Forest wetlands should be protected as they are sources of water and are one of the main carbon sinks on the planet, a research by Centre for International Forestry Research (Cifor) in collaboration with the US Forest Service says.

These vulnerable swamp wetlands— also known as peatlands— are currently under threat from human activities such as agriculture, infrastructure development and mining.

In Kenya, wetlands in the five water towers— Mt Kenya, the Aberdares, the Mau Escarpment, Cherangani Hills and Mt Elgon are a key source of rivers that support numerous agricultural, power generation and tourism activities across the country.

“Peatlands present us with a golden opportunity to confront climate change, but we need policy-makers and scientists to work hand-in-hand in the creation of sound strategies,” says Dr Daniel Murdiyarso, the Principal scientist, Cifor

Rising demand for palm oil across the world has led to conversion of Indonesia peatland to farmlands threatening carbon sink, which in turn lead to climate change.

Researchers note that the Congo Forest and the Amazon— some of the largest forests globally are also currently threatened by illegal logging, mining and other activities.

Exchange of information from various regions is critical to help cope with challenges pertaining to wetlands.

“It is also vital that countries exchange knowledge to avoid tripping over the same stone twice when it comes to peatland conservation and management,” added Dr Murdiyarso.

Scientists also emphasise the need for strong policies that protect peatlands from hydrocarbon mining and infrastructure development, and call on countries to exchange practical knowledge before it is too late.

The research has also identified drivers of conversion and can be used to refine emission factors essential to quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from the degradation of peatlands.

Studies also unravel peatland hydrology –vital to restoring drained ecosystems— and look into better ways of modeling and remotely monitoring water regimens.