UN 
A recent comprehensive study has identified agriculture as the leading cause of tropical peatland degradation in Indonesia, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—countries that collectively harbor the largest tropical peatland areas globally. These ecosystems, although covering less than 3% of the Earth’s land surface, play an outsized role in climate regulation by storing vast amounts of carbon, making their conservation critical for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action and life on land.
Peatlands are waterlogged soils rich in organic carbon accumulated over millennia. When disturbed, especially through drainage and land conversion for agriculture, they release significant quantities of greenhouse gases, exacerbating global warming. The study highlights that agricultural activities such as palm oil cultivation in Indonesia, subsistence farming in Peru, and smallholder agriculture in the DRC are accelerating peatland loss, undermining efforts to mitigate climate change.
Deforestation and peatland drainage to create arable land not only emit carbon dioxide but also threaten biodiversity and disrupt local livelihoods dependent on these ecosystems. Experts emphasize the need for sustainable land-use policies and enforcement mechanisms that balance agricultural development with ecological preservation. Incorporating peatland protection into national climate strategies can help countries meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement while supporting food security and community well-being.
The findings underscore the urgency for international cooperation and investment in peatland restoration and sustainable agriculture initiatives. Strengthening monitoring systems and promoting agroecological practices that maintain peatland integrity could significantly reduce emissions. Protecting tropical peatlands aligns with multiple SDGs by safeguarding critical carbon sinks, preserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable economic growth in vulnerable regions.
As global attention intensifies on nature-based solutions to climate change, this study serves as a crucial reminder that addressing agricultural drivers of peatland loss is essential to sustaining these ecosystems’ climate benefits and achieving a sustainable future.
