#Singapore #Southeast Asia #carbon emissions #mangroves

The Critical Importance of Peatlands and Mangroves in Southeast Asia

A recent international study has illuminated the vital role played by Southeast Asia's peatlands and mangroves in the fight against climate change. According to findings published in Nature Communications, effective conservation and restoration of these ecosystems have the potential to mitigate over 50% of the region's land-use carbon emissions. Despite occupying only 5% of the land, peatlands and mangroves are surprisingly efficient carbon sinks, storing more than 90% of their carbon in soils rather than vegetation. This efficiency underscores their importance in achieving climate targets for the ASEAN countries.

The research team, which included scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and James Cook University in Australia, emphasizes that these ecosystems are crucial not only for reducing emissions but also for maintaining biodiversity. However, the destruction caused by land-use changes results in the release of significant carbon stores back into the atmosphere, presenting a significant hurdle to climate goals.

Associate Professor Massimo Lupascu, the study’s principal investigator, stated that restoring and conserving peatlands and mangroves could lead to a reduction of approximately 770 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. This amount is substantial enough to almost double the national greenhouse gas emissions of Malaysia in 2023. He asserts that the study highlights the global climate benefits derived from protecting these essential ecosystems and represents a practical approach for ASEAN countries towards effective climate solutions.

Unique Ecosystems with Global Responsibilities

Southeast Asia's vast areas of tropical peatlands and mangroves share unique environmental characteristics that contribute to their carbon storage capabilities. These ecosystems thrive in water-saturated, oxygen-poor soils, which slow down the decomposition of organic materials, allowing them to function as natural carbon sinks. This carbon storage, however, is not recoverable once lost due to human activities like agriculture or urban development.

Assistant Professor Pierre Taillardat, another co-author of the study, reflects on the potential economic advantages of wetland conservation. He notes that while wetland soils may lack significant agricultural value, they offer unparalleled carbon storage capabilities. “If we assign carbon the value it deserves and trade it on carbon credit markets,” he says, “this could create significant opportunities for local communities and conservation initiatives, fostering an environment where both livelihoods and sustainable ecosystems can flourish.”

Emission Insights and Pathways to Progress

The study provides updated estimates regarding emissions from disturbed peatlands and mangroves throughout Southeast Asia, covering the years from 2001 to 2022. Organizing this data according to different land-use types and countries gives policymakers crucial insights for targeting conservation investments. By integrating peatland and mangrove protection into national climate strategies, ASEAN nations could implement effective measures to reach net-zero goals, reducing emissions significantly while supporting communities dependent on these wetlands.

Dr. Sigit Sasmito from James Cook University, who led the study, echoed these sentiments. “Investing in peatland and mangrove conservation is not just an ecological responsibility; it paves the way for Southeast Asia to set an example globally,” he stated, promoting cost-effective, nature-based solutions that create enduring climate and biodiversity benefits. As highlighted in the research, the conservation of these ecosystems offers one of the most scalable solutions to combat climate issues worldwide.

The open-access paper, aptly titled “Half of land use carbon emissions in Southeast Asia can be mitigated through peat swamp forest and mangrove conservation and restoration,” serves as a call to action for ASEAN governments and the international community to recognize the profound impact that peatlands and mangroves can have on our planet’s climate future.