Half of Southeast Asia's land-use carbon emissions could be significantly mitigated through effective conservation and restoration of peat swamp forests and mangroves, according to new research. The study reveals alarming figures, indicating these ecosystems are responsible for nearly half of the region's land-use change emissions, estimated at approximately 691.8 teragrams of CO2 equivalent emissions annually from 2001 to 2022.
Covering only about 5.4% of the region's land area, peat swamp forests and mangroves are pivotal carbon sinks, absorbed substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon through their lush vegetation. They collectively store about 25% of global tropical forest carbon stocks, highlighting their importance not only for climate mitigation but also for preserving biodiversity and supporting local livelihoods.
The research highlights significant contributions from several Southeast Asian nations, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, which together are responsible for over 90% of regional emissions from these ecosystems. Indonesia alone accounts for around 73% of the estimated annual emissions, driven largely by deforestation and land-use changes for commercial plantations and aquaculture.
The alarming rate of loss, documented by the study, reveals about 41% of peat swamp forests and 7.4% of mangroves were lost within the last two decades. The main drivers of this decline include industrial agriculture, including oil palm and tree plantations, alongside conversion to aquaculture ponds. This conversion has rendered large areas of what was once healthy forest cover to emitters of greenhouse gases instead of sequestering them.
According to the researchers, there is considerable potential for emissions reductions. They estimate approximately 94.4 teragrams of CO2 equivalent could be mitigated annually if effective restoration strategies for degraded peatlands and mangroves are implemented. "Conserving and restoring PSFs and mangroves could potentially contribute ~770 Tg CO2e year−1 of reduced emissions to climate change mitigation," the authors assert.
The study serves as a timely reminder of the importance of these ecosystems, especially as countries prepare for upcoming international commitments under the Paris Agreement. The findings underline how integrating the conservation and restoration of peat swamp forests and mangroves can be key strategies for countries aiming to fulfill their Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite their limited coverage, peat swamp forests and mangroves function as indispensable components of the global fight against climate change, and their protection and restoration are increasingly recognized as not only beneficial but necessary. Notably, avoiding deforestation and conversion of these ecosystems could equate to reduced emissions directly correlational with specific countries' land-use emissions. For Malaysia, avoiding conversion could cover as much as 88% of its national land-use emissions.
Looking forward, restoring these ecosystems not only helps curb emissions but also enriches local ecologies, boosts resilience against climate impacts, and sustains livelihoods reliant on these rich biomes. Continuing studies to improve emission factors and mapping of these sensitive areas will be necessary to refine carbon accounting and develop effective policies.
Overall, the research firmly anchors the necessity for intentional conservation efforts, highlighting how safeguarding peat swamp forests and mangroves can serve dual purposes—mitigative climate action and enhancement of environmental integrity.