Press Articles

Title: GEC Helps Asean Draw Framework On Peatland Management Initiative
Date: 18-Aug-2005
Source/Author: Bernama

PENANG, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Global Environment Centre (GEC), a Selangor-based non-governmental organisation, is working closely with Asean to provide a framework on peatland management initiatives.

Its Director Faizal Parish said the GEC had been supporting the regional organisation to generate resources to manage the burning and abundant peatlands over the last five years.

He said peatlands have significant importance for socio-economic development and support the livelihood of local communities.

However, drainage and unsustainable management practices have made peatlands vulnerable to fires and peatland fires were becoming the region's major problem, he told reporters.

Faizal said the fires had negatively impacted human health, food production and biodiversity and had contributed to global climatic changes.

The Asean Peatland Management Initiative is a mechanism for Asean member countries to collectively collaborate among themselves or with other international institutions for mutual benefit to address issues of peatland management on a sustainable basis to reduce transboundary haze pollution.

Faizal hoped the initiatives could be fully implemented by Asean member states within the next 15 years.

One of the strategies recommended by GEC was replanting of trees in burning areas and using technology to increase water levels in peatland areas, he said.

He said a few areas have been identified in Central Kalimantan and Jambi for rehabilitation of abundant peatlands.

He said US$5 million have been allocated for the projects.

He said a few areas in Malaysia such as in Selangor, Pahang and Sabah were suitable for rehabilitation and replanting.

Faizal welcomed good practices guidelines adopted by an oil palm plantation company in Perak which did not resort to open burning for land clearing.

[ Back ] [ Print Friendly ]