What is the Katingan Mentaya Project?
The Katingan Mentaya Project (KMP) is a tropical peatland forest conservation and restoration project in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, covering 149,800 ha. Designed as the world’s largest forest-based avoided emissions project, it sequesters an average of 7.5 million tCO2e per annum. This initiative protects a highly biodiverse area of tropical peat swamp forest that is home to over 5% of the remaining global population of the Bornean Orangutan along with other High Conservation Value (HCV) species. Built on robust naturebasedsolutions and driven by the key principles of conservation and restoration, KMP is deeply integrated with community livelihood development, working in partnership with 35 villages. The project’s focus on sustainable development is clear, as it contributes towards all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaching 54 targets and 68 indicators during 2021–2022… a truly transformative approach in forest conservation.
Main Benefits & Key Figures
The project’s benefits are numerous and measurable. Its multi-dimensional approach ensures that conservation, climate mitigation, and community improvement go hand in hand. A glance at some of the key figures provides clear insight into the project’s impact:
- 149,800 ha of conserved tropical peatland forest
- 305,669 ha encompassing the wider project zone
- Sequesters an average of 7.5 million tCO2e per annum
- Prevents GHG emissions equivalent to almost half a gigaton of CO2 over 60 years
- Supports the survival of over 5% of the global Bornean Orangutan population
- Benefits 45,000 people across 35 local villages
- Holds more than 90% of its carbon reserve underground in the peat dome
- Triple gold rated as per Verra Verified Carbon Standard and Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard
Climate Mitigation and Restoration
The project’s climate mission is centered on the prevention of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that would have been generated by the planned forest clearance and conversion to industrial acacia plantations. Through ongoing conservation and restoration efforts, the project works relentlessly to prevent fire-related destruction and promote emission sequestration. The conservation measures employed help slow down climate change, ensuring that the immense carbon stocks in the peat and vegetation remain safely stored. The underlying strategies, verified by independent assessments, illustrate how preventing deforestation translates directly into significant climate benefits. There is a natural synergy in protecting peatlands—these ancient ecosystems, some as old as 26,000 years, hold not only historical value but also critical environmental significance.
Empowering Local Communities
The community component of the project is as pivotal as its environmental goals. KMP is committed to delivering economic and development support for the 45,000 people living in and around the project area. By fostering capacities through participatory planning with local communities, the project has ensured that sustainable economic opportunities and improved well-being are at the heart of its operations. Local residents are encouraged to engage in decision-making processes, ensuring transparency and inclusivity. This approach builds confidence, encourages local stewardship of natural resources, and creates a sense of ownership that is essential for long-term sustainability… all while ensuring that the developmental benefits are felt right at the grassroots level.
Conserving Biodiversity
The Katingan Mentaya Project is dedicated to safeguarding one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats. The protected peat swamp forest is home to a multitude of species, including 6 critically endangered, 11 endangered, and 27 vulnerable species such as the Bornean Orangutan, Sunda pangolin, and Proboscis Monkey. The importance of preserving such a varied ecosystem cannot be overstated. The project demonstrates that naturebasedsolutions are not only about reducing carbon emissions but also about maintaining the integrity of the natural world. By protecting this vital habitat from conversion to industrial landscapes, the project ensures the continuity of ecological functions while promoting natural regeneration and resilience.
Addressing Industrial Pressures
Originally, the area was earmarked for conversion to industrial-scale acacia plantations. However, the creation of the Katingan Mentaya Project prevented the release of greenhouse gases that would have resulted from such conversion activities. The decision to safeguard the forest ensured that the peat dome, which can reach depths of up to 13 meters, remains intact, preserving the massive underground carbon reserves. The approach taken by the project exemplifies how large-scale conservation tied to rigorous verification standards (triple gold rating) can allow for balanced, science-based entrepreneurship—especially for entities operating in the Other personal services industry. The involvement of key partners, like PT. Rimba Makmur Utama (RMU) and Permian Global, has been instrumental in achieving these outcomes.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- And others across all 17 UN SDGs
Project Partners and Future Prospects
Developed and managed by PT. Rimba Makmur Utama (RMU), the Katingan Mentaya Project has positioned itself as a leading example of restored forests through strategic investments from the voluntary carbon market. The role of Permian Global, providing technical support on remote sensing, MRV methodology, international communication, carbon marketing, and management advice, further underscores the collaborative spirit guiding the project. The shared vision of naturebasedsolutions, combined with a bcorp score of 114.3, highlights the project’s commitment to both environmental and community benefits. With a strong historical timeline—from its founding in 2007, through significant milestones in 2013, 2016, 2021, and 2023—the Katingan Mentaya Project continues to adapt and evolve. Its holistic approach ensures that not only is the forest safeguarded and restored, but the communities that depend on it are empowered to thrive now and in the future… paving the way for a regenerative economy and a healthier planet.
