Azerbaijan, November 12, 2024 - APP Group demonstrated its commitment to peatland ecosystem conservation through various sustainability initiatives. Iwan Setiawan, Deputy Director of Corporate Strategic & Relations at APP Group, spoke on the panel "Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement in Promoting Sustainable Management and Restoration of Tropical Peatlands" at COP 29 in Azerbaijan, presenting APP Group's collaborative and landscape-based approach to peatland management.
APP Group's approach to peatland management involves comprehensive methods such as field surveys and monitoring using LiDAR technology, covering over 4.5 million hectares of peatland in Sumatra. This method enables landscape-scale peatland topography mapping, which is essential for determining optimal zones for peatland management.
"Peatland management cannot be done partially. We believe that a landscape-based approach and collaboration with various stakeholders are key to preserving this ecosystem," said Iwan Setiawan. Through this holistic approach, APP Group collaborates with various parties to address challenges in each landscape zone, maintain optimal water levels across areas, and reduce fire risks, especially in critical areas like peat dome summits.
Jean Jacques Bambuta Boole, National Coordinator for Peatlands of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who also participated in this panel, noted that DRC, along with the Republic of Congo, holds significant peatland potential. “One of the challenges we face is knowledge in sustainable peatland management. DRC hopes to learn much from Indonesia’s experience in peatland management,” he stated. This underscores the importance of cross-country collaboration in addressing global peatland ecosystem challenges.
In sustainable peat conservation efforts, APP Group collaborates with various stakeholders, including research institutions and academics, both locally and internationally. Through these partnerships, APP Group develops science-based and field-proven solutions for restoring degraded peatlands. By the end of 2023, APP Group aims to restore over 38,000 hectares of peatland through collaborative programs, hoping to create positive impacts for the environment and local communities.
Daniel Mudiyarso, a researcher from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), also highlighted the diverse challenges in managing tropical peatlands, which vary by location. "Peatlands in Central Africa and South America do not face drying threats," he said, emphasizing the differences in ecosystems that must be considered in peatland management approaches. Daniel also stressed the critical role of peatlands in climate change control, stating, "Peatlands account for only about 3% of the world’s land area but contribute 44% of the total carbon stored in soils."
APP Group is also working to support sustainability within peatland ecosystems by exploring alternative plant species that are more eco-friendly to maintain hydrological balance, enhance carbon absorption, prevent degradation, and reduce wildfire risks. This aligns with APP's commitment to creating responsible business approaches while maintaining sustainable productivity.
In addition to ecosystem conservation efforts, APP Group maintains close relationships with local communities. Through various community-based programs, APP Group supports capacity building for sustainable natural resource management. The knowledge and skills provided in these programs are expected to have a long-term impact on improving community quality of life and environmental resilience. Through these initiatives, APP Group demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in preserving and optimizing the use of Indonesia's peatland ecosystems.
