Peatlands Under Threat

February 19, 2025

Recent studies highlight the urgent need to protect peatlands. These ecosystems are essential for carbon storage and play role in climate regulation.

Importance of Peatlands

Peatlands are unique ecosystems that form in waterlogged conditions.
They accumulate organic material, mainly peat, which is rich in carbon.
Peatlands cover only 3% of the Earth’s surface but store 600 billion tonnes of carbon. This is more than all the carbon in the world’s forests combined.
These ecosystems are critical in mitigating climate change as they sequester more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem.

Current Protection Status

Globally, only 17% of peatlands are protected. Boreal peatlands have the least protection at 11%.
In contrast, temperate and tropical peatlands have a slightly better protection rate of 27%.
This is lower than other ecosystems like mangroves and saltmarshes, which have protection rates of 42% and 50%, respectively.

Indigenous Peoples and Peatland Protection

Approximately 27% of the world’s peatlands are on indigenous peoples’ lands. These communities have historically managed and protected these areas. However, over 85% of these peatlands are not included in formal protected areas. Recognising indigenous stewardship can enhance peatland management and conservation.

Major Peatland Countries

The countries with the most peatlands include Canada, Russia, Indonesia, the United States, and Brazil. Together, these nations hold 80% of the world’s peatlands. The first five listed account for 70% of the total.

Threats to Peatlands

Peatlands face threats from human activities. Commercial agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development lead to drainage and degradation. Climate change further exacerbates these issues. Nearly a quarter of the world’s peatlands are under severe stress due to these activities.

Potential for Conservation

There is a large opportunity to enhance the protection and sustainable management of peatlands. This can be achieved through better governance, supporting indigenous-led initiatives, and integrating peatland conservation into national policies. The Ramsar Convention plays a role in protecting wetlands, but many Ramsar sites lack strong legal frameworks.

Global Significance of Peatlands

Peatlands occur across all climatic zones. They are vital for biodiversity and serve as habitats for numerous species. They also play a critical role in regulating water cycles and maintaining ecological balance.

Future Directions

To safeguard peatlands, it is essential to include support for indigenous stewardship in conservation strategies. National commitments under the Paris Agreement and biodiversity frameworks can catalyse actions for peatland protection.

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