ABSTRACT: Ecological Restoration of Tropical Habitats: Approaches in Sumatra, Indonesia

Turnipseed, Steve P.¹, Maryuswan Marsid¹, Lucinda A. Jackson², and Khairi Jon³
(1) PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, Pekanbaru - Riau, Indonesia
(2) Chevron Research and Technology Company, Richmond, CA
(3) University of Riau, Pekanbaru - Riau, Indonesia

Restoration differs significantly from erosion control and traditional re-greening efforts. The goal is to return the land, as much as possible, to a condition to which it was found prior to disturbance. Up-front analysis of needs and issues of a specific site restoration can result in large cost savings and a successful outcome. Elevation, hydrology, condition of the site, and location relative to undisturbed habitat determine what type of restoration is suitable and the methods followed. The original species mixture has to be investigated and a large variety and quantity of plant species must be found and propagated. Careful attention to planting and maintenance is required. Follow-up site reviews provide feedback for future work at other locations.

Done correctly, ecological restorations also have appeal to local citizens and government agencies, can provide local employment, and can serve as a forum for technical transfer and sharing among industry, universities, and non-profit environmental groups. This paper describes examples of tropical restoration approaches in Indonesia,with a specific example of a tropical restoration pilot project in a lowland rain forest near the equator on the island of Sumatra. Details presented include objectives, techniques, local resources used, and the resulting successes and failures. A plan is described in this paper which uses hyperspectral remote sensing for environmental baselining and monitoring completed restoration projects.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90913©2000 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Bali, Indonesia