Peatlands at CBD COP16: Global efforts to protect biodiversity in a triple planetary crisis
The 16th Convention of Biological Diversity Conference of Parties was held this year in Cali, Colombia, on 21st October – 1st November. Hailed as the “People’s COP”, this was the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022.
Peatlands represent incredible and unique ecosystem diversity ranging from northern bogs and fens to tropical forests and swamps. These peatland habitats, in turn, are home for a rich biodiversity, including endemic and endangered species, such as the orangutans found in the tropical peatlands of Southeast Asia, bonobos and Western Lowland Gorillas found in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo, and the Aquatic Warbler of central and northern Europe. Peatlands also support migratory species, particularly birds, that use them intermittently as vital stopover sites along global flyways, offering food and refuge.
Peatlands, as key ecosystems for biodiversity, were brought to attention at a number of events by the Global Peatlands Initiative partners at this year’s COP16.
Speakers at “The Abanico del Pastaza” side event in the Peruvian pavilion at COP16
The event “Conservation of the biological diversity of the Ramsar site Abanico del Pastaza – Loreto” showcased the significant relevance of Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance in the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity at the Peru Pavilion. The event presented their progress for the participatory management of the Ramsar Abanico del Pastaza site within the framework of the national and regional conservation strategies.
Juan Carlos Vasquez, Head of the Biodiversity, People, and Landscape Unit from the Ecosystems Division at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), spoke about the role of peatlands in biodiversity conservation. He spoke about how peatlands are essential habitats for rare, threatened and endemic species of flora and fauna – currently 303 plant and 767 animal species found on peatlands are classified as “vulnerable”, “endangered” or “critically endangered”.
Juan Carlos Vasquez highlighted the work of the Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI), along with its flagship products. The “Global Peatlands Assessment” brings together the latest scientific advances to inform and inspire action in policy, research and practice. It establishes a comprehensive understanding of the state of the world's peatlands and provides insights into how we can protect, restore and sustainably manage these ecosystems. This is also complemented by the “Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas”, which was launched during the UNFCCC COP29.
He further celebrated the collaboration between GPI and Peru’s Ministry of Environment, which has led to a milestone in Peru’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) focused on conserving and sustainably managing Amazonian peatlands. Juan Carlos Vasquez emphasised that Peru’s approach could serve as a model for neighbouring countries, showcasing the broader benefits of peatland conservation across biodiversity, climate goals, and socioeconomic development.
Mauricio Bedoya (UNEP) presenting at the Chilean Pavilion
The side event "Peatlands: High-Value Areas for Biodiversity and Carbon Reservoirs to Address the Climate Crisis" was organised on the 31st of October as part of the Chilean Pavilion. This event aimed to highlight the importance of peatlands for both their biodiversity contributions and their essential role in carbon sequestration, which are critical for addressing the climate and biodiversity loss crises.
Mauricio Bedoya, National Advisor of the UNEP Colombia Office, represented the GPI and underscored peatlands' unique and irreplaceable roles in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Despite covering only around 3% of Earth’s land area, peatlands store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined and serve as critical habitats for diverse species, from common to threatened and endemic.
Mauricio also celebrated the achievements of the GPI, specifically the Global Peatlands Assessment (GPA) and the forthcoming Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas. He praised Chile's legislative advances in peatland conservation, particularly the landmark Law 21660, which represents a national commitment to peatland preservation. This law was enacted in March 2024, but represents an effort of more than 5 years of national discussions among various stakeholders to reach its applauded approval. Law 21660 highlights the recognition of peatlands as strategic reserves for the mitigation and adaptation to climate change, in addition to the explicit prohibition of peat extraction throughout the national territory. He noted that as the world contends with climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—often referred to as the "triple planetary crisis" - the need for peatland conservation, restoration, and sustainable management has never been more urgent.
Speakers at the peatlands event at the Chilean Pavilion
Another event entitled “Peatland Power: Cultivating Biodiversity, Climate Resilience and Livelihoods” explored peatland protection, restoration and sustainable use, and showcased insightful case studies. The event was hosted by partners of the GPI; the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Wetlands International, the Nature Conservancy, and the Greifswald Mire Centre, in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Synchronicity Earth. The event provided practical routes for including peatlands in NBSAPs that reinforce the links between biodiversity and climate action and deliver multiple targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
By conserving, sustainably managing and protecting intact peatlands, humanity can maintain an essential ecosystem that provides many services for people and the planet.
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