IUCN UK Peatland Programme

Irish peatland (C) Clifton Bain (12)
Irish peatland – credit Image © Clifton Bain

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme (IUCN UK PP) was set up in 2009 to promote peatland restoration in the UK and advocate the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice.

The long term vision of the programme is that peatlands in the UK function to their full potential and that there is no further loss of peatland ecosystems, which will help to mitigate climate change. The IUCN UK PP is calling for urgent investment in restoration, to secure the benefits peatlands provide society and avoiding the costly consequences of their deterioration.

In practice the work of IUCN UK PP includes:

  • Informing policy and legislation at devolved country, UK, EU and international level to ensure conservation and restoration of peatlands
  • Championing peatlands and their environmental, social, cultural and economic values to decision makers and the general public
  • Identifying economic opportunities to support restoration on the ground, including the development of the Peatland Code, a voluntary standard for those wishing to market the climate benefits of peatlands
  • Developing and promoting good practice in peatland restoration and management within the peatland community.

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has been operating on a self-financing basis since it was founded in 2009 and brings together environmental NGOs, government and devolved agencies, research bodies and regional peatland partnerships. The IUCN UK PP is currently hosted by Scottish Wildlife Trust and is primarily funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. Management is through a steering group chaired by a representative of the IUCN UK National Committee. Further details of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme partnership and current Steering Group members.

https://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/about-us/our-partnership

IUCN UK PP Annual Conference (2018) © Sarah Proctor

Peatland Resources:

Contact the IUCN UK PP:

Harbourside House, 110 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6NF

E: info@iucn.org.uk

Twitter @IUCNpeat

sphagnum1b
Sphagnum – Credit Laurie Campbell SNH

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