History of CPDS

The Center for Peatland & Disaster Studies (CPDS) began with the formation of the Haze Disaster Task Force (STBA) in 2014, as an emergency response to the widespread peatland fires that caused the haze disaster in Riau. Recognizing the need for a more structured and sustainable approach, on April 22, 2014, the STBA was officially transformed into the Center for Disaster Studies (PSB), based on the Decree of the Rector of Riau University (No. 17/UN19/KP/2015).

This journey continues to evolve, and on April 13, 2023, the PSB evolved into the Center for Peatland & Disaster Studies (CPDS), a Center of Excellence for Science and Technology – Peat and Disaster (PUI-GK). CPDS focuses on action research in the field of peatland and disasters, with the mission of generating innovative and sustainable solutions for mitigation and adaptation.

As a form of national recognition, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has designated CPDS as one of Indonesia's Centers of Excellence (PUI) for peatland and disaster research. This recognition underscores CPDS's strategic role as a research and innovation hub contributing to the sustainable management of peatland ecosystems at the national level.

Internationally, on June 6, 2024, CPDS officially became a member of the Global Peatland Initiative (GPI), a global network affiliated with the United Nations (UN). This membership affirms CPDS's role in global collaboration for the protection and management of valuable peatland ecosystems.