In this book, eco-management is introduced as an abbreviated term of "ecology-based management for natural capital enhancement". The key concept of eco-management is derived from the editors' previous book: Tropical Peatland Ecosystem.
Based on this new concept, this book thoroughly examines tropical peatland eco-management for scientists, political decision-makers, governmental officials, land managers, students, and NGO/NPOs who are interested in 1) what the impact of peatland on climate change and ecosystem function is, 2) how to manage disturbed peatland, and 3) how to draw on global scale restoration mechanisms of peatland and wetland.
Tropical peatland emits a large amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) due to inappropriate development and inadequate management. The peatland ecosystem consists of a carbon–water complex, which is affected easily by human impact and climate change. Through much research, the problems that result from the development of tropical peatland are found to stem mainly from a lack of understanding of the complexities of this ecosystem and the fragility of the relationship between peat and forest and also between carbon and water.
In the past, almost all peatland development and management systems have been generally designed as "water drainage systems". In contrast to the old system, innovative eco-management is here proposed as a "water irrigation system", including water cycling and natural capital enhancement. Through this book, readers will learn advanced peatland eco-management, with more practical methods and procedures based on ecosystem knowledge.