Peatland Restoration and Ecosystem Services : Science, Policy and Practice

This book provides a basis for interdisciplinary discussions between policy makers, scientists and practitioners. Using current scientific information, the policy questions related to peatlands across the globe are addressed throughout and restoration is presented as a prerequisite for the sustainable management of ecosystem services in a changing environment.

Peatlands provide globally important ecosystem services through climate and water regulation or biodiversity conservation. While covering only 3% of the earth''s surface, degrading peatlands are responsible for nearly a quarter of carbon emissions from the land use sector. Bringing together world-class experts from science, policy and practice to highlight and debate the importance of peatlands from an ecological, social and economic perspective, this book focuses on how peatland restoration can foster climate change mitigation. Featuring a range of global case studies, opportunities for reclamation and sustainable management are illustrated throughout against the challenges faced by conservation biologists. Written for a global audience of environmental scientists, practitioners and policy makers, as well as graduate students from natural and social sciences, this interdisciplinary book provides vital pointers towards managing peatland conservation in a changing environment.