Indonesia blames peatland degradation for raging fires, vows restoration

Indonesia has attributed its worst wildfire season in 11 years to the degradation of peatlands, specifically citing past food estate projects as a primary cause. A senior official stated on Thursday that the nation is now committed to undertaking significant efforts to restore its damaged peat ecosystem. The severe fires have led to thick haze continuing to blanket Indonesian cities and drifting across borders into neighboring countries, causing regional environmental concerns. This official announcement underscores the government's acknowledgment of the long-term environmental damage resulting from previous land use practices. The planned restoration initiatives are designed to mitigate the risk of future wildfires, which have become increasingly frequent and intense, and to address the critical ecological imbalance. The current wildfire season is notably the most severe in over a decade, highlighting the urgent need for these comprehensive environmental interventions and sustainable land management strategies.

Key points
* Indonesia blames past food estates' peatland degradation for its worst wildfire season in 11 years.
* The country plans to restore its peat ecosystem.
* Thick haze from the fires continues to affect cities and neighboring countries.

Nguồn / Source: Tuổi Trẻ News