April 22, 2024

As we prepare to mark Earth Day on the 22^nd of April, we are reminded of one of the most pressing issues of our time: the climate crisis. Southeast Asia stands as a region with a rich potential for carbon sequestration, a process pivotal in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. At the heart of this potential are Nature-based Carbon Sinks (NCS), ecosystems that absorb more carbon than they release. However, governance strategies involving NCS remain critically understudied, with the socio-spatial relations, economic realities, and land use regimes in the region being especially under-studied.

Funded by the Ministry of Education Social Science and Humanities Research Thematic Grant, hosted by the NUS Asia Research Institute, and led by Professor David Taylor (NUS Geography and Asia Research Institute), Professor Koh Lian Pin (NUS Faculty of Science, Tropical Marine Science Institute, and Centre for Nature-Based Climate Solutions), and Assistant Professor Miles Kenney-Lazar (NUS Geography), the project ‘Climate Governance of Nature-Based Carbon Sinks in Southeast Asia’ seeks to uncover the optimal arrangements for governing NCS across various spatial and administrative scales. Spanning from 2022 to 2027, the study bridges the gap between natural and social sciences, fostering a collaborative approach to climate governance.

The project emphasizes the need to understand the different types of NCS present in terrestrial and mangrove forests, peatlands, and agricultural soils. It will also delve deep into the technologies of NCS governance, situating them within the socio-spatial contexts, power asymmetries, and institutional cultures that determine whether they succeed.

By focusing on governance strategies, the project aims to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts by Singapore and other ASEAN countries in adapting and building resilience to climate change challenges. It envisions developing low-carbon initiatives that offer social, economic, and environmental co-benefits, thereby fostering a sustainable future.

The research is policy-relevant, aiming to offer insights that would be instrumental in shaping policies that are not only environmentally sound but also socially equitable and economically viable. Its interdisciplinary approach promises to bring fresh perspectives, merging the insights from natural and social sciences to forge pathways for effective climate governance.

Ultimately, the research team believes that understanding the socio-spatial dynamics and economic realities of Southeast Asia is crucial in leveraging the full potential of NCS in climate governance. The project is a crucial step towards a future where the governance of NCS is not just a scientific endeavour but a socially inclusive strategy, grounded in the realities of the region, and aimed at fostering resilience and sustainability in Southeast Asia.