In the middle of June 2016, CIFOR post-doctoral researcher Rachel Carmenta, Willy Daeli (CIFOR) and Jacob Phelps (Lancaster University) visited Riau province in Indonesia to scope new research field sites. The focus of the trip was threefold: to cross-check data collected so far that attempts to catalogue diverse fire management interventions, to connect with new stakeholders and maintain existing networks, and to visit fire management intervention (FMI) sites to learn more about what sites might be part of the data collection and to refine research questions. The team met with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds (from academia and NGOs to government agencies, the private sector and fire brigades), and included visits to numerous FMI.
Caption: In Riau province, numerous contemporary and past FMI sites have applied diverse measures to mitigate and fight fires. Measures include canal blocking, which are asserted to keep water from draining from the system to prevent fire, and provide a water source for fire fighting in case of fire. Credit: R. Carmenta
Caption: Diverse fire management interventions (FMI) exist in Riau. They include attempts to support small-scale farmers to diversify their crop production using fire-free methods. Credit: R. Carmenta
