2012-05-04 08:10:00

Special session (Friday June 8, 08.30 – 11.00): SRPM – Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management

 Special session (Friday June 8, 08.30 – 11.00):

SRPM – Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management

 

The scientific content of the congress covers the whole scale from basic natural science to economic and social consequences of human use of peatland/wetlands resources – the only thing in common is the connection to this element of the landscape. New research will be presented in areas such as hydrology, biogeochemistry, ecology, biodiversity, landscape ecology and ecosystem services, human areal (agriculture, forestry) and industrial uses (peat for energy and horticulture), and the specific topic of interactions between peat forming ecosystems and global climate. These presentations will add to the knowledge base.

Superimposed on all these research presentations, discussion and dissemination, the IPC 2012 has another aim – to put focus on the governance of peatlands/wetlands! The term governance encompasses several elements, such as policy, legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks, planning and decision-making processes, and implementation. Good governance must be based on knowledge. The IPS has for several years been active in compiling and spreading knowledge on peat forming ecosystems, including human uses and their consequences.  One result of these efforts was the book “Wise Use of Mires and Wetlands” by Joosten and Clarke (2002), presenting leading principles for “Wise use” and a framework for decision-making.  How should the society balance conflicting interest and steer the use of this landscape element in a wise and sustainable way? (In this context “use” is defined to include all from conservation of unaffected environments to exploitation of the soil substrate for energy or horticultural purposes). A subsequent document,  “Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management” (SRPM), edited by Clarke and Rieley (2010), outlined a strategy for implementing  these principles and guidelines  within management/governance systems.

During this IPC congress we will, again, highlight the SRPM, and follow-up on the implementation process. Our hope is that the 14^th IPS Congress will adding further ideas and impulse to the build-up  of knowledge-based and comprehensive management/governance structures at all scales, in order to reach the Wise use vision.

The SRPM session will start off with two short presentations reflecting the response from stakeholders so far, after which a panel will discuss and assess possibilities and obstacles for further progress.

 

 

References:

Joosten H and Clarke D, 2002. Wise Use of Mires and Wetlands – Background and Principles including a Framework for Decision-making. International Mire Consrvation group and International Peat Society.  (http://www.peatsociety.org/publications/documentbank)

Clarke D and Rieley J (Eds.), 2010. Strategy for Responsible Peatland Management. International Peat Society. (http://www.peatsociety.org/publications/documentbank)