NTE: This story has been updated at 9.47am this morning.
By Lian Cheng and Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 20: More than 250 delegates from Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Hong Kong, Mongolia, China and the United States of America are here to participate in the AsiaFlux Conference themed “The Nexus of Land Use Change, Ecosystems and Climate: A Path toward Sustainable Development Goals”.
Conference organising chairperson Dr Lulie Melling, a peat scientist, said following the first AsiaFlux Workshop held in Sapporo, Japan in 2000, it has been a great honour for Sarawak, Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute, the Malaysian Peat Society and the AsiaFlux Science Steering Committee to host the 2022 edition of the AsiaFlux Conference.
“With more than 100 presentations across both oral and poster formats, the conference this year brings together contributors from Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Hong Kong, Mongolia, China, and USA.
“This conference provides an avenue for scientists to present their latest breakthroughs, experiences and research best practices while also creating the opportunity for enhanced cross collaboration among the scientific community,” said Lulie during the AsiaFlux Conference 2022 Gala Dinner at Tropi this evening.
She expressed appreciation to the 15 eminent speakers from the USA, Germany, Estonia, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Canada, and Malaysia who are here to share their research results among the 116 (160) abstract submissions—58 oral and 58 poster submissions—from 23 countries.
She said the conference also created a platform to raise awareness among governments, industry stakeholders and the general public, on the importance of greenhouse gas cycling in determining regional sustainable land use policy and its global implications.
“Over the past two days, we have had training on the theory of GHG flux measurement and the application of eddy flux measurement tools, organised in partnership with Campbell Sdn Bhd Asia.
“Additionally, conference delegates will have a unique chance to explore and experience the tropical peat swamp forest via a field excursion to Maludam National Park on 22–23 September 2022,” said Lulie who is also the director of Tropi.
She said it was a full house affair with delegates looking to explore the best that Sarawak has to offer.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the dinner. — DayakDaily
