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Context

A recent study has revealed that peatlands, crucial carbon reservoirs, are severely underprotected, and the ongoing destruction of peatlands could jeopardise climate change goals.

About Peatlands

• Peatlands are terrestrial wetland ecosystems in which waterlogged conditions prevent plant material from fully decomposing, composed of partially decayed organic matter accumulated over thousands of years.
• The production of organic materials is more than decomposition, as a result net accumulation of peat happens.
• Peatlands occur in every climatic zone and continent. It covers 23 million square km, which corresponds to 2.84% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface.
• Peatlands are carbon rich ecosystems due to the process of peat accumulation.
• The largest natural terrestrial carbon store is – Peatlands.
• They store more carbon than all other vegetation types in the world combined. 
• A major source of greenhouse gas emissions is damaged peatland.
• It is responsible for almost 5% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
  

Countries with the most peatlands:

Significance of peatlands:

• Largest Carbon Store on Land.
• Acts as a natural water filter and buffer for environmental disasters.
• Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Protection.

Threats to Peatlands:

• Mining
• Climate change
• Agriculture & Forestry
• Peat extraction
• Overgrazing
• Drainage & land conversion

Conservation efforts:

• Role of Indigenous communities.
• The Global Peatlands Initiative.
• Ramsar sites 1871.
• Brazzaville declaration.
• Amrit Dharohar scheme.
• Wetlands Rejuvenation programme.

Sources:

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