Indonesia flooding traced to corporate canals that drain peatlands: Report

Mongabay
Mongabay
3M ago
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A report by NGO Pantau Gambut reveals that flooding in Indonesia is increasingly attributed to corporate destruction of peatlands through industrial-scale canal construction. The report highlights that over 281,000 kilometers of canals have drained peat ecosystems, exacerbating flood risks. It criticizes existing peatland protection laws as inadequate, serving corporate interests rather than environmental protection. The findings indicate a direct correlation between corporate activities and increased vulnerability to flooding, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and accountability to mitigate environmental disasters.
Indonesia flooding traced to corporate canals that drain peatlands: Report
A What happened
A report by NGO Pantau Gambut reveals that flooding in Indonesia is increasingly attributed to corporate destruction of peatlands through industrial-scale canal construction. The report highlights that over 281,000 kilometers of canals have drained peat ecosystems, exacerbating flood risks. It criticizes existing peatland protection laws as inadequate, serving corporate interests rather than environmental protection. The findings indicate a direct correlation between corporate activities and increased vulnerability to flooding, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and accountability to mitigate environmental disasters.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Corporate Responsibility: Corporate activities are linked to increased flooding risks in Indonesia.

  • 2

    Weak Protection Laws: Peatland protection laws favor corporate interests over environmental safety.

  • 3

    Canal Construction Impact: 281,253 kilometers of canals have drained peatlands, worsening flood risks.

  • 4

    Cycle of Disaster: Floods and fires create a complex disaster cycle in degraded peatlands.

  • 5

    Need for Stronger Regulations: Stronger laws are necessary to hold corporations accountable for environmental damage.

Takeaways

Without significant legal reforms, Indonesia will continue to face severe environmental challenges linked to corporate practices.

Topics

Climate & Environment Climate Change