Recognizing the importance of effectively managing peatlands, Malaysia actively participated in the ASEAN Peatland Forests Project (APFP) initiated in 2009, titled "Rehabilitation and Sustainable Use of Peatland Forests in Southeast Asia." Malaysia's involvement in the APFP project, overseen by the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) as the National Project Executing Agency, is directed towards the sustainable management of peatlands in the country. The primary objective is to address peatland degradation, specifically focusing on peatland fires and the associated haze, whose impacts can severely affect the environment, public health, and socio-economic aspects of the nation.
To tackle these challenges, the project emphasizes sustainable utilization and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands, with a particular focus on the State of Selangor. This is achieved through various strategies, including capacity building, fire prevention and control measures, active involvement of local communities, partnerships with the private sector, and the demonstration of best management practices. By implementing these initiatives, the project aims to mitigate the adverse effects of peatland degradation and foster the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems in Malaysia.
View source
