KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Living Labs for Wetland Research (LiWeFoR) initiative is dedicated to establishing a global network of Living Labs focused on wetland forest research, education, and management.
“LiWeFoR seeks to enhance expertise among researchers and decision-makers, promote science-related careers, and bridge knowledge gaps between partners,” said Director of Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI), Datuk Dr Lulie Melling, emphasising the collaborative nature of the project.
Dr. Melling highlighted the initiative’s goals, noting that it aims to develop carbon and nutrient management strategies for wetland forests while creating a repository for greenhouse gas emissions data and environmental factors.
Speaking at the LiWeFoR Seminar 2024 at TROPI, Dr Melling encouraged active participation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among participants to drive impactful research and sustainable wetland ecosystem management.
“The seminar is a prelude to the upcoming International Conference on Tropical Sciences (TropSc2024) and features oral presentations and posters focusing on GHG emissions and mitigation strategies in tropical peatland forests,” Dr Melling added.
Case studies from Borneo, the Peruvian Amazon, the Congo Basin, Uganda, and La Réunion were highlighted, alongside research from boreal regions such as the Baltic states, Scandinavia, and Finland.
Following the seminar, a two-week field campaign will be conducted in the Maludam peatland forest and oil palm plantations in Sri Aman, Betong, and Sibu.
The field activities will involve measuring GHG emissions and studying carbon and nutrient cycles in peatlands using innovative techniques.
“This initiative underscores a collaborative effort towards advancing wetland forest research, education, and sustainable management practices on a global scale,” Dr Melling concluded.
Also present during the programme were Head of the Chair of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology, University of Tartu, Estonia and other distinguished guests.
