Wetland ecosystems play an important role in climate change mitigation

Jakarta – The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) said that wetland ecosystems play an important role for climate change mitigation. Mangroves, which dominate wetland ecosystems in Indonesia, are able to store carbon up to five times higher than tropical rain forests.

Even so, carbon stocks stored in peatlands and mangroves will be released into the air if they are drained or converted. Therefore, it is important to carry out activities to save and restore wetlands, as well as public understanding and awareness regarding restoration so that the earth does not get worse due to the effects of climate change.

“Indonesia has the potential for peatlands (which) store around 57 gigatonnes of carbon or 20 times the carbon of ordinary mineral soils,” said Director General of Sustainable Forest Management of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Agus Justianto, in a statement quoted earlier this month.

He said, Indonesia has the largest wetland ecosystem in Asia, after China, with an area of 40.5 million hectares or around 20 percent of Indonesia’s total area. In addition to its ability to absorb carbon, the vast peatlands also contain a variety of biodiversity that is very important and valuable for development capital that can improve the welfare of the Indonesian people.

Meanwhile, Director of Peat Ecosystem Damage Control at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Sri Parwati Murwani Budisusanti added that wetlands contain water with a composition of up to 90 percent. If the wetland is dry, it could affect the availability of water in the area. (Hartatik)

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