Project Leader	Osawa Takamasa（Kanazawa University, Institute of Liberal Arts and Science）
Collaborators	Okamoto Masaaki（Kyoto University, Center for Southeast Asian Studies） Nakagawa Hikaaru（Aqua Restoration Research Center, Public Works Research Institute） Hasegawa Takuya（Toyo University, Asian Cultures Research Institute） Kasori Maho（Kyoto University, Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies） Wahyu Prasetyawan (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta) Kurniawati Hastuti Dewi (National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)) Nofrizal (Riau University, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science) Akhwan Binawan (Hakiki Foundation) Oto Yumeki (National Fisheries University, Department of Applied Aquabiology)
Research Project	Transdisciplinary research on the establishment of a floodplain-forest reserve in a fishing village in Riau, Indonesia
Countries of Study	Indonesia

Outline of Research

This study aims to establish a floodplain-forest reserve in a tropical peat area in Riau, Indonesia, and investigates the subsequent social and environmental changes in a fishing village. The rapid expansion of oil palm gardens in the area has negative impacts not only on the condition of peat soils, but also on the growth of small fishes in rivers. We will 1) establish a reserve of submerged forest along the Kampar River in collaboration with local NGOs, villagers, and officials, 2) examine the subsequent changes in environmental awareness and governance in the village, and 3) investigate the effects on fish resources.

Purpose of Research, Its Significance and Expected Results, etc.

In Indonesia, the government and academics have sought effective and sustainable ways to restore and protect the degrading peat environment. However, they have paid little attention to the ecological system and local populations of river banks, although historically these areas have been the main living space for local communities in tropical peat environments.  Against this background, this project attempts to preserve the natural environment on the banks of the Kampar River, which flows through a peat area in eastern Sumatra, and assesses the preservation’s impact on riverine ecological systems and a local fishing community. We employ three methods to accomplish this purpose: 1) establish a protected area of submerged forests or floodplains in collaboration with the local community; 2) investigate social changes in environmental awareness and governance among the people living on the river banks; and, 3) explore relationships between the conditions of fish resources and floodplains/ submerged forests.

Through the first method, we secure spawning beds for fishes and the supplies of falling leaves, which can be food for small fishes. The second method provides insights into improved use of river resources. Through the third method, we can gain scientific evidence of the significance of preserving submerged forests and floodplains in riverine peatland areas.

The research activities are expected to provide a new perspective for peatland restoration in Indonesia, and to stimulate natural environmental preservation activity and the sustainable use of natural resources in a participatory way.