Tropi director re-elected to International Peatland Society executive board

KUCHING (Aug 11): Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) director Datu Dr Lulie Melling was re-elected as a member of the International Peatland Society (IPS) executive board during the IPS’ 17th International Peat Congress (IPC) held for the first time in China from Aug 4 to 9.

Lulie, who led a Sarawak delegation comprising Dr Nur Azima Busman from Tropi and John Ko, secretary general of the Malaysian Peat Society (MPS) to the congress, first held the position in 2018 as the first Asian and female member.

“Her re-election is a testament to Malaysia’s recognised leadership in tropical peatland and scientific research,” said a press release today.

Reflecting on her re-election, Lulie emphasised the significance of tropical peatlands as an important resource for the state.

She highlighted how research and innovation have transformed what were once considered wastelands into valuable arable land for food and economic security.

According to Lulie, her position on the IPS Executive Council provides an important platform to promote Sarawak’s commitment to development and conservation on the international stage.

She reminisced about the formation of the MPS in 2010, which immediately positioned itself as the National Committee in IPS.

The MPS successfully bid to host the 15th International Peat Congress in 2016, marking the first time the congress was held in Asia away from Europe and North America, she said.

Looking to the future, Lulie reiterated the MPS’ commitment to leading initiatives in peat from social, economic and environmental perspectives.

She expressed confidence that with the support of federal and state governments, the responsible and sustainable use of tropical peatlands for agricultural development will continue to flourish.

Meanwhile, Lulie, who is also the vice chairperson of the Scientific Committee for IPC 2024, delivered a compelling keynote address entitled “Tropical Peatlands: Harmonising Economic Potential and Ecological Importance” during the congress.

In her speech, she emphasised the critical role of tropical peatlands play in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development.

She also highlighted the challenge of balancing economic progress and environmental conservation particularly in Southeast Asia.

Lulie advocated for integrated management strategies, policy reforms and international cooperation to protect these vital ecosystems.

She stressed the importance of aligning these efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Nur Azima also contributed to the congress by presenting her research on “Effects of litter quality and environment on the decomposition rate of litter in tropical peat swamp forests”.

Her study, conducted in the Maludam National Park in Sarawak, revealed that differences in litter quality affect the rate of litter decomposition and the quality of peat organic matter formed but to a lesser extent than the impact of environmental conditions, particularly groundwater levels.

“This finding highlights the potential implications of environmental changes on C turnover in peatland ecosystems which in turn affects C emissions and storage in peatlands,” pointed out the statement.

The 17th IPC of the IPS, which was attended by around 350 delegates from 22 countries, was organised by a consortium of renowned institutions including Northeast Normal University, the Chinese Academy of Forestry, the China Humic Acid Industry Association, Taizhou University, and Taizhou Peat Research Institute Co Ltd in partnership with IPS.

This year’s theme “Peatland in a Changing World” served as a focal point for a dynamic and inclusive environment where scientists, entrepreneurs and policy makers in the field of peatland and peat research could share the latest research findings, propose innovative ideas, showcase high quality peat products and make crucial links between peatland conservation and utilisation.

The 18th IPC  is scheduled to take place in Latvia in 2028.