Pontianak, W Kalimantan, Oct 29 (Antaranews Kalbar) - West Kalimantan Province has become a reference on peat restoration for the Republic of Congo.
"We are very grateful that West Kalimantan has become a barometer and a reference for peatland restoration for other countries. This demonstrates that the world is paying attention to West Kalimantan," West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji noted here on Monday while welcoming Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Congo Arlette Soudan-Nonault.
The governor noted that West Kalimantan has 1.7 million hectares of peatland areas.
On the occasion, Sutarmidji inquired about the main food in the Republic of Congo that is a type of tuber.
To this end, the governor pointed out that taro was grown in part of the peatlands in the province and could also be planted in the Republic of Congo.
"Earlier, I inquired about the main food in the Republic of Congo, and she said it was a type of tuber. In Pontianak, a kind of tuber or taro was planted by people around the peatland at a depth of six meters. These tubers can produce 20 to 25 tons of harvest per hectare. We hope this plant would be grown in the Republic of Congo," he stated.
Sutarmidji added that aloe vera in Indonesia grows well in peatland areas.
"Aloe vera grows well, especially in locations close to the equator. This can also be planted in peatlands in Congo," he stated, adding that peatlands can be managed with canal dividers.
"In Pontianak, there is a peatland in North Pontianak Sub-district that has several canal dividers. In that area, there are almost no fires, whereas the peatlands can reach a depth of 11-12 meters in agricultural lands," Sutarmidji stated.
According to Sutarmidji, the Republic of Congo should be grateful that raw water in the country is above the soil surface, separating it from the peat water, so the water is fit for consumption. Meanwhile, in West Kalimantan, the raw water is found below the soil surface.
"I also suggest that the Republic of Congo plant orchids on peatland for ecotourism to boost the economic growth of the people," he stated.
Meanwhile, Soudan-Nonault noted that the restoration of peatlands in the Republic of the Congo aims to protect the rights of local people in utilizing natural resources while maintaining their traditional ways and implementing the principles of approval on the basis of information since the start without coercion.
Peat restoration is expected to assist the people in using peatlands in a sustainable manner and develop methods that do not harm the ecosystems.
The Republic of the Congo affirms its commitment to tackling climate change and promoting inclusive and sustainable development as a top priority.
"With climate change, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced agreements to collaborate across borders to preserve the precious future of natural peat and its benefits by involving local people and stakeholders," Soudan-Nonault stated.
The two countries are also committed to developing and promoting land use models that support sustainable peat management and economic empowerment of local people in the Lac T?l?/Lac Tumba landscape.
The government of the Republic of Congo will also ensure inclusive and sustainable development to eliminate extreme poverty and improve the people`s lives by utilizing the potentials of green economy and blue economy with reliable technology and competent human resources.
"This meeting is important for the Republic of Congo. We also implement tripartite agreements with Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo on the management and conservation of peatlands," she added.
Reporting by Rendra Oxtora
EDITED BY INE
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Kalimantan Barat 2018
"We are very grateful that West Kalimantan has become a barometer and a reference for peatland restoration for other countries. This demonstrates that the world is paying attention to West Kalimantan," West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji noted here on Monday while welcoming Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Congo Arlette Soudan-Nonault.
The governor noted that West Kalimantan has 1.7 million hectares of peatland areas.
On the occasion, Sutarmidji inquired about the main food in the Republic of Congo that is a type of tuber.
To this end, the governor pointed out that taro was grown in part of the peatlands in the province and could also be planted in the Republic of Congo.
"Earlier, I inquired about the main food in the Republic of Congo, and she said it was a type of tuber. In Pontianak, a kind of tuber or taro was planted by people around the peatland at a depth of six meters. These tubers can produce 20 to 25 tons of harvest per hectare. We hope this plant would be grown in the Republic of Congo," he stated.
Sutarmidji added that aloe vera in Indonesia grows well in peatland areas.
"Aloe vera grows well, especially in locations close to the equator. This can also be planted in peatlands in Congo," he stated, adding that peatlands can be managed with canal dividers.
"In Pontianak, there is a peatland in North Pontianak Sub-district that has several canal dividers. In that area, there are almost no fires, whereas the peatlands can reach a depth of 11-12 meters in agricultural lands," Sutarmidji stated.
According to Sutarmidji, the Republic of Congo should be grateful that raw water in the country is above the soil surface, separating it from the peat water, so the water is fit for consumption. Meanwhile, in West Kalimantan, the raw water is found below the soil surface.
"I also suggest that the Republic of Congo plant orchids on peatland for ecotourism to boost the economic growth of the people," he stated.
Meanwhile, Soudan-Nonault noted that the restoration of peatlands in the Republic of the Congo aims to protect the rights of local people in utilizing natural resources while maintaining their traditional ways and implementing the principles of approval on the basis of information since the start without coercion.
Peat restoration is expected to assist the people in using peatlands in a sustainable manner and develop methods that do not harm the ecosystems.
The Republic of the Congo affirms its commitment to tackling climate change and promoting inclusive and sustainable development as a top priority.
"With climate change, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced agreements to collaborate across borders to preserve the precious future of natural peat and its benefits by involving local people and stakeholders," Soudan-Nonault stated.
The two countries are also committed to developing and promoting land use models that support sustainable peat management and economic empowerment of local people in the Lac T?l?/Lac Tumba landscape.
The government of the Republic of Congo will also ensure inclusive and sustainable development to eliminate extreme poverty and improve the people`s lives by utilizing the potentials of green economy and blue economy with reliable technology and competent human resources.
"This meeting is important for the Republic of Congo. We also implement tripartite agreements with Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo on the management and conservation of peatlands," she added.
Reporting by Rendra Oxtora
EDITED BY INE
Editor : Teguh Imam Wibowo
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Kalimantan Barat 2018