Peatlands & People

As people understand ecological processes better, attitudes towards peatlands change. We now know that peatlands are, in fact, valuable natural resources. Whether drier or wetter, bigger or smaller, peatlands provide important benefits to people and the environment. Peatlands help regulate water levels within watersheds; improve water quality; reduce flood and storm damage; provide important bird and wildlife habitat; and support recreational activities. Peatlands are natural wonderlands of great value.

While regulation, economic incentives, and acquisition programmes are important, they alone cannot protect the majority of our remaining peatlands. Education of the public and efforts in conjunction with the state, local authorities and private citizens are helping to increase appreciation of the functions and values of peatlands. The rate of peatland loss has been slowing, but we still have work to do. You can play your part.

Approximately 90% of peatlands of conservation importance are privately owned, so individual landowners are crucial to the protection of these national treasures.

Despite the efforts of Governments and private conservation organisations, pressures that destroy peatlands continue. The problems of degradation of peatlands from pollution, urban encroachment, peat removal, partial drainage and other actions require attention.

Many opportunities exist for private citizens, corporations, government agencies, and other groups to work together to slow the rate of peatland loss and to improve the quality of our remaining peatlands. There are peatland conservation projects in Waterford, Galway and Kildare which are blueprints for the future.

IPCC is in a key position to help. We aim to fuel this co-operation and ensure best practice, through the Bogs and Fens Conservation Plan, which will be set in motion later this year. Please join in our vision for the future of Irish peatlands.