In the September episode of Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum, we began discussions on the Philippine Peatlands, the newly recognized treasure of the Philippines. Peatlands sequester carbon, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They absorb huge volumes of water during the rainy season while providing a water supply during the dry season. However, due to their “combustible” nature, particularly when drained for land conversion, they can easily cause fire and haze that not only aggravate climate change but cause an immediate impact on human health and wildlife populations.
To deepen the initial discussions which focused on private-sector initiatives and engagement in the protection of Peatlands, this month’s forum will focus on government programs.