REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Peatland fires will be the main agenda item for the upcoming Second International Indonesia Peatland Conversation (IIPC) to be held in Jakarta, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Besides peatland fires, the other key issue that will be discussed during the meeting is greenhouse emissions," Manager of the Indonesian Climate Change Center (ICCC) Farhan Helmy stated here on Monday.
The second IIPC will be organized by the National Council for Climate Change (DNPI) in cooperation with the ICCC. It will involve 60 participants comprising national and international peatland experts, policy makers, non-governmental organizations, universities, and ministries/institutions handling peatland affairs.
Farhan remarked that peatland have garnered significant attention due to their high emissions. Data received from the Ministry of Environment reveals that peatland emissions accounted for about 30 percent of the total emissions.
The Indonesian government has set a target to reduce 26 percent of its greenhouse emissions. However, special handling was required as the largest volume of its emissions came from peatland.
The first IIPC 2013 was held in Bandung, West Java. It has identified challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the policies that contributed to a reduction in the target of greenhouse emissions through efficient management of peatland.
"Indonesia is committed to reducing 26 percent of its emissions. It can be achieved by reducing the emissions coming from peatland," emphasized DNPI Chairman Rachmat Witoelar, who was also the former environment minister.
Rachmat further added that the DNPI has set priority needs in developing policies on sustainable peatland management.
He explained that sustainable management comprised six elements: protection of virgin peatland, dry and degraded peatland restoration, peatland fire prevention, banning plantation on open peatland, reduction of emissions from plantation or plantation forests, and increasing awareness on the importance of peatland and developing peatland capacity.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika