By The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP Europe Office
Autumn colours in vegetation of Northeast Greenland National Park. Denmark (2014) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/3933
Why restore peatlands ecosystems?
The mix of plant and animal species living in peatlands is key to the peat formation process.
It is essential to protect and restore peat-forming plant species and the animals that help these plants to regenerate.
Drainage canals in peatland, Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia (2013) by © James Anderson, World Resources InstituteOriginal Source: https://flic.kr/p/nZfq9i
Drainage of peatlands
The main threat to peatlands is the drainage.
Drying out bogs surface is a method often used to maximize the agricultural use of the soil.
In this state, peatlands release carbon stored over time and make them very vulnerable to fire.
Melting Tundra, Sterlegova, Taymyr, Russia (2013) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/2663
Effects of peatlands damage
- Wildlife loss
- Water pollution
- Flood risks
- Fire risks
- Release of vast amounts of carbon (CO2)
These are just some of the effects.
Orangutan at Camp Leakey, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia (2013) by © James Anderson, World Resources InstituteOriginal Source: https://flic.kr/p/nZa2Lw
Biodiversity loss
Damage to peatlands causes severe biodiversity loss.
For example, the decline of the Bornean orangutan population by 60% within 60 years is largely attributed to the loss of peat swamp, due to deforestation in their natural habitat for agricultural purposes.
Forest and peat fires in Riau, Indonesia (2014) by © Julius Lawalata, World Resources InstituteOriginal Source: https://flic.kr/p/nHuKEo
Peatlands fires
In Indonesia, for the past two decades, there have been forest fires every year.
Indeed, farmers and agricultural companies have cleared the country's forests and peatlands to make way for pulpwood, oil palm and rubber plantations.
Peat Swamp forests of the Katingan Peatland Reserve, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia (2013) by © James Anderson, World Resources InstituteOriginal Source: https://flic.kr/p/nZfDsT
In 2015, fires were so bad that parts of Indonesia, as well as cities across Southeast Asia, were obscured in a thick toxic haze for weeks.
Half a million people were hospitalised due to the smog.
Many animals and plants are continuously suffering from these fires due to our activities.
Sabine Gull (Larus sabini), Lena Delta, Russia (2010) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/1784
Main drivers of biodiversity loss in peatlands
- Over-exploitation for agriculture, forestry and peat extraction
- Habitat loss
- Invasive alien species
- Nutrient pollution
- Climate change
Lapland Lousewort (Pedicularis Lapponica ), Lena Delta, Russia (2010) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/1796
How to restore peatlands?
After stopping degrading activities such as drainage, agricultural conversion, and peat cutting, peatlands restoration activities need measures to manage the site’s hydrology and a CO2 emissions control.
Peatland and forest restoration in Borneo, Indonesia (2013) by © World Resources InstituteOriginal Source: https://flic.kr/p/nGKRc2
Preventing water levels from further decline
Depending on the changes, peatlands may also need drain blocking to rewet them.
Supporting natural migration of plants by wind, water, and animals as well as reconnecting habitats will help restoration.
Reforestation and revegetalization may also be necessary to retain water level.
Gardening at home (2020) by © Gary BarnesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
One simple thing you can do about peat
If you are a gardener or just have a few plants in your house or on your balcony, please ensure you only buy peat-free compost and potted plants.
Globally, the use of peat-based compost is a very serious threat to peatlands!
Peat Swamp forests of the Katingan Peatland Reserve, Central Kalimantan, Borneo,Indonesia (2013) by © James Anderson, World Resources InstituteOriginal Source: https://flic.kr/p/nZ8W87
The unique ecosystems of peatlands suffer only because of human activities.
Let's all act to stop these damages and restore peatlands!
Join us and learn more!
- United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
- UNEP Ecosystem Restoration Playbook.
- UNEP & FAO: Becoming #GenerationRestoration: Ecosystem Restoration for People, Nature and Climate
- Society for Ecological Restoration:
International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration
- Peatlands and Climate Change, IUCN
- International Peatlands Society (IPS)
- International Mire Conservation Group (IMCG)
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Europe Office
