Reviving Peatlands: A Critical Step Toward Carbon Reduction and Climate Resilience

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Article published in Lianhe Zhaobao on 6 Oct 2024

NERI's research on the Integrated Tropical Peatlands Research Programme (INTPREP) was recently featured in Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore’s prominent Chinese newspaper, on 6 Oct 2024.

INTPREP, conducted in collaboration with our Indonesian partners, focuses on restoring degraded peatlands—vital carbon sinks—and gaining insights into peat decomposition and forest revegetation in tropical ecosystems.

Here are some key findings shared by Associate Professor Sanjay Swarup, NERI Director and the lead Principal Investigator, and Dr. Aditya Bandla, Senior Research Fellow, during their interview:

  • Carbon Emission Reduction: Our research demonstrated that reintroducing water to dried peatlands can significantly cut carbon emissions, reducing them by an estimated 6.4 to 23.6 tons of carbon per hectare annually.
  • Ecological Benefits: Peatlands play a crucial role in flood buffering and supporting biodiversity. The team had rare encounters with the critically endangered Sumatran tiger and unique flora during their fieldwork, highlighting the ecological richness of these landscapes.

As we advance to the next phase of the programme, we aim to extend our knowledge beyond Indonesia, collaborating with Malaysia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. In this phase, the project team will also explore integrating AI technologies to accelerate data analysis and enhance restoration efforts by bringing together relevant partners.

Read the full news highlight on Lianhe Zaobao:

https://www.zaobao.com.sg/lifestyle/eco/story20241006-4873643