Key messages:
- Peatlands are globally-important carbon sinks that will prove crucial in the fight against climate change. They are threatened by competing land use demands, especially draining and burning for agriculture and silviculture. A sustainable solution for managing peatlands must be negotiated with policymakers, the private sector and stakeholders using a landscape approach.
- The landscape approach is a way of mediating multi-sector solutions to complex problems related to food, livelihoods, finance, rights and restoration.
- With so much carbon stored, there are significant climate risks associated with the draining and degradation of peatlands. In 2015, Indonesia’s peat fires killed 19 people, impacted the health of over 500,000 more, cost the Indonesian Government at least $16 billion USD, and destroyed huge swathes of unique ecosystems and habitats, while releasing 10-15% of global carbon emmisions for the year.The world cannot risk a repeat of Indonesia’s 2015 peat fires.
- It is estimated that almost two-thirds of the world’s peatlands are yet to be discovered. The race is on to find the world’s remaining peatlands before they are dug up, drained or degraded.
- While there is an urgent need to protect and restore peatlands, tens of millions of people depend on peatlands to make a living, feed their families and survive. In fighting for protection and restoration of peatlands, negotiating a solution that allows for sustainable livelihoods for these people and communities is imperative.
It’s important not to see peatlands as wastelands, but as a resource.
Director of Forest Management and Environmental Service Program, Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP)
There are three types of knowledge that can contribute to peatlands: science, local knowledge and policy expertise.
Indonesia Country Coordinator – Senior Landscape Ecologist, ICRAF
The landscape approach is not a project. It goes beyond that. It’s a process.
Principal Scientist with CIFOR's Forests and Livelihoods programme
We, the communities in the field, know the condition of the land
Muara Siran Community Member and Head of Natural Resource Management Board
Peatlands are not just land, but our identity as Dayak people. I’m here to bring the stories from the ground, from those who need to be heard.
Indigenous leader from the Ranu Welum Foundation
Peatlands provide livelihoods for millions of people worldwide and have tremendously important environmental functions. We need to support local communities in finding the best way forward. When we put people first, then we can make progress for the climate too. The reverse order is not desirable, or even possible.
Director General, CIFOR
Protecting peatlands is a global priority that requires integrated spatial planning, assessing policy conflicts, and improving coordination and incentive systems. Solutions require a comprehensive program focused on defining accountability of public and private actors, while improving land rights, information and fire management systems.
Manager of the World Bank’s Program on Forests (PROFOR)
Peatlands matter for our climate, and therefore the future of our planet. But they also matter for the here and now. The smoke, smog and haze from burning peatlands damages economies, and is a major threat to public health. That’s why Indonesian action to protect, restore and sustainably use its peatlands is so important.
Executive Director UN Environment
Shareables:
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GLF: Peatlands Matter – Concept Note
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Social Media Package
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Infographics
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Did you know?
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Peatland Charts
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Peatlands Matter – Banners
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Peatlands Photo Competition Banners
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Bonn Blog Competition Banners
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Bonn 2017
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GLF Logos
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GLF Results Chain Graphic
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CIFOR Content Package
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Indonesia’s East Kalimantan Province Commits to New Green Growth Pathway
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Youth Media Workshop at Peatlands Matter
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Political economy of fire and haze — Moving to long-term solutions
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Don’t inhale: Scientists look at what the Indonesian haze is made of
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Work to avoid further fires starts now
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The South Sumatra Eco-Region Alliance: A partnership for change
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Land (in)justice at the heart of Indonesian fight against forest fires in 2016
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Seeing the impact of forest fires in South Sumatra: a view from the field
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Permanent research plots in Bengkalis, Riau: Carbon dynamics and water regimes of re-wetted peatlands
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Peat fires stoke climate change – UN launches global initiative
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Global warming stoked by peatland fires
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Seeing the Peat for the Forests
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Peat beneath their feet
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Getting down and dirty in degraded lands
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Indonesia offers a cool million to whoever can help take the heat off its peatlands
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Peatlands and Climate Change
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Peatlands: a global warming game-changer
