Bright spots in peatland conservation, rewetting, and restoration

Abstract

Humans have relied on peatlands for millennia, but their exploitation through drainage-based agriculture, forestry, and peat extraction has led to their widespread degradation. Yet, peatlands play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, pollution, and biodiversity decline. To tackle these crises, humanity must, among other actions, conserve the remaining c. 431 million hectares of (near-) natural peatlands and rewet all c. 57 million hectares of degraded peatlands before 2050. This seemingly insurmountable challenge may elicit frustration, despair, and inaction. Here, we explore positive examples of peatland conservation, rewetting, and restoration to encourage and inspire peatland action worldwide. We highlight nine ‘bright spots’ in science, policy, society, conservation, rewetting, restoration, techniques, livelihoods, and markets. Common success factors include inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, the creation of positive narratives, and solution-oriented approaches. We conclude that action toward sustainable peatland management holds significant potential, for which the bright spots provide clear guidance.