Side Event

Assessment on Peatlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change

Organizer
Global Environment Centre and Wetlands International

Date and Time
23 May 2008 18:15 - 19:45

Meeting
Ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 9)

The global Assessment of Peatlands Biodiversity and Climate Change brings together for the first time information of the global significance of peatlands for biodiversity and climate change. Peatlands are recognised as the most important terrestrial ecosystem for carbon storage - storing twice as much carbon as the biomass of all the world's forests combined. They are also critical for the conservation of biodiversity and provide many important benefits to people. The side event will give an opportunity to review issues related the proposed COP 9 decision Biodiversity and Climate Change which will formally consider reference to the Asesssment. The side event will also highlight key concerns related to cultivation of biofuel feedstocks on peatlands and showcase experience in peatland restoration as a cost effective climate mitigation strategy.