VITAL WATER RESERVOIRS
Kehje Sewen, one of our release forests, is a tropical rainforest spanning 86,593.65 hectares. Half of the area consists of hilly terrain, creating a distinctive tropical ecosystem supporting Borneo’s endemic wildlife. The wealth of biotic and abiotic resources makes Kehje Sewen Forest a “gem” providing unsurpassed natural services that help species thrive.
One example of an abiotic resource providing significant environmental benefits is the embung, also known as sepan by the local community.. An embung is a natural water reservoir resembling a pond with an area of approximately 190 square meters. It is designed to collect rainwater and surface runoff. During the transition between the rainy and dry seasons, animals in the Kehje Sewen Forest frequently visit these water sources to meet their hydration needs.
With the help of technology and in-depth field knowledge, our team remains committed to discovering new embung.
Efficient water storage
In Kehje Sewen, embung are formed naturally through small brackish depressions. These reservoirs act as efficient water storage systems in the forest, providing essential resources during the dry season or periods of water scarcity. Wildlife, such as barking deer, sambar deer and wild boars, frequently use these embung as vital water sources.
On the other hand, embung also serves as a critical water reserve for addressing forest fire risks. For our Protection, Forest Security, and Fire Mitigation Team (PPHK), the presence of embung significantly aids their efforts to combat forest fires. The water reserves provided by embung serve as an immediate solution for extinguishing fires whenever they occur.
Challenging terrain impedes mapping
Currently, the number of embung in Kehje Sewen Forest is very limited. The vast area and challenging hilly terrain pose significant obstacles for our PPHK team in mapping the location of embung across the forest’s 86,000+ hectares. However, with the help of technology and in-depth field knowledge, our PPHK team remains committed to discovering new embung. These reservoirs will be crucial for meeting the water needs of wildlife and supporting our fire mitigation efforts in Kehje Sewen Forest.
