Impacts of Forest Farmers Management on Lepironia articulata Retz.: Conservation Based on Utilization of Peat Ecosystem Biodiversity in South Kalimantan

Abstract

Peat ecosystems have very important ecosystem services and functions, and roles for human life, the flora and fauna. Management of Lepironia articulata Retz. become an alternative business carried out by forest farmers in peat ecosystems. This study aims to evaluate the management of L.articulata in supporting peat ecosystem conservation. The research conducted in Haur Gading sub-district, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Data collection carried out through the interview on the stages of L.articulata management and socio-economic data on the community. Field survey were done by collecting ecological data from L.articulata habitat. Conservation support for peat ecosystems from L.articulata management analyzed using 7 variables and 17 indicators. Conservation support for the peat ecosystem from the management of L.articulata result is high (90.24%). Conservation support obtained from the indicator values of social benefits, economic benefits, technical aspects of L.articulata management stages, and several ecological benefits. The management of L.articulata by forest farmers able to reduce illegal logging and forest fires. Revegetation activities by forest farmers on enrichment planting is one option to increase the diversity of vegetation in peat ecosystems and also the form of conservation based on the utilization of the biodiversity of peat ecosystems. It contributes for improving the socio- economic community and the environment.