Lulie reflects leadership on tropical peatland research

CHINA: Asia’s first member of the International Peat Society’s (IPS) executive board, Datuk Dr Lulie Melling was re-elected to the post at the 7th International Peat Congress (IPC) here.

Her re-election came on the last day of the congress which drew about 350 delegates from 22 countries. It was held on Aug 4-9 in Taizhou.

Dr Lulie, who is director of the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI), holds the distinction of being the first Asian and female of the board back in 2018.

Her re-election was seen as a testament to Malaysia’s recognised leadership in tropical peatland and scientific research.

She led the Malaysian delegation which included Dr Nur Azima Busman from TROPI and John Ko, Secretary General of the Malaysian Peat Society.

Carrying the theme ‘Peatland in a Changing World’ it acted as a central hub for scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in peatland research to exchange the latest discoveries, propose new ideas, present top-quality peat products, and connect conservation efforts with practical uses.
At the congress Dr Lulie gave a compelling keynote address on “Tropical Peatlands: Harmonising Economic Potential and Ecological Importance”.

“Tropical peatlands play a critical role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development,” she said.

On highlighting the challenge of balancing economic progress and environmental conservation particularly in Southeast Asia, she advocated for integrated management strategies, policy reforms and international cooperation to protect these vital ecosystems.

“It is important to align these effort with the United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement,” she said.

She also highlighted how research and innovation have transformed what was once considered a wasteland into valuable arable land for food and economic security.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nur Azima presented her research on the effects of litter quality and environmental conditions on decomposition rates in tropical peat swamp forests at the congress.

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WITH PIC. PHOTO: MALAYSIA’S LEADERSHIP IN TROPICAL PEATLAND RESEARCH SHINES AT THE 17TH INTERNATIONAL PEAT CONGRESS IN CHINA: DR LULIE MELLING RE-ELECTED TO IPS EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESS RELEASE

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Dr. : Lulie delivering her speech title Tropical Peatlands : Harmonizing Economic Potential and Ecological Importance at the 17th International Peat Congress (IPC), Taizhou, China.