IUCN UK Peatland Programme Press Release
8 December 2009
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS CHAMPION PEATLANDS AT COPENHAGEN
Experts from around the world will descend upon the climate change talks at Copenhagen to champion the cause of peatlands as a carbon store.
Representatives from Indonesia, Belarus and the UK will gather at the summit to demonstrate the potential that peatland restoration offers both in terms of reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The climate talks present a key opportunity to discuss the practicalities of formally including carbon emissions from peatland alongside forestry and other land uses in national greenhouse gas reduction figures.
Clifton Bain, Director of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme said, “Damaged peatlands are a major source of emissions but no account is taken of the positive benefits of peatland restoration. International agreements to include peatlands in national emissions targets will help focus Government efforts on restoring peatland habitats.
“Widespread support for peatlands to be given greater recognition as an important carbon store was demonstrated at global climate talks in Barcelona and Bonn earlier this year, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome at Copenhagen for the inclusion of peatlands in national inventories.”
Chris Dean, Moors for the Future said, “Inclusion of emissions from peatlands in national inventories could see vital funding directed towards peatland restoration work, such as that we are currently undertaking in the Peak District.”
Paul Leadbitter, Project Manager of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership Peatscapes project said, “Our work in the North Pennines, restoring and re-wetting peatlands by blocking drains has demonstrated that this is a simple, permanent and cost effective method of reducing national CO2 emissions.”
ENDS
Media contact: Nicola McGovern, Scottish Wildlife Trust Tel: 0131 312 4742, 07827 248117, Email: nmcgovern@swt.org.uk
This press release is distributed by SWT on behalf of IUCN. SWT is a stakeholding partner in IUCN and is providing a press office function for this project
NOTES
1. The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) UK Peatland Programme was set up in 2009 to promote peatland restoration in the UK. The Programme advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice. The three year programme, funded by the Peter De Haan Charitable Trust, is overseen by a coalition of environmental bodies made up of the John Muir Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, North Pennines AONB, Moors for the Future and the University of East London. For more information visit; www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org
2. Peatlands cover less than 3% of the land surface of the Earth yet they contain twice as much carbon as the world’s forests. Damaged peatlands are responsible for at least 7% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. The UK has the 17th largest peatland area, out of 175 nations with peat deposits and is in the top 20 countries with the most damaged peatlands. Remedial action currently being undertaken in the UK to restore peatlands could set a leading example worldwide.
3. Wetlands International are hosting official side events at the UNFCCC Summit in Copenhagen on 9th and 11th December.