BIOTROP featured Dr Fahmuddin Agus, senior soil scientist at the Indonesian Soil Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, as speaker for its 4th public quarterly seminar held on 7 November 2016 at its headquarter. Dr. Agus discussed the topic "Should there be controversies in managing and conserving peatland in Indonesia?"

In his presentation, Dr Fahmuddin Agus emphasized the importance of peatland management and conservation to achieve its maximum use without damaging it. He stated that peat forest has substantial functions as a water storage and regulator, the niche for specific flora and fauna, and one of the most significant carbon storage of terrestrial ecosystem. Unfortunately, several problems arise along with the city development such as peat forest degradation and fires.

Through this seminar, the participants were expected to understand the environmental-friendly management of peatland utilization for livelihood as well as the government policies related to it.

Fifty-six researchers and graduate students from research institutions and universities around Bogor attended the seminar.

SEAMEO BIOTROP quarterly public seminar series is one of organization’s special initiatives under 9th Five-year Development Plan. Since it was launched in 2013, this institution had featured ten speakers from eight countries. This was declared by Dr Jesus C. Fernandez, the Director for Programme of SEAMEO BIOTROP.