Controlling Fires in Peatlands and Peatland Forests in Southeast Asia

Peatland fires in Southeast Asia pose a serious threat to the environment, public health, and the economy. Their impacts include transboundary haze, ecosystem degradation, and massive carbon emissions that exacerbate climate change. These fires are often triggered by human activities, particularly due to its use for land clearing, and are further intensified by drought conditions caused by the El Niño phenomenon. Therefore, more effective and science-based strategies are needed to address this issue.

This manual updates the original manual by Adinugroho et al. (2005), integrating advancements in science, technology, and two decades of experience in peatland fire management and introducing various innovative approaches, including early warning systems, satellite-based hotspot monitoring, hydrological restoration, and community capacity development for fire management.

It further explains the crucial role that technology plays in fire prevention and mitigation. Systems such as SiPongi, Sipalaga, and PRIMS provide real-time data for detecting fire hotspots, monitoring peatland water levels, and coordinating fire suppression efforts, while the Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) enables early identification of areas at high risk of fire.

The manual also highlights community involvement as a key component to successful fire management. Programs like Masyarakat Peduli Api (MPA) and incentive schemes encouraging farmers to adopt zero-burning methods have proven effective in reducing peatland fires. Lastly, the manual also presents case studies from various Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, to highlight policies and best practices in peatland fire management.

Designed for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and the broader public, the manual aims to serves as a resource for achieving sustainable conservation and management of peatlands in Southeast Asia.

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This works is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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