The main goal of this project is to improve the capacity of forest managers, local communities, and policy makers in Indonesia to develop robust strategies to reduce GHG emissions from fires in peat swamp forests.

Improve the knowledge base of fuel loads (fine and heavy) and their characteristics in peat swamp forests at different stages of degradation.

Further develop the knowledge base of peat soil carbon and char production during fires.

Develop parameters for better and more accurate estimates of GHG emissions (CO2 and non-CO2) from peat-fires for inclusion in Indonesia’s reporting of Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) to the UNFCCC.

Build and extend the scientific basis for developing adaptive management options and enhance the capacity in decision making for GHG emission reduction from peat-fires.

Expanding network and capacity building through workshops, communications, and policy notes to further enhance the information sharing and technology transfer.

The project successfully improved the understanding and methodologies for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from peat swamp forest fires. It contributed to the revision of Indonesia’s Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) by providing more accurate emissions data, which is crucial for national and international reporting and policy-making. Through various capacity-building activities, the project enhanced the skills and knowledge of local forest managers and communities, enabling better management practices and decision-making regarding peat swamp forest fires. The collaboration with the University of Melbourne helped in refining the emission factors and developing a comprehensive framework for peat fire emissions, which has been recognized and adopted in new scientific publications. These outcomes not only advance scientific understanding but also support policy improvements in managing peatland fires in Indonesia.