US Edition
'Lungs of the Earth': the Indonesians fighting for peatland
INDONESIA, JUL 25 – Only 18.4% of Indonesia's peatlands remain undisturbed as villagers challenge palm oil drainage threatening vital carbon-storing ecosystems, according to a 2023 study.
- Villagers in Bangsal assert land rights as they petition for peatland safeguards, lobbying local government to protect remaining peatland.
- Indonesia has the most tropical peatland globally but is rapidly losing this poorly understood ecosystem, according to the World Bank.
- Pralensa's oar stirred up rich organic layers, showing peatlands' vital carbon dioxide storage and biodiversity role, while Bintang Harapan Palma's drainage canals threaten these ecosystems.
- In July, a local court rejected the suit, saying the plaintiffs lacked standing, and Bintang Harapan Palma did not respond to AFP's request for comment.
- A 2023 study found only 18.4 percent of Indonesia's peatlands remain undisturbed, and Pralensa fears they may soon disappear.
43 Articles
43 Articles
‘Lungs of the Earth’: the Indonesians fighting for peatland
Indonesian environmentalist Pralensa steered his boat through a shallow canal in the marshy peatlands near his village, an environment he fears may soon disappear. His oar stirred up rich organic material in the brackish water, evidence of the layers of plant matter that make peatlands vital carbon dioxide stores and key to biodiversity. Indonesia has
Lebung Itam - Pralensa, an Indonesian environmental activist, sails between the peatlands of southern Sumatra Island. But for how long? These essential ecosystems, which retain carbon dioxide, could soon disappear. Its row raises a rich organic matter in brackish water, proof of the presence of multiple layers of plant material that make peatlands essential reserves for biodiversity. Indonesia, which is home to the largest number of tropical pea…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
