HCV and its Impact on Biodiversity The HCV concept has grown from a tool designed for sustainable wood, timber, and palm oil production and other activities with attention to social, cultural and biodiversity issues, into a concept with broader implications for society. The application of the HCV concept pressured companies to improve forest management practices. Many green companies also realize their corporate commitments to engage in ‘best practices’, often beyond those required by national laws and regulations. The HCV concept is based on voluntary participation, but government and international recognition of this concept has acknowledged that voluntary action is needed to complement formal regulation to achieve sustainable forest management. Tropenbos International Indonesia Programme was interested in doing the HCV assessment on Kampar Peninsula because of its commitment to promote HCV application to benefit forests and people. Problems with peat swamp forest ecosystems have now become a public concern because of their role in life supporting systems. A number of attributes are attached to the peat swamp forest in Kampar Peninsula, such as: 1. The unexplored wealth of biodiversity in the peat swamp forest and importance to scientific development. 2. The peat swamp forest encompasses conservation areas such as Suaka Margasatwa Tasik Belat, Danau Serkap (Lake of Serkap), Tasik Metas and Tasik Burung, which have habitat types and aquatic fauna typical of peat bogs. 3. The area is a key site for peat swamp forest biodiversity and an important area for birds. 60 THE ASIA REGIONAL FORUM ON BIODIVERSITY 4. The site plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the water system because the peat dome serves as water storage. 5. The peat swamp forest is a huge storehouse of carbon which plays an important role in climate change mitigation. Synergies of action are needed to ensure the successful conservation of the Kampar Peninsula. Forest management also needs to consider other stakeholders such as local communities who want to contribute to conservation activities. Collaborative management of the ecosystem-based conservation landscape is expected to answer these problems as well as to accommodate interests of all stakeholders. The concept was also a response to the need of Indonesia to develop successful multi-stakeholder management of tropical forests that can be used as a model in other areas. Conclusion The emerging voluntary participation of private companies on HCV assessment, although it was due to market pressure, shows their potential role in supporting biodiversity conservation. Government recognition, market incentives, and recognition from the international community are needed to encourage further participation of the private sector. While conservation is the responsibility of government, the voluntary participation of private companies should be encouraged to ensure the greater sustainable of biodiversity resources.
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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