Around the world, millions of people depend on peatlands for their livelihoods. But conflicting interests are now threatening these critical landscapes, which could face a global environmental crisis if solutions are not found for their sustainable use. As the science develops on linking carbon dynamics and climate change, understanding the diverse values of peatlands to people and the planet is more important than ever.

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), with more than 20 years of research in this area, is putting the focus on peatlands by leading the upcoming Global Landscapes Forum: Peatlands Matter, to be held on 18 May in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Covering only 3-5% of the earth’s surface, peatlands contain up to 30% of the world’s carbon stocks. Ways must be found to conserve existing reserves while developing low-impact agricultural practices in areas already under cultivation.

A landscape approach

More than 300 stakeholders from local communities, government, civil society, the corporate sector and media will gather in Jakarta to identify landscape-level solutions and accelerate measurable action on the ground for peatlands.

Confirmed speakers include H.E. Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia; Erik Solheim, Executive Director, United Nations Environment; Justin Lee, Australian Deputy Head of Mission to Indonesia; and Gerald Schmilewski, President, International Peatland Society (IPS). Stakeholders from peatlands landscapes will provide their perspective on the pressures they face, and potential solutions, in the opening plenary.

CIFOR, UN Environment and ICRAF will host dynamic science sessions on the latest tools for identifying and locating wetlands and peatlands, and reveal how scientists are reassessing carbon stocks to produce new insights for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the interaction between people and peat in these fragile landscapes.

Innovative Landscape Labs will explore how technology – from drones to interactive maps – is being used in CIFOR’s research to effectively monitor the world’s peatlands.

• Tune into the event’s livestream on 18 May from 9:00 a.m. (GMT+7) here.
• Check out the day’s full agenda here.
• Take a shot! Join the GLF: Peatlands Matter photo competition for your chance to win up to USD 1,000 and the opportunity to have your work displayed at the event.
• Write to be heard! Tell us about your local communities and how they interact and define their local landscapes. Submit your piece to the blog competition for a chance to participate in GLF’s global event in Bonn and win a top cash prize of USD 1,000.
• Don’t miss the GLF: Peatlands Matter Facebook event to tune into the day’s events!
• Sign up here to be notified about the latest in livestreams, presentations and event coverage from the GLF: Peatlands Matter.