Protecting Indonesia’s largest intact peat swamp forest while empowering local communities.
The Katingan Peatland Restoration and Conservation Project, also known as the Katingan Mentaya Project (KMP), is a landmark ecosystem restoration initiative in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. This ambitious project safeguards 149,800 hectares of tropical peatland forest—one of the world’s most valuable carbon sinks.
These peatlands store vast amounts of carbon, with above-ground biomass and peat carbon stocks estimated at 14.25 million and 546.75 million tons, respectively. By preventing the conversion of this land into industrial plantations, the Katingan Peatland Restoration effort avoids the release of these carbon stores into the atmosphere.
Over a 60-year crediting period, the project is expected to reduce and remove an average of 7.5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, making it a critical force in global climate change mitigation. Beyond climate benefits, the project enhances ecological function by stabilizing water flows, reducing the risk of destructive peat fires, improving soil nutrients, and protecting clean water supplies in the region.
A Biodiversity Stronghold
The Katingan project area is rich in biodiversity, supporting:
- 157 species of birds
- 67 species of mammals
- 41 species of reptiles
- 8 species of amphibians
- 111 species of fish
- 314 plant species
This includes at least two critically endangered, eleven endangered, and thirty-one vulnerable species. Notably, it is home to more than 5% of the remaining global population of the critically endangered Bornean Orangutan, as well as the Proboscis Monkey and Bornean Gibbon. Without protection, this land would likely have been lost to industrial pulpwood plantations—leading to catastrophic biodiversity collapse.
Empowering Local Communities
Community engagement lies at the heart of the Katingan Peatland Restoration strategy. Through participatory planning, the project ensures that local needs and priorities shape its development. Over 35 surrounding villages benefit from sustainable livelihood programs, including:
- Agroforestry
- Non-timber forest product harvesting
- Ecotourism initiatives
- Microfinance opportunities
These efforts promote economic resilience while preserving traditional practices and forest stewardship.
Verified Impact and Global Leadership
Jointly managed by PT Rimba Makmur Utama (PT RMU) and Permian Global, the Katingan Peatland Restoration and Conservation Project is the largest avoided emissions project in the world. It generates an average of 7.5 million verified carbon units (VCUs) annually.
The project is triple gold-rated under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards, reflecting its outstanding environmental, social, and biodiversity outcomes.
Remarkably, it contributes to all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
