Details

Peat swamp forests in SE Asia have been subject to rapid conversion to drained land-uses, especially oil palm and Acacia plantations. Over the last decade increasing concerns have been raised about environmental issues linked to this development. Soil subsidence however has received little attention so far in SE Asia. This report presents a detailed study of the impact of agricultural development on tropical coastal lowland peatlands, specifically the impact of drainage on peat subsidence and flood risk. The landscape morphology of the Rajang Delta peatland study area in Sarawak (Malaysia) is quantified and an assessment made of the future lowering of the land surface and associated flood risk resulting from recent drainage.