A forum on peatland biodiversity opened on Monday, bringing together regional experts to discuss conservation and sustainable management of the unique ecosystem.
The ASEAN Forum on Peatland Biodiversity will see 52 participants, comprising experts, researchers and policymakers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, discussing critical issues surrounding biodiversity and ecology in the peat swamp forests across the region over the next three days.
The forum was organised by Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Forestry Department and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) SUPA/REPEAT, with the support of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB).
Deputy Director of Forestry Reni bin Haji Yahya said Brunei Darussalam is committed to conservation of its peatlands, highlighted the country’s pride in its rich natural heritage.
He said the unique peatland ecosystems are vital for maintaining biodiversity and regulating climate.
Topics that will be discussed over the forum include, “Peatland biodiversity to global and regional biodiversity and climate change agendas”, “The importance and current status of peatlands in Brunei Darussalam” and “The vulnerability of peatland biodiversity due to land use and climate change in Indonesia and Malaysia”.
Participants will also compare biodiversity in protected versus unprotected peatland areas within Brunei Darussalam and share national biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2030.
Participants will also take a field trip to the Badas Peat Swamp Forest in Belait District, to observe the ongoing conservation efforts and plant 50 saplings of the Alan tree (Shorea albida). – Fadley Faisal
