In 2015, Indonesia's devastating El Niño fires burned 2.6 million hectares and sent toxic haze across Southeast Asia. 11 years later, restoration efforts had helped cut burned peatland area by 70% in 2023 compared with 2019, showing the value of rewetting

Indonesia's peatlands are among the country's most fire-prone and environmentally important landscapes. When these ecosystems are damaged and dried out, they can become highly vulnerable to wildfire. The danger increases during El Niño, when prolonged durations of reduced rainfall can leave peatlands dangerously dry.

The consequences can extend well beyond the areas where fires begin. Large peat and land fires can damage habitats, threaten wildlife, affect communities and send smoke and pollution in Southeast Asia.