By Lian Cheng and Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 20: Sarawak is the only State in Malaysia which has three flux towers that have been operational for more than 10 years.
These flux towers are strategically located at Naman Oil Palm Plantation in Sibu, Cermat Ceria Plantation in Betong and Maludam National Park in Betong.
“These eddy covariance towers, particularly those situated within tropical forest sites, are often located in isolated and hostile environments, strategically positioned to monitor how our ecosystems adapt to environmental change.
“Sarawak is proud to be a part of this network, with Tropi (Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute) having pioneered and commission three such towers, with the full support of the Sarawak State government and in collaboration with both Hokkaido University and the National Institute of Environment Japan (NIES),” said Dr Lulie Melling, organising chairperson of AsiaFlux Conference 2022 Gala Dinner held at Tropi this evening.
Established in 1999, she said, AsiaFlux, as the Asian arm of FLUXNET, serves as platform for collaborative research among earth system scientists.
“Together, these FLUXNET scientists have made breakthrough contributions to the quantification of the global carbon balance and developed a better understanding of the functions of Asian terrestrial ecosystems.
“Over the past 20 years, AsiaFlux has developed into a regional research network, with participation across 28 member countries.
“Over 100 eddy flux towers covering a diverse array of terrestrial ecosystems have been built in Asia,” said Lulie who is also the director of Tropi.
She conveyed her appreciation to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and former Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Peter Chin for their assistance in the establishment of Tropi and the continual funding for the flux studies based on the three towers. — DayakDaily
