This report highlights the critical role of wetlands, particularly peatlands and blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves, in climate change mitigation. It emphasizes the need for conservation and restoration efforts to counteract degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Messages:
- Underrated peatlands: While mangroves receive significant attention in climate policies, coastal peatlands are often overlooked. Despite their substantial carbon stocks, only a few countries include peatland-related actions in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), presenting a gap in global climate strategies.
- Opportunities in the Caribbean: The Caribbean region, home to both mangroves and coastal peatlands, holds promise for climate action. Seven countries stand out for potential peatland and mangrove conservation efforts, with a focus on mitigation and adaptation measures.
- Priority actions: Priority actions in the identified region include mapping peatlands, establishing monitoring systems for greenhouse gas fluxes and biodiversity, and piloting conservation and restoration projects. These initiatives aim to enhance awareness, capacity, and technology for effective wetland management and climate resilience.
