Conservation efforts for Geronggang Trees (Cratoxylum arborescens (Vahl.) Blume) as a function of peatland restoration and protection in Bengkalis Regency

Abstract

Bengkalis is the region that has the largest peatland in Riau Province. However, 57 percent of the peatland conditions in Bengkalis have been degraded due to careless land clearing for plantation land, resulting in land drying, surface subsidence, and flammability. Efforts to restore peatlands in Bengkalis are being carried out by utilizing local plants whose presence is increasingly depleting, namely Geronggang tree (Cratoxylum arborescens (Vahl.) Blume). This research provides information regarding the conservation efforts of Geronggang trees by the Bengkalis local community in supporting peatland restoration by making observations and collecting secondary data. Observation results show that Geronggang tree has ecological, social, and economic benefits for the local Bengkalis community. Bengkalis people have their way of cultivating Geronggang trees; Geronggang seeds are planted using a mixed planting system, and Geronggang harvesting is carried out using thinning cutting, alley cutting (lane), and embroidery cutting systems. This stage is carried out to maintain the humidity of the peat land in each passage and to maintain the continuity of peat growth. Thus, conservation carried out by the Bengkalis local community must be able to keep the ecological and environmental functions of degraded peat areas. The research concludes that the Geronggang tree is a habitat and plant that grows and lives on peatlands in the Bengkalis area.