Sustainable Peatland Management Focusing on Community-Based Peatland Rehabilitation in Malaysia

In Malaysia, peatland is the most widespread type of wetland found in ten states which are Johor, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Putrajaya, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Terengganu. It covers about 2.6 million hectares (ha) which is approximately 30% of the country’s earth surface (Standard Operating Procedure to Implement Peatland Fire Prevention Programme to Mitigate Haze). The largest peatland area is in Sarawak, which is more than 1.6 million ha. Approximately, 30% of the total peatland area in Malaysia is found in the forest reserves (Forested areas that are gazetted as Permanent Reserved Forest are being managed sustainably for environment and socio-economic purposes), with the remaining areas converted for other uses while some are still designated as the state forest land. Peatland management is crucial not only to ensure sustainable use of the resources and protection of endangered species, but also to maintain environmental stability and services. Local community involvement is often critical to the effective conservation, rehabilitation, and sustainable use of peatlands. Degradation of peatlands can lead to the loss of important livelihood options and negatively impact community welfare. The peatland conservation and rehabilitation efforts require local communities’ involvement, particularly those who live adjacent to the area. Among the established peatland rehabilitation activities involving local communities are the establishment of community nurseries, tree planting, rewetting (water management), fire monitoring and patrolling programme, alternative livelihood options, and more. The implementation of these activities promoted a “sense of belonging” among the communities and ensured the sustainability of conservation efforts in the long run. The Global Environment Centre has established such programme called Friends of Peat Swamp Forest designed to conserve and protect the degraded peatland areas. It was introduced to the communities who are aware of the degradation issues of peatland in Selangor and Pahang states to support the protection and utilization of peatlands in a sustainable manner and enhance the awareness among society and students about the importance of peatlands and the services it provides to the local communities.