Peatlands are terrestrial wetland ecosystems where waterlogged conditions prevent plant matter from fully decomposing. This results in the production of organic material exceeding its decomposition, leading to a net accumulation of peat.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Limited Protection: Only 17% of peatlands are within protected areas, and just over half of these protected peatlands are under strict conservation.
- Protection Varies by Biome: Boreal peatlands are 16% protected, while temperate and tropical peatlands are both 27% protected, with 8% of tropical peatlands under strict protection.
- Regional and Country-Level Disparities: Peatland protection is more extensive in countries like China and India.
- Underprotected Compared to Other Ecosystems: Other ecosystems have higher protection rates—mangroves are 42% protected, salt marshes 50%, and tropical forests 38%.
Significance of Peatlands:
- Largest Carbon Store on Land: Peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth's land surface but store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined.
- Natural Buffer: They act as natural water filters and buffers, helping mitigate environmental disasters.
- Biodiversity and Livelihood Protection: Peatlands support diverse freshwater fish and endangered species, providing food and fuel for local communities.
Threats to Peatlands:
- Drainage and Land Conversion: Degraded peatlands are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to almost 5% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
- Overgrazing: Peatlands in mountainous regions are vulnerable to degradation from overgrazing.
- Peat Extraction: Extracting peat for fuel and horticulture leads to habitat destruction.
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