Embaloh peat swamp and peatland ecoregion
The Nanga Lauk Village Forest – Rimbak Pakai Pengidup/Forest for Life – supports a huge diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are threatened with extinction. The area is within the Heart of Borneo region, identified as a priority for Biodiversity Conservation because of the exceptional diversity of species it supports, and the high levels of threat they face from deforestation and forest degradation. The VCA forms part of the Embaloh peat swamp and peatland landscape complex around Danau Sentarum National Park. It consists of a mixture of peat swamp forest, riparian forest, swamp vegetation and open water.
Effective management of forest in Nanga Lauk will prevent the loss or degradation of up to 60 hectares of valuable forest habitat each year, supporting the conservation of the critically endangered mammals – Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), Bornean Banded Langur (Presbytis chrysomelas), and Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica); birds – Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil), and Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmaeus); and reptiles – False Gharrial (Tomistoma schlegelii) and the thousands of other species that make use of the forest.
With the support of the local NGO PRCF-Indonesia, and a team of local and international experts, the Nanga Lauk community designed a suite of activities to secure and extend their legal right to manage and benefit from their Village Forest, enabling them to prevent the deforestation and forest degradation that would result if the area is not effectively protected. These activities include:
- Extending the coverage of their Village Forest to include areas currently allocated as timber concessions;
- Developing and enforcing village regulations to prevent unsustainable use of forest resources;
- Carrying out regular forest patrols; and
- Developing livelihood activities that enable the community to maximize their income from sustainable use of the forest.
The livelihoods of the more than 700 people in Nanga Lauk Village depend on sustainable use of forest resources for food, and building materials, and to generate an income from the sale of honey. Effective community management of the forest will enable them to continue reaping the benefits of sustainable forest management. They will also work to, as well as increasing their income with new forest-based livelihood activities including rattan and bamboo products, and ecotourism.