REHABILITATION OF PEAT SWAMP FOREST PROGRAMME WITH THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY IN

SOUTHEAST PAHANG PEATLAND LANDSCAPE

1. RE-WETTING OF DEGRADED PEATLAND THROUGH WATER MANAGEMENT The installation of canal blocks at abandoned drainages from the previous logging activities helps to increase water level as well as contribute to the re-wetting of the degraded peatland areas. The peatland re-wetting effort is implemented by installing a total of 10 canal blocks thus far with contribution and involvement of stakeholders for the landscape.

2. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY AT DEGRADED PEATLAND AREA WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Enrichment activity is implemented to accelerate natural succession of the parent trees at degraded peatland area after re-wetting. This activity is conducted with the local community. Maintenance activity such as circle weeding is an ongoing exercise to increase the survival rate of the planted trees.

OBJECTIVES

1. To enhance the rehabilitation effort by improving the hydrological system of the effected peatland area 2. To implement enrichment planting activities at the degraded peatland area 3. To implement peatland fire prevention measures through establishment of a community-led patrol team

MISSION

To implement peatland rehabilitation

and fire control activities with the

Indigenous Community To empower the

Indigenous Community through education and

awareness

PEAT SWAMP FOREST REHABILITATION EFFORT

Continues...

3. ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY-BASED PEAT FIRE PATROLING TEAM Peat fire patrolling team consists of 2 members of Friends of Peat Swamp Forest Kampung Tanjung Kelapa. They are assigned to patrol fire-prone areas and measure as well as monitor the water level readings at each canal block.

4-B. KELULUT HONEY Kelulut honey farming can generate source of income through sales and increases fruit yields.

4-C. MENGKUANG WEAVING Local communities weave the mengkuang leaves into a handicraft to sell around the village.

4-D. ESTABLISHEMENT OF COMMUNITY NURSERY Nursing of Mahang tree saplings as a part of the rehabilitation programme.

5. PROVIDE THE BASIC NEEDS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Provide basic needs such as clean water sources and electricity to improve the living standards of the communities in the peat swamp landscape. This initiative is conducted by taking into account on the renewable energy resources to achieve low-carbon emission goal.

4. To assist in improving the living standards of the Indigenous Community 5. To provide basic necessity to the Indigenous Community

PROGRAMME DURATION

SEPTEMBER 2018

UNTIL

AUGUST 2020

ORANG ASLI COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

THE FRIENDS’ PRODUCTS !!

facebook.com/ASEANpeat/ outreach@gec.org.my

...continuation

For further enquiries, please contact:

4-A. STRAW MUSHROOM Straw mushroom farming helps to generate extra source of income amongst the local community as well as provide source of food.

IN COLLABORATION WITH AND SUPPORT FROM

PROGRESS REPORT (September – October 2019)

Support for Peatland Rehabilitation and Conservation in Southeast Pahang Peatland Landscape

Prepared for

Prepared by

November 2019

Summary of progress to date (till end October 2019)

No Project Activities Deliverables Progress to date Remarks

1

Support enhancement of the activities in the Bukit Leelau Mini Landscape including maintenance and expansion of the rehabilitation measures (i.e. canal blocks and rewetted/replanted area)

Maintenance and enhancement of the 7 canal blocks previously established

At least one more canal block to be established

Approximately 200 Ha cumulative area of peatlands rewetted following canal blocks

Some canal blocks need repair, however the work can only be undertaken after the monsoon season (till end January 2020)

Carried out drone survey to assess rewetted areas and identify possible location(s) to build additional canal block(s)

An estimation of 380ha cumulative area of peatlands have been rewetted following canal blocks construction and monsoon

In progress. Regular monitoring on status of the canal blocks, rewetted area and planting site by patrollers and GEC team, with support of IOI BLE

2 Set up community-based fire prevention patrols and support its operation

Support community based fire prevention patrols in monitoring rewetted site and planting area

Established community-based fire patrolling team of two indigenous community

Training and light tools were provided

In progress. Regular patrol on the ground

3

Promote sustainable livelihood options and develop a suitable marketing scheme for the community to sell their livelihood products

Establishing sustainable livelihood options for native communities and market linkage for Non Timber Forest Products

Some community members attended training sessions in Kuantan and Pekan on marketing schemes for mushroom and bee-keeping of kelulut. Training also attended by JAKOA representatives

Communication initiated with Yayasan Kajian dan Pembangunan Masyarakat (YKPM, Foundation for Community Studies and Development) to explore possibility and opportunity to market local produces (mushroom and honey) to Pekan and/or Selangor

In progress. Further training on honey scheduled in end November. A visit to OA Organic farm in Kampung Gumum scheduled in end Nov of which the produces by indigenous community with support of YKPM for sale in Kuantan and Selangor

4 Support the local community welfare including water source and improved sanitary facilities

Access to potable water source and improved sanitary facilities

Solar powered water supply system constructed in Kg Sapai with technical support by TONIBUNG (a social enterprise on renewable/ green energy based in Sabah)

The system benefited population of 15 persons from 3 houses

The system is also generating electricity for lighting for the houses

Water sample tested with presence of microbes

2 in 1 system successfully installed in October. 2nd water testing is needed after shifting the sanitary activities to downstream of the well

No Project Activities Deliverables Progress to date Remarks

5 Coordination and reporting

Completion report Field visit in October to locations for installation of the solar system, rewetted area and planting site by BLC

Briefing on project progress to BLC in Bangkok on 5 November, sideline of RSPO conference

First progress report in November

In progress. A factsheet to be prepared and shared with BLC

INTRODUCTION This report was produced by Global Environment Centre (GEC) for Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC). This report contains update and implementation progress of the proposed activities undertaken in September and October 2019. There were three field missions conducted during this reporting period:

i. 28-29 September ii. 04-09 September iii. 22-25 October

This report describes the following progress work of:

a) Establishment of community-based fire patrolling team b) Current condition and progress at the rehabilitation area c) Sustainable livelihood activity d) Provide solar system for clean water source

MAIN ACTIVITIES A. Establishment of community-based fire patrolling team

Fire patrolling team was established by engaging local community living nearby the peatland area.

Two local people have been engaged with a monthly allowance of RM600 per person. The patrollers

carry out patrolling task following the designated route around the peatland area. Table 1 indicates

tasks of the patrollers for regular monitoring and observation of site condition at the rewetted and

replanting areas, canal blocks, as well as to ensure no peat fire within the area.

Table 1: List of patrollers and the assigned tasks

Patrollers Tasks Ezan A/L Sol Patrolling peat area following the designated route

Measure and record water table at the canal block locations Monitoring and observation at the planting site

Anisa A/P Jai Patrolling peat area following the designated route Document livelihood enhancement activity by communities including honey

kelulut, mushroom, community tree nursery, weaving, agriculture, etc.

On 9 October 2019, patrollers signed an agreement to carry out this activity with frequency of 5 days

a week. They have been provided suitable equipment and tools (Appendix 1) and route map

(Appendix 2). There are 10 checkpoints to monitor – i.e. 8 canal blocks, 1 peat area and 1 planting

site (Table 2). Patrollers will document their observation and findings on log book.

Table 2: Check points of patrolling route

Check point Location(s) 1 Check Dam JPNP PHN 03 2 Check Dam JPNP PHN 02 3 Canal Block GEC-BBC 5

4 Canal Block GEC-IOI 3 5 Check Dam JPNP PHN 01 6 Check Dam JAS CCD 86 7 Canal Block GEC-IOI 2 8 Planting Site I & II (Kg. Sapai) 9 Canal Block GEC-IOI 1

10 Jelutong Canal (Kg Tg. Chak)

Figure 1(a): Signing agreement to be engaged as patroller

Figure 1 (b): Training on documentation process

Figure 1(c): Training on measuring water table with piescale

Figure 1(d): Training on measuring water table without piescale

Figure 1(e): Training on using GPS device

Figure 1(f): Checking water table below peat

B. Current condition and progress at the rehabilitation area Rehabilitation area is located in between IOI Bukit Leelau Estate and Pekan (Extension) Forest Reserve. Previously five canal blocks constructed at the area and 10 hectares degraded peatland area have been planted for rehabilitation. From field assessments, there were additional canal blocks built by Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia (Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia) and Jabatan Perparitan dan Saliran (Department of Irrigation and Drainage) (JPSM-JPS) and Jabatan Alam Sekitar (Department of Environment) and Jabatan Perparitan dan Saliran (JAS-JPS) (Appendix 3). Survey from drone and analysis of satellite image indicated that approximately 380 hectares (ha) area have been rewetted from the canal blocks to encourage natural rehabilitation. This is also believed that rainfall from monsoon also contributed to the rewetting process at the location. With close facilitation with the local community, they have planted 2500 wildings of Macaranga pruinosa on 5 ha of degraded peatland at the rehabilitation site (Figure 2). Whilst the IOI BLE team will finishing their planting of another 5 ha by end of November.

Figure 2: Rehabilitation activity by the community to plant Macaranga pruinosa, a pioneer tree species for secondary forest.

From close coordination with the local community, they have informed that the canal block no. 2 and no. 5 have been eroded at both side of the banks due to heavy water runoff (Figure 3a and 3b). Currently the soil at the banks had been washed away and the canal block may collapse when the flow velocity is excessively high during the monsoon season. The canal block no. 2 was built in February 2019 while the canal block no. 5 was built in May 2019 with some upgrade works in June. However, due to weather and site condition, repair work will commence soon depends on site and weather condition.

Figure 3a: Erosion condition at the canal block no. 2

Figure 3b: Erosion condition at the canal block no. 5

In order to identify potential location for new canal block, two possible locations were surveyed. Table 3 below shows the coordinate of both the proposed locations. These locations were chosen as the locations are strategic and expected to support the rewetting processes by the existing canal blocks. However, the field assessment found that both the locations were currently flooded. Therefore, construction of canal block is currently not suitable since the landscape has been flooded. It is also challenging to transport the materials and machine needed for canal block construction in this condition.

Table 3: Coordinates of the proposed future canal block Proposed location Coordinate Possible canal block 6 – I (before canal block no. 1) 3.33802, 103.17942 Possible canal block 6 – II (after canal block no. 1) 3.34098, 103.18165

Figure 4a: Canal condition at proposed location 6-I. High water table documented 112cm above ground surface at the canal banks and 120cm at middle of the canal

Figure 4b: Canal condition at proposed location 6-II. High water table documented 157cm above ground surface at the canal banks and 165cm at middle of the canal

There was a forest fire occurred in September 2018 and another fire incident in March 2019 due to dry weather and fire prone degraded peat condition. Following the incidents and initiative by multi stakeholders, a total of 10 canal blocks were constructed within the landscape (Table 4). From drone survey, the canal blocks have improved the hydrology system of the landscape. The initiatives have increased the water table in the degraded area and have been encouraging natural regeneration of forest trees. Figure 5 shows the comparison of drone photos taken at the location. From the analysis from drone and ground assessment in October, estimated 380ha of the degraded peatland area within the landscape has been rewetted (Appendix 3). Table 4: The breakdown of canal blocks within the Bukit Leelau mini landscape

Canal block

Fund/Initiative

1 IOI

2 IOI

3 IOI

4 (PHN01) IOI (temporary constructed in Sept 2018), removed and replaced by JPNP in May 2019

5 BBC

PHN02 JPNP

PHN03 JPNP

CCD86 JAS

CCD87 JPSM-JPNP-JAS

CCD88 JPSM-JPNP-JAS

Figure 5(a): Fire occurred inside FR in September 2018

Figure 5(b): Condition after rewetting in October 2019

Figure 5(c): Fire scar observed in March 2019 Figure 5(d): Condition after rewetting in October

2019 C. Sustainable Livelihood Activity GEC introduced Volvariella volvacea or paddy straw mushroom farming pilot activity in June this year. With technical guidance from Department of Agriculture (DOA) Pekan, three villagers pilot tested with 1 bed each the mushroom farming. In September, one of the villagers has been expanding this activity to 5 bed of mushroom, under the support of BLC fund. The villager produces a bigger volume of the mushroom for sale to neighbours to gain additional income. The mushroom grown on empty fruit bunch (EFB) provided by IOI Bukit Leelau Estate while the seeds were bought from DOA Kedah. Each bed of EFB will be composted before sprinkled the seeds (refer Appendix 4 for mushroom cultivating process). Approximately 1 month needed to prepare the EFB beds and another 1 month to harvest the mushroom. The best time to harvest the mushroom is at button stage and consume within 24 hours. The market price for the mushroom is RM15/kg. Table 5 shows the production rate and income generated from this activity.

Table 5: Production rate and income generated from the mushroom activity No Date Harvested yield

(kg) Purpose Revenue

(RM) 1 15-10-2019 0.8 Own consumption -

2 16-10-2019 2 Own consumption & give relatives -

3 17-10-2019 3.2 Sell & own consumption 14.00

4 19-10-2019 1.7 Own consumption -

5 21-10-2019 1.5 Own consumption -

6 23-10-2019 1.7 Sell 30.00

7 25-10-2019 1.1 Sell 15.00

Income Generated 59.00

The villager, Mr Ezan started to harvest the mushroom on 15 October. He consumed the mushroom and sold the surplus to nearby grocery stores, canteen and friends. Until end of October, he was able to harvest 12 kg of the mushroom and earned RM59 from selling the surplus. For normal cultivation, the harvesting period is 25 days. However, the harvesting period for this activity was only 19 days due to raining season and low temperature. The ideal surrounding temperature for optimum production is 31C ± 2C. The mushroom production has been affected by the weather consequence to decreasing yield volume. Apart from mushroom, the villagers were also introduced to kelulut cultivation activity. In April, 3 villagers attended a kelulut training and they were provided a set of honey harvesting equipment and 1 log kelulut each, under the support of BBC. The villagers with kelulut started selling their honey in June, 2 months after the training session and bee-keeping at backyard. Till October, the villagers already sold 1800ml of honey harvested from the hives. In order to improve income generation of the villagers, GEC had facilitated a marketing training to Kampung Penchur, Pekan for an experience sharing by a mushroom grower. Another training session is to visit a kelulut cultivator in Kampung Mikang, Muadzam Shah, Pahang (Figure 4a and 4b).

Figure 6(a): Mushroom training Figure 6(b): Kelulut bee-keeping training session

D. Solar system for clean water source

2 in 1 solar power system includes electricity to support lighting and powered water pump installed in Kampung Sapai. The installation was commenced in early October. Permission and consent from

the indigenous family was acquired under FPIC process (Appendix 5). The construction sessions also attended by the beneficiary family of Pak Asa. The solar system built with component of battery and inverter. With batteries, it gives option to the

user for night time usage, whereas inverter converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC),

then to support the users to use varieties of home electric appliances. The system is equipped with

submersible pump, water storage tank of 1,500 litre and filtering system. The installation of the solar

system was technically supported by TONIBUNG (a social enterprise in Sabah that has been

promoting renewable energy with local communities within the country).

Figure 7(a): FPIC process with beneficiary family

Figure 7(b): Work in progress to construct solar stand

Figure 7(c): Place the water tank on top of the stand

Figure 7(d): Installation of electric circuit

Figure 7(e): Installation of light bulb at Pak Asa’s house Figure 7(f): Visit from Bunge Loders Croklaan

and IOI fellow

OVERALL CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusion This project has enhanced activities in Bukit Leelau for protecting and conserving the peatland area. The project has been in good progress and engraved key achievements include:

i. Site assessment using satellite images, drone and ground surveys has indicated approximately 380ha area have been rewetted consequence from canal block construction and monsoon;

ii. Establishment of the community-based fire patrolling team. The patrolling team will monitor the area for fire risk, alerting authorities and providing input to peat hydrology management;

iii. Solar power system installation completed. The system includes lighting and water powered pump system;

iv. Community generated income by selling surplus from mushroom farming; v. Community benefitted from apiculture activity by selling kelulut honey and equipped with

marketing strategy Recommendations 1. GEC with the help of the patrollers continue to monitor the water table at the canal blocks and at

the same time monitoring/patrolling to check functionality of the canal blocks; 2. GEC to remain in close communication with local community on wildings collection for replacing

the dead wildings on the planted area; 3. Possible locations for new canal blocks have been identified but constructing canal block is not

possible in this raining/monsoon season. Additional 2 canal blocks were constructed by the government after seeing impact of rewetting at the site as further contribution and involvement

of the government; 4. GEC to monitor maintenance of the solar power system (e.g. cleaning the water filter) including

constantly check functionality of the system; 5. GEC to support community in marketing mechanisms for low-carbon livelihood activity. From

the marketing training, it is important to focus on the nearby market within 5km radius. From

discussion with the villager, future potential markets/platforms include: SK Runchang, IOI mill, IOI office, IOI quarters, Seri Jelutung mill and Seri Jelutung Quarters;

6. From observation, mushroom yield is decreasing due to raining season. GEC and the villager

need to seek technical advice from DOA to overcome the situation; 7. Monsoon season is affecting the kelulut honey production. While waiting for the monsoon over,

the villagers are advised to plant more flowering plants surrounding the hives; 8. Due to limitation and constraint on site condition, GEC would like to propose reallocation of fund

of constructing additional canal blocks to install another unit of solar powered system at one of the sub-villages i.e. Kampung Melogo; and

9. GEC to continue on close communication and engagement with the key stakeholders and local community.

Indicative timeline and current progress

Activity Sep Oct Nov Dec

Support enhancement of the activities in the Bukit Leelau Mini Landscape including maintenance and expansion of the rehabilitation measures (i.e. canal blocks and rewetted/replanted area)

Set up community-based fire prevention patrols and support its operation

Promote sustainable livelihood options and develop a suitable marketing scheme for the community to sell their livelihood products

Support the local community welfare including water source and improved sanitary facilities

Coordination and reporting

Appendix 1: List of equipment for fire patrolling

No. Equipment Unit

1 Fire proof Harvik Boot 2

2 Safety helmet 2

3 Gloves (fire proof) 2

4 Backpack Sprayer (20L) 1

5 GPS device 1

6 Battery (for the GPS device) 8

7 Fire swatter (use metal scraper) 2

8 Files to keep documents and log book (water proof) 1

9 First Aid Kit 1

10 Stationaries 3

11 Log Book 1

Appendix 2: Route map for fire patrollers

Appendix 3: Locations of latest canal blocks, rewetted area and the selective planting site

Appendix 4: Mushroom cultivating process

Fresh Empty Fruit Bunches

(EFB) transported to project

site.

EFB was piled up, watered, and covered with canvas for

9 days. The pile needs to be

watered every 3 days to

maintain its moisture and

increase temperature.

EFB pile waterred until it is

completely wet every 3 days

After 9 days, the composted

EFBs were arranged to

form mushroom bed.

Mushroom spawn log

Sown the EFB bed with

spawn

Covered for 14 days Harvesting day

Appendix 5: Consent letter for solar system construction through FPIC process