TOP : ECOPIX / SHUTTERSTOCK ; LOWER LEFT : GREG HUME / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS |
Peat swamp forests are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth . These lowland forest ecosystems are formed over centuries when organic material like leaves and wood partially decompose in areas with high rainfall , high temperature and poor drainage . They represent a unique and diverse biome , home to a variety of rare wildlife that contribute to the world ’ s biodiversity .
Although they only account for 3 % of Earth ’ s surface , peat swamps are a key component of Earth ’ s carbon cycle — these habitats are the largest terrestrial carbon store on the planet ,
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absorbing twice as much carbon as all the world ’ s forests .
Rainforest Trust is working to safeguard peat habitats and the unique biodiversity within . In January , Rainforest Trust and our local partner , Yayasan Konservasi – Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia ( YK-RASI ), created the Kawasan Ekosistem Esensial Habitat Pesut Mahakam protected area covering a vulnerable stretch of the Mahakam River in Indonesia that encompasses 440,297 acres of critical peat swamp habitat . This new protected area overlaps the 106,544- acre Aquatic Reserve of Pesut Mahakam , created last year and expands protection to the surrounding land-scape , vital for conservation and carbon sequestration .
This success could not come at a better time for the region , as peatland in Southeast Asia is being rapidly cleared , drained and burned for agricultural development and palm oil plantations . When it is destroyed , peatland releases centuries ’ worth of stored carbon into the atmosphere .
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“ Preservation of the peat swamp habitat within Kawasan Ekosistem Esensial Habitat Pesut Mahakam significantly
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contributes to mitigating climate change ,” said Danielle Kreb , YK-RASI Scientific Program Leader . “ In this protected area alone , nearly 180 million metric tons of carbon is stored .”
The new protected area ensures survival for some of Indonesia ’ s most unique and threatened species including 80 % -100 % of a Critically Endangered Mahakam River subpopulation of the Irrawaddy Dolphin , Critically Endangered Siamese Crocodiles and Bornean Orangutans , and Endangered Proboscis Monkeys , as well as the Endangered Storm ’ s Stork and Vulnerable Wallace ’ s Hawk-eagle .
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