Jambi

The Landscape

Jambi: Forest Landscapes and the Pathway to Low-Emission Development Jambi’s forest landscapes are an important part of the province’s natural capital, supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, regulating water systems, and sustaining the livelihoods of communities living in and around forests. However, these landscapes face increasing pressure from land conversion, forest degradation, peatland fires, and development activities. During the 2006–2018 baseline period, greenhouse gas emissions from Jambi’s land sector averaged approximately 32 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂e) per year. At the time of the baseline assessment, approximately 1.02 million hectares of natural forest remained, while average annual deforestation and forest degradation was estimated at around 80,000 hectares. A linear projection of historical trends indicated that natural forest cover could be depleted by the early 2030s under an expansive and extractive development trajectory. Land-use change has been associated with the expansion of forest plantations, estate crops, mixed agriculture, and encroachment into forest areas. These pressures are compounded by challenges in spatial planning and land-use governance, an economic development model reliant on land expansion and resource extraction, limited capacity to prevent encroachment and forest and land fires, and insufficient land productivity and alternative livelihood opportunities for communities living in and around forests. These interconnected challenges highlight the need for an integrated approach that addresses both the drivers of deforestation and degradation and the underlying social and economic factors affecting forest landscapes. Recognising the importance of balancing economic development and environmental sustainability, Jambi has established a long-term policy direction through its Green Growth Plan 2019–2045, formalised under Provincial Regulation No. 4 of 2023. The plan provides a framework for reducing forest conversion and greenhouse gas emissions while improving land productivity, strengthening value chains, expanding access to transport and finance, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting inclusive economic growth. Building on this policy foundation, the RBP REDD+ GCF Output 2 Programme supports Jambi’s transition towards low-emission development by connecting forest protection and restoration with sustainable forest management, stronger community livelihoods, and enhanced provincial climate governance, contributing to the province’s broader climate commitments and sustainable development priorities.