Potential of biomass to resource as an action to mitigate transboundary haze in ASEAN country

Abstract

Transboundary haze is one of the major environmental issues in Southeast Asia for the last three decades. The haze has not only affected the countries within the region but even beyond because of the impacts on environmental concerns with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and biodiversity thus challenging international attempts to address these issues. Land clearing and burning activity is a significant contributor to smoke in the atmosphere during the haze season. This study aims to investigate the economic benefits through conversion of forest biomass and palm biomass, the two main sources of peat fire to medium and higher value products i.e power and bioethanol. The outcomes of this study will provide farmers and policy makers to view the biomass as a source of 'wealth', not 'waste'.