and cultural and biodiversity aspects, leading to a master plan concept and a documentary about wetlands at Kerinci, which can be an information tool for all people regarding wetlands. - By using local radio an interactive dialogue was held and information was spread about water protection and wetlands conservation at Kerinci. Billboards were assembled at Lake Kerinci, Ladeh Panjang and Rawa Bento. Some local organizations, schools, and government institutions made some activity in local radio. - A discussion forum was formed, consisting of six groups in three locations. There are five groups that are still active in the forum. - A workshop and dialogue was held in Sungai Penuh. It produced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on protection of water resource and wetlands ecosystem at Kerinci. An external project audit, however, showed that not all of these claimed outputs were achieved and there can be big questions about their sustainability and impact, that project management was generally weak and the NGO needs serious institutional strengthening.