Building Canal Blocks in Temiang and Tanjung Kuras

In an effort to keep the peat ecosystem healthy and protected, Yayasan Gambut together with the community in Temiang Village, Bengkalis Regency, and Tanjung Kuras Village, Siak Regency, have carried out the construction of canal blocks or canal blocking. This program aims to maintain the natural moisture of the peatland, which if left dry can cause a high risk of fire, especially during the dry season.

Harisyah (Tanjung Kuras Community Group) is preparing the location for the development of Canal Blocks in Peatland

Canal blocking is a construction method that limits water flow in artificial canals that cross peatland. In peatland, canals are often made to dry the land so that it can be used for agriculture or plantations. However, these canals can drain water from the peat layer, causing the peat surface to become dry, vulnerable, and easily burned.

By building canal blocks in these canals, water can be retained, thus maintaining the moisture of the peat soil. This canal blocking is designed to adapt to local ecological needs, so it can reduce water flow out of the peatland and help stabilize environmental conditions to avoid drought.

Process of developing Canal Blocks in Temiang Village

Temiang Village and Tanjung Kuras Village were chosen because both areas have extensive peatland and often experience drought during the dry season. Through collaboration with Yayasan Gambut, the local community is involved in the construction of canal blocks. This activity not only increases the community's understanding of the importance of maintaining peatland but also provides technical skills in making and maintaining canal blocks.

In the planning stage, the Yayasan Gambut team and the community group conducted a survey and analysis of the location to determine the canal point to be blocked. After that, the construction process was carried out by the community group, allowing the community to continue maintaining it independently in the future.

The process of casting using cement is done at the end to add strength to the canal blocking structure

The canal blocking programme shows several direct benefits, including:

• Land Fire Prevention: The retained moisture in the peat layer makes it more difficult to burn. This is especially important in facing the long dry season.

• Peat Ecosystem Recovery: With the blocked canal, the peatland can recover naturally and reduce the rate of degradation. This process helps the peat ecosystem to reabsorb and store carbon, which is beneficial in mitigating climate change.

• Community Empowerment: The program provides an opportunity for local residents to understand peat management techniques and participate actively in protecting their surrounding environment.

Canal blocking in Temiang Village and Tanjung Kuras Village is just one step in the ongoing effort to maintain the peat ecosystem. Yayasan Gambut remains committed to building partnerships with the community, local government, and various other parties to ensure that peatland can function as an effective carbon sink, habitat for various species, and a natural barrier to fire.

This program also provides a real example that environmental conservation efforts can run in parallel with local economic empowerment, ultimately creating a balance between ecological aspects and social needs.