Study on the transformation of an animal corridor into a botanical forest parkIn trumon sub-district, south aceh district

STUDI TRANSFORMASI KORIDOR SATWA MENJADI TAMAN HUTAN RAYA DI KECAMATAN TRUMON KABUPATEN ACEH SELATAN

Abstract

The Forest Area in Trumon District, South Aceh Regency is a forest area that connects Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) with Singkil Wildlife Reserve (SMRS) in Trumon District, South Aceh Regency. This area has an area of ± 2,307 hectares and functions as a buffer zone that allows for animal migration routes between the two areas so that the habitat of key wildlife species such as Rhinos, Elephants, Tigers, Orangutans and various other species is intact (not fragmented). This relatively small area has a major role in maintaining biodiversity, improving ecological dynamics and maintaining the integrity of the overall ecosystem of the surrounding area. Previously part of the area was a residential area that was acquired by the government through the Leuser Development Programme and designated as an Animal Corridor Area based on South Aceh District Head Decree No. 593.33/170.A/1998 dated 20 July 1998. To support proper management of the area, a Conservation Response Unit (CRU) was established between 2011 and 2014.Although it has been designated as a conservation area, the existence of this corridor is inseparable from various human activities that threaten its sustainability so that ± 700.13 ha of corridor area is converted to function and becomes an open area. This encroachment continues to spread to the Singkil Wildlife Reserve Area which is converted into oil palm plantations.The destruction of forests in the animal corridor area and its surroundings has triggered various natural disasters and conflicts between humans and animals, especially elephants, tigers and orangutans.Based on these problems, the management of this animal corridor was upgraded to the status of a Botanical Forest Park (TAHURA).Tahura Trumon was established through a Decree number SK.171/MENLHK/ SETJEN/PLA.2/2/2023 concerning the change of function between Forest Area Functions from a portion of Permanent Production Forest to a Botanical Forest Park (Tahura) covering an area of 1,865 Ha.The ministerial decree instructed the Governor of Aceh to manage TAHURA Trumon in accordance with its new protection status. On 6 December 2023, the Governor of Aceh officially handed over the management of Tahura Trumon to the Regent of South Aceh, which became the starting point for the development of a management plan and management body for Tahura Trumon at the district level.