Interdisciplinary consideration of social and ecological benefits of single trees in an oil palm plantation in the province of Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia

The project aims at understanding and assessing effects of remaining single trees and tree islands in oil palm dominated landscapes. The two main goals of the research will be to analyse the biodiversity enrichment potential and the socio-economic effect of these remaining trees and tree islands. The aim of the research will be divided into two main parts. The first will be the research about the biotic factors the second part will focus more on the socio-economic dimension of these remaining trees.

1. Finding, mapping and identifying the remaining trees and tree island.
Finding and mapping the remaining trees and tree island: working with existing land maps (existing drone images), tagging and capturing coordinates in the field using a GPS. Once the trees are mapped and tagged, there will be a collection of material from the trees which allows a taxonomic determination. Literature review on ecological and economical value on these tree species. This data will complement the existing database of the project B06.

The second part of the research will be focusing on the question why these trees are still remaining in the landscape. The hypothesis is that these trees support local needs because they provide sellable material (fruits, seeds, wood etc.) or have spiritual values to the local communities.

2. Socio-economic survey:
Market survey (Price determination on local markets for fruits or other forest products). Talking to smallholders and the administration of the area where the trees was found by using a standardised questionnaire.

The Master project will contribute to evaluate opportunities for upscaling biodiversity enrichment while providing socio economic benefits for smallholders. The Master project will contribute to collaborative research activities between B11 (Clara Zemp), B06 (Fabian Brambach) and C02 (Yvonne Kunz).