Peatlands are one of the most important, yet overlooked, planetary resources. These waterlogged ecosystems are vital carbon sinks which, despite covering only about three percent of earth’s land surface1, are estimated to hold at least a quarter of global soil carbon.2 They sustain countless species, including orangutans and leopards, and are home to many human communities who benefit from their rich biodiversity for food, income, and water regulation services. However, these miracle landscapes are regularly threatened by draining, clearing and burning the peatlands to make way for agriculture and silviculture — major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
CIFOR-ICRAF has been part of several important studies that raise awareness of peatlands in Peru1,2, Central Africa3, Indonesia and beyond4,5. Our research also explores strategies for sustainable management and conservation.6 This work can help governments and other stakeholders:
- accurately report carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and GHG emissions and uptakes
- include peatlands as part of the countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement
- plan for sustainable management strategies so that peatlands can continue acting as important sources of food, water, income, and biodiversity for communities and Indigenous Peoples who depend on them.
- raise global awareness about these landscapes and their value to the planet.
Our research studies peatlands through numerous projects and programs including the Sustainable Wetlands Adaptation and Mitigation Program (SWAMP), Land4Lives, the Measurable Action for Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management in Southeast Asia (MAHFSA), the Global Comparative Study on REDD+ and the International Tropical Peatland Center (ITPC).
