Let’s Get To Know PT. TeL Biodiversity Park
The Biodiversity Study at PT. Tanjungenim Lestari Pulp and Paper (TEL) is part of the company’s Biodiversity Protection and Conservation Program. This study focuses on assessing the biological and ecological values deemed significant at local, national, and international levels. It involves surveying various flora and fauna species, including protected and endangered species, based on both Indonesian and international regulations. These species are found within designated biodiversity conservation areas.
PT. Tanjungenim Lestari Pulp and Paper actively engages in environmental initiatives that go beyond regulatory requirements. As part of these efforts, the company has established a 6-hectare biodiversity conservation area, which acts as an ecological buffer zone for the surrounding ecosystems near the company’s operations. Located in Banuayu Village, Empat Petulai Dangku Subdistrict, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra Province, the conservation area may be expanded as needed to support biodiversity conservation in the region.
Kondisi Umum
| Location | : | The Biodiversity Park (KEHATI) is situated within the PT TEL factory area, officially designated by a TEL Management Decree in 2022 |
| Area Size | : | The Biodiversity Park (KEHATI Park) at PT. TEL covers approximately 6 hectares, with plans for further expansion as needed |
| Topography | : | The park is located below an elevation of 1,130 meters above sea level, classified as a lowland forest area. It includes a stream flowing continuously along the park’s edges. |
| Land Status | : | The land belongs to PT. Tanjungenim Lestari Pulp and Paper, situated in Banuayu Village, Empat Petulai Dangku Subdistrict, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. |
| Accessibility | : | The KEHATI Park is easily accessible, located within the PT. TEL complex (Townsite). |
| Facilities | : | Infrastructure within the park includes a gate, a KEHATI Park sign, walking paths, and additional support facilities currently being cataloged for further development stages. |
Company Performance Policy
Aligned with the company’s vision, values, and strategic plans, PT. TEL Management implements environmental performance policies focused on Biodiversity Protection:
- Biodiversity Protection Efforts: The company strives to protect biodiversity in the areas surrounding its factory.
- Environmental Zoning and Biodiversity Protection: PT. TEL aims to increase the biodiversity index by 1% per year. This goal is pursued through in-situ and ex-situ conservation of specific flora and fauna species, especially those that are rare or protected, and by empowering the community in biodiversity protection efforts.
Vision and Mission of TEL Biodiversity Park Management
Vision : To achieve sustainable biodiversity conservation and utilization that supports the company’s continuity and resource management, while empowering the community through environmental performance activities that go beyond compliance.
Mission: To develop knowledge, local wisdom, conservation practices, and innovation for sustainable, responsible biodiversity utilization. The mission focuses on conservation-based practices that add value to biodiversity at local, national, and global levels.
Institutional Structure
- Planning and Management Program
The TEL Management Decree established an Environmental Management and Community Empowerment Team, specifically focused on biodiversity. This team has the responsibility and authority to implement planned biodiversity programs. - Governance
The management of the Biodiversity Park is directly overseen by TEL Management and coordinated by a dedicated team for biodiversity protection. - Partnerships/Support
The TEL Biodiversity Park is supported by the Environmental Agency of Muara Enim Regency, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and other relevant institutions. - Funding Strategy
The entire funding for the Biodiversity Park is provided by PT. TEL. - Zoning
The management of the Biodiversity Park is organized into three zones (core, buffer, and utilization), with 21 boundary markers and 10 vegetation observation plots. - Collection Enrichment
Identification of flora and fauna is carried out in the initial stages. - Facilities and Maintenance
Maintenance includes the upkeep of infrastructure and biodiversity collections that have been identified
Location
The TEL Biodiversity Conservation Area serves as a buffer zone between the factory site, the townsite, and community plantation land. This designated area includes aquatic zones and secondary vegetation that support a variety of flora and fauna, providing essential ecological roles and niches for these species.
The situational map of the biodiversity park illustrates the project’s location in relation to the surrounding areas, offering a detailed view of the specific region along with relevant descriptions, as shown in Figure 1.
PT. Tanjungenim Lestari Pulp and Paper (TEL) continues to actively support the Indonesian government’s goals for sustainable development. One of its key initiatives is dedicating part of the company’s land for biodiversity conservation. TEL emphasizes the importance of systematic biodiversity preservation efforts within its operations. To maintain the ecological functions of its 6-hectare biodiversity area, the company has conducted surveys and inventoried various species of flora and fauna within this designated zone. This data is crucial, as the area serves as a green barrier zone, helping to protect the surrounding environment from potential impacts of both company operations and local community activities. Biodiversity plays a critical role as a natural environmental guardian.
The biodiversity study, conducted in collaboration with Sriwijaya University (Unsri), aims to exceed regulatory requirements, ensuring better environmental security and management. The findings from this study can also serve as a baseline for calculating the carbon absorption capacity of the area, aligning with Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals for emission reduction.
Significance of TEL’s Biodiversity Conservation Area for the Surrounding Landscape
Geographically, TEL’s Biodiversity Conservation Area is located in Banuayu Village, Empat Petulai Subdistrict, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra Province. It falls within a lowland forest region (Figure 2). According to Whitten et al. (2000), in Sumatra, areas below an elevation of 1,130 meters above sea level are considered lowland forest zones. The tropical lowland forests of Sumatra have suffered extensive loss, with 65-80% of the forest cleared for agriculture and affected by illegal logging (Margono et al. 2010).
The establishment of the PT. Tanjungenim Lestari Pulp and Paper Biodiversity Conservation Area is a crucial effort to protect the remaining lowland forests in Sumatra. Although it covers a relatively small area of just 6 hectares, this initiative is vital for preserving the remaining biodiversity and safeguarding forest ecosystems with invaluable ecosystem services.
Studies have shown the importance of conserving even small patches of natural forests. Due to the urgent need for conservation and restoration efforts to improve landscape connectivity, these actions help reduce extinction rates and maintain ecosystem services (Haddad et al., 2015; Acrenaz et al., 2021). Research on small forest areas in South Sumatra also highlights their role as critical refuges for bird populations (Zulkifli et al., 2013; Iqbal et al., 2016a; Iqbal et al., 2016b; Aprillia et al., 2018; Aprillia et al., 2019).
Given the importance of protecting remaining forest areas, especially Sumatra’s lowland forests, the designation of PT. Tanjungenim Lestari Pulp and Paper’s 6-hectare Biodiversity Conservation Area is a well-justified decision. Protecting this forest area and supporting ongoing conservation efforts should be a priority for the future.
