Peatlands are vital natural resources that play a crucial role in sustaining human life economically, socially, and environmentally. Effective policies are urgently needed to manage these lands to minimize losses and damages resulting from mismanagement.
Peat, a type of soil formed from partially decomposed organic material, can be over 50 cm thick and accumulates in wetlands. Its significance lies in its ability to absorb and store carbon, thus preventing greenhouse gases like CO2 from entering the atmosphere. This function is essential in the context of global climate change.
Moreover, peatlands help maintain ecological balance and serve as natural habitats for diverse flora and fauna, including species like crocodiles, tigers, and various plant species such as durian and meranti trees.
Peatlands also act as water reservoirs, absorbing large amounts of water during the rainy season to prevent flooding and gradually releasing it during dry periods. Their multifunctionality includes providing clean water, food sources, and fish habitats.
To effectively manage peatlands, interdisciplinary knowledge is required, spanning fields like soil science, agriculture, forestry, geography, and civil engineering. The rapid advancement of technology necessitates that peatland management keeps pace with new information to remain effective.
Digitalization is emerging as a transformative approach to peatland management, especially in areas with limited transportation access and inadequate communication infrastructure. Satellite imagery and aerial photography can expedite mapping and enhance the accuracy of land management practices.
Such technological advancements not only streamline the mapping of boundaries and infrastructure but also facilitate data processing in digital formats, thereby improving the overall management of peatlands and addressing challenges like droughts and flooding.