Peatland swamp forest as a rich carbon sink : what threatens their stability and contribution to climate change?

Tropical peatlands are one of the largest natural reserves of terrestrial organic carbon. However, soil peat C data in Southeast Asia, particularly Philippines, are scarce. This limits the possibility of providing accurate data on carbon storage. For the purpose of presenting relevant data, a review of literatures was done. A study conducted in 2011 on the carbon storage of Caimpugan peatland in Agusan Marsh, Philippines gave an estimate of the aboveground and belowground C storage of the peatdome considering three vegetation zones which include a trees, herbaceous vegetation and litter. Results revealed a mean aboveground and belowground C stock of 52.53 +C/ha and 4659.06, respectively. Carbon storage estimates in Caimpugan peatland are higher than the estimates for other natural forests in the Philippines. Anthropogenic activities contribute to the rapid degradation of this ecosystem. Agriculture, for instance, where peat soils are being tilled to prepare for the succeeding cropping season, leads to drainage and soil subsidence making the ecosystem more prone to fire. Damage decreases water table while increasing emission rates. Another study in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea demonstrated a linear relationship between water table and emission rate. It showed that every 10 cm water table drawdown will result in an increase in CO2 emission rate of 9.1 +CO2/h/yr. GHG emissions of peatlands in the Philippines have yet to be studied. Some peatlands and alienable and disposable, some are titled which are at greater risk of unmanaged utilization. Research undertakings need to be done to gather significant data on peatland emission rates. Results of such studies may be used in formulating mitigation policies especially in restoring peatland hydrology. This is a way to prevent peat oxidation and extensive degradation of peatlands. Increased awareness of concerned stakeholders must be guaranteed to stop the continuous expansion of areas for industrial agriculture within the peatland ecosystem.