Balancing act: Peatland management and water resource sustainability
Tropical peatlands in Southeast Asia and Pacific, which are home to over 54% of the world’s peatlands, hold immense importance in global efforts to combat climate change. Considering that peatlands provide a range of valuable co-benefits, such as influencing water quality and availability, thus the conservation of peatlands emerges as a crucial climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy.
The United Nations has included clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) as one of its Sustainable Development Goals, and peatlands can play a significant role in achieving this goal. However, there is still critical information and research gaps that must be filled to understand how peatlands are connected to SDG 6 and their role in filtering, storing, and regulating water resources. This understanding can significantly contribute to achieving this and other global environmental goals, provided that the costs, benefits, opportunitiesand risks are carefully considered and managed in sustainable ways.
Objective
This session will focus on addressing challenges and opportunities in tropical peatland conservation and water resource management. It will present key perspectives and lessons learned, emphasizing concrete integrated steps and strategies that offer socio-economic benefits to communities while contributing to national and global commitments.
Additionally, the session will highlight that peatlands are both land and water and offer a perfect bridge between the nature objectives of the Climate Champion’s Breakthroughs and the complementary Freshwater Challenge. It will emphasize how peatlands protection, restoration and integrated water management are integral components in achieving the breakthroughs and many of our global environmental goals.
Keynote speaker:
Alue Dohong
Vice Minister, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia
“Harmony in Nature: Sustaining Peatlands for Ecosystem Health and Water Resource Balance”
Speakers:
- Muhammad Askary
Deputy Director for Sources Control of Peatland Ecosystem Degradation, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia
“Insight on Government Role on Water Management in Peatland Ecosystems: Collaboration, Challenges, and Solutions” - Swetha Peteru
Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF
“Insights on Science on Finding the Right Balance between Peatland Management and Water Resource Sustainability” - Yodia Handhi Prambara
Manager Engineering Development, PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional Refinery Unit II
“Testimonial from Private Sector Involved in Peatland Management and Water Resource Sustainability Project” - Sokina Joseph
Climate Champion
“Empowering Change and The Role of Climate Champions in Balancing Peatland Management and Water Resource Sustainability”
Moderator:
Dianna Kopansky
United Nations Environment Programme, Global Peatlands Initiative
