Key messages
- A new global wetlands map which uses a multisource approach (satellite climatic and topographic data) and is underpinned by an expert system model with high spatial detail (232 x 232 m2) is now available. The map suggests that much more peat exists in the tropics than was previously reported.
- Unprecedented areas and volumes of peatlands three times the size of previous estimates are identified in the tropics mainly outside Asia.
- Brazil emerges to be the main host of peat areas and volumes closely followed by Indonesia.
- Tropical and sub-tropical peatland-hosting countries in all continents can use the map to direct locate and prioritize conservation and management of wetlands and peatlands in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Scientific engagement should be continued through intensive field campaigns to validate these new peat hotspots; the interactive map will facilitate this process.
Publication year
2017
Authors
Murdiyarso,, D..; Román-Cuesta,, R.M..; Verchot,, L.V..; Herold,, M..; Gumbricht,, T..; Herold,, N..; Martius,, C..
Keywords
peatlands||swamps