New Educational Tools for Sustainable Management of Peatlands in the Humid Tropics
Background
About one quarter of the world´s tropical peatlands (11 million hectares) occur in Borneo. These peatlands have global ecological significance, being some of the largest remaining areas of lowland rainforest in SE Asia that provide the habitat of many endangered species. In addition, they are large stores of carbon and water and also have an important regional economic role, providing forest products and land for settlement and agricultural development. Owing to a lack of awareness and understanding about sustainable land management practices, however, many peatland development projects fail, resulting in serious environmental degradation and impoverishment of local communities.
Peatwise Project
The PEATWISE project addresses issues of sustainable land management, with particular reference to tropical peatlands, through the development of new university curricula by a multilateral network of South East Asian and European universities. Using innovative educational tools, it will produce and make available course materials and training modules that incorporate up-to-date research results and advice on the wise use of natural resources, thus improving academic provision, enhancing skills and expertise, contributing to the sustainable use of natural resources and improving socio-economic conditions across the peat-covered lowlands of Borneo.
Project Results
The Peatwise project was implemented in 3 phases between April 2003 and December 2006, with a continuation into 2007. To provide an overview of the project results we have prepared a timeline covering all activities and results. All documents and presentations are included in the timeline for easy downloading.
Project Objectives
- To develop a curriculum
- Introduction of innovative educational methods and tools
- To promote the wise use of the peatland resources
- To enhance sustainable economic development, particularly in the areas of Sarawak and Central Kalimantan, Borneo (Malaysia and Indonesia).
Project Activities
- Curriculum Development (6 Modules):
- Ecology and natural sciences
- Water resources and hydrology
- Soils and land use
- Human dimensions and resource economics
- GIS and remote sensing
- Field course and research projects
- On-line and distance learning development
- Implementation: introduction of common curriculum.
