The Executive Summary of this report has been reproduced here as webpages for your easy browsing/reading. Alternatively, you can download the full Executive Summary  (3.80 MB) here. The full  report can be viewed/downloaded here.

Introduction

The Executive Summary presents the key findings of the global Assessment on Peatlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change. The Assesment was prepared through a review of scientific information on the  natire and value of peatlands in relation to biodiversity and climate change, the impact of human activities and potential sustainable management options. It responds to  decisions by a range of global environmental conventions, including the Convention on  Biological Diversity (CBD) (programmes of  work on inland water, forest and mountain biodiversity as well as the cross cutting issue on biodiversity and climate change) and the  Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Guidelines for global action on peatlands). It also contributes to the implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention to Combat desertification (UNCCD). The Assessment has been specifically welcomed by the Conference of Parties of the CBD.

The Assessment was preapared in the period 2005-2007 under the coordination of a multidisciplinary international team of  peatlands, biodiversity and climate change specialists. Its preparation was supported by  UNEP - GEF and a range of other supporters. 

Peatlands from around the world