SARAWAK Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI) has achieved remarkable milestones by representing Malaysia in several international research collaborations.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn highlighted TROPI’s involvement in the Soil Biodiversity Observation Network (BON) Research Project, in collaboration with the University of Leipzig, Germany.
“This global initiative aims to track and assess soil biodiversity over 10 years, involving 90 countries.
“We are proud to be the only scientific agency in Malaysia to be invited to participate in this research collaboration,” he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today (Nov 27).
Additionally, TROPI has been selected to take part in the Living Lab for Wetland Forests (LiWeFor) project and the PeatlandN2O (N20 Tarat) project, funded by the prestigious European Research Council (ERC).
“This international collaboration involves the University of Tartu in Estonia, the University of Helsinki in Finland, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany.
“The projects focus on gaining a comprehensive understanding of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from global peatlands, bridging the gap between temperate and tropical regions.”
These collaborations not only contribute to advancing scientific research on tropical peatlands but also play a vital role in implementing sustainable development and effective peatland management.
TROPI’s chemistry laboratory has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation, a globally recognised standard for testing and calibration laboratories.
“This accreditation is a pivotal moment for TROPI as it opens the doors for further international research collaborations and strengthens our research capacity and competency on the global stage.
“This is also important to ensure that we have up-to-date research protocols as required under the Paris Agreement to address the challenges of climate change and peatland conservation,” Sagah said.
The ISO 17025 accreditation is a significant step, especially in supporting the Sarawak Environmental Bill. The laboratory, meeting international standards, plays a crucial role in enhancing the verification and validation of carbon credits.
“This will also ensure that Sarawak’s climate change efforts are based on sound science and reliable data to achieve our net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” he added.
