Support UNFCCC in addressing peatlands and their carbon stocks

Peatlands are unique, complex ecosystems of global importance for biodiversity conservation at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. They contain many species found only or mainly in peatlands. These species are adapted to the special acidic, nutrient poor and water-logged conditions of peatlands. They are vulnerable to changes resulting from direct human intervention, to changes in their water catchment and to climate change, which may lead to loss of habitats, species and associated ecosystem services.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has an important task to make clear statements in the direction of UN-FCCC and of donors of programmes to Reduce Emissions of Deforestation in Developing Countries.

The report of CBD COP9 shows in Item 4.5 on 'Biodiversity and Climate Change' that addressing peatland degradation, their biodiversity and carbon stocks is an issue the Contracting Parties of CBD strongly support. 

The report asks for further dessimination of findings on peatlands, biodiversity and climate change. It asks for strong collaboration with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands to further assess the contribution of biodiversity to climate change mitigation and adaptation in peatlands and other wetlands and to promote implementation of actions that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of peatlands. 

CBD also requests their SBSTTA (Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice) to explore ways to engage with the IPCC (International Panel on Climate change) in planning and preparing its next assessment reports and invites IPCC to participate in CBD and Ramsar processes for preparing future technical studies on climate change and biodiversity, particular on wetlands.

Finally, CBD has requested the Executive Secretary of the CBD, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Ramsar convention, subject to available resources, to conduct an analysis of the potential of incentive measures and funding mechanisms under climate change adaptation and mitigation in supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in wetlands as well as in supporting local livelihoods and contributing to poverty eradication. 

The Secretariat has requested to consider appropriate action on this issue at its 10th meeting.

Sustainable finance mechanism for biodiversity conservation
A major issue that the Convention on Biological Diversity can address is the need to develop sustainable finance mechanisms for biodiversity conservation in poverty areas in areas such as Central Kalimantan.

Some seventy-five percent of all poor people live in rural areas in developing countries, more often than not trapped in systems of impoverishment without adequate means for sustainable development. This results in increased pressure on the environment and natural resources, including remaining areas of importance for global biodiversity. A possible approach that could be promoted by CBD is the bio-rights approach, see ‘funds and finance mechanism’.