About GLF Peatlands 2024
Peatlands cover 3-4% of Earth’s land but store a third of global soil carbon. Despite their importance, 12% are degraded, contributing 4% of human-induced emissions.
Degradation, driven by agriculture and forestry, causes environmental and social issues like fires and economic damage. Managing peatlands effectively requires collaboration across sectors.
The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) Peatlands 2024 Hybrid Conference brought together global stakeholders to address gaps in peatland science, policy, and practice. Held alongside the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Conference, it explored peatlands’ roles in carbon storage, biodiversity, and water regulation.
Protecting peatlands in Ukraine
Ukraine has roughly 1 million hectares of total peatland area, yet the regions of Volyn and Chernihiv are deemed inaccessible due to military actions from the 2022 occupation. Yet, even before the invasion, Ukrainian communities suffered from the annual burning of peatlands and the disappearance of groundwater in the landscapes, the result of the drainage of wetlands during Soviet times. Roman Shakhmatenko, team lead, UNDP Ukraine Energy and Environment Portfolio, speaks on the role of peatlands in the country and national measures to protect these areas.
