Estonia will host next IPC in 2020

KUCHING: Come 2020, Estonia will be the next host of the International Peat Congress.

The congress is being held every four years, with Dublin, Ireland having held the first one in 1954. Kuching is currently hosting the 15th congress.

The five- day congress which has attracted 913 participants from 33 countries was officially closed by Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan yesterday.

Congress- General Dr Lulie Melling, in her message published in the programme book of the congress said the congress came at an important time in which the planters, industry players and policy makers were hungry for information on the way forward through sustainable development, in which to learn from the experience of others, exchange ideas and develop new collaborations.

She said the theme, ‘Peatlands in Harmony’ was chosen after careful deliberation to highlight the closely-intertwined relationship of the government, industry and socio- economic factors in relation to peat.

Lulie said the six themes and five special sessions had been structured to encompass and explore the various peat soil disciplines to benefit participants.

She said participants would also benefit from the breakout sessions, networking opportunities and lively discussions over the hottest topic surrounding peat and peatland.

“We are confident this congress will link business, practitioners, researchers and policymakers through good working practices, business solutions, scientific outcomes and international initiative that enhance the sustainable management of peat and its industries,” she added. — Bernama