Strengthening Forest and Ecosystem Connectivity in RIMBA Landscape of Central Sumatra through Investing in Natural Capital, Biodiversity Conservation, and Land-Based Emission Reductions
Background
In 2007, Indonesia affirmed its commitment to sustainable spatial planning through Law No. 26 on Spatial Planning. This was followed by Government Regulation No. 26/2008, later amended by No. 13/2017, which designated three National Strategic Areas (KSN) in the RIMBA Corridor for their vital environmental functions: Kerinci Seblat National Park, Bukit Batabuh Protected Forest, and Berbak–Bukit Tigapuluh National Park.
As part of Presidential Regulation No. 13/2012, the Directorate General of Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), with support from the United Nations Environment Programme–Global Environment Facility (UNEP-GEF), developed a program to strengthen forest and ecosystem connectivity in the RIMBA landscape of Central Sumatra through investments in natural capital, biodiversity conservation, and land-based emission reductions.
The RIMBA Ecosystem Corridor spans 3.8 million hectares across the provinces of Riau, Jambi, and West Sumatra, serving as a vital protected area. The corridor focuses on maintaining wildlife pathways, conserving high-carbon-value and essential ecosystems, and improving connectivity through innovations such as wildlife crossings in areas fragmented by road infrastructure.
Kerinci Seblat National Park is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems, offering diverse habitats for endemic flora such as Rafflesia arnoldii, and iconic fauna including the Sumatran tiger, elephant, and orangutan. Its complex forest structure also supports a wide range of plant species and epiphytes that depend on unique microclimatic conditions.
Entrusted by UNEP-GEF and the Ministry of ATR/BPN to support the implementation of the RIMBA program, KEMITRAAN will ensure that the process adheres to the principles of collaborative governance—emphasizing close cooperation with Ministries and Government Agencies, the Provincial Governments of Riau, Jambi, and West Sumatra, higher education institutions, academics, the private sector, and civil society organizations.
Project Purposes
There are several challenges in the governance of the RIMBA ecosystem, including data indicating that approximately 21% of the total area is occupied by oil palm plantations, deforestation affecting around 1 million hectares, land-use conflicts, and a mismatch of up to 18% between actual land cover and the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW).
This program aims to strengthen ecosystem connectivity for biodiversity protection and increase carbon stocks in land-based sectors through a green economy approach based on environmental services along the RIMBA.
An ecosystem corridor is defined as a natural pathway that connects two or more fragmented habitat zones, enabling the free movement of wildlife, genetic exchange between populations, and the continuity of overall ecosystem functions. The ecological role of such corridors is vital for species survival and for stabilizing the surrounding microclimate.
The RIMBA Ecosystem Corridor Program can also serve as a model for dynamic and inclusive green economy development through resource efficiency, aiming to achieve equity and community well-being. This aligns with the Indonesian government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060, with a targeted Green Economy Index of 90.65% by 2045.
Working Areas
Riau, Jambi and West Sumatra
Our Focuses
Three focuses RIMBA Program:
- Strengthening the institutional management of the RIMBA ecosystem corridor area. Developing policies (Roadmap, Presidential Regulation on National Strategic Planning (KSN), institutional formation, mainstreaming the Green Economy); encouraging behavioral change, improving communication on the green economy and gender mainstreaming; and disseminating information on the green economy model through social media/online platforms.
- Demonstration of green economy practices in three clusters. Identifying high conservation value areas as integrated wildlife habitats and developing eco-road models in cluster 1; implementing integrated low-carbon development principles in land-based sector activities in peatland areas in cluster 2; and promoting sustainable sub-watershed management through agroforestry to provide clean water protection and water for hydropower/micro-hydro power in cluster 3.
- Monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge on green economy practices. Establishing a spatial monitoring system, supervising activity implementation, and disseminating/learning about green economy practices through the Knowledge Management Information System (KMIS) and participating in national and international forums.
Partners
Direktorat Jenderal Tata Ruang, Kementerian Agraria dan Tata Ruang/Badan Pertanahan Nasional (ATR/BPN)
Donor
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Budgets
USD 9.431.763
Duration
Year 2023 – 2028 (Five Years)