Our Actions

UNFCCC Climate Talks in Bonn (June 2011)

New sessions have been held in Bonn, Germany on June 6-17of the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), continuing work from agreements made in Cancun, Mexico in 2010. Through active participation in the meeting and two side events we promoted the conservation and restoration of tropical and temperate peatlands for the critical role they play in regulating the climate.  Furthermore, at the subsequent Adaptation Fund Board meeting on June 19 the importance of Strategic Impact Assessments in board funded projects was highlighted.

Ayer Hitam Peat Swamp Forest – The Last Black Jewel of West Johor

Ayer Hitam Peat Swamp Forest is the last remaining peatswamp forest in the state of Johor, Malaysia. Wetlands Inernational is working together with the State Government to protect and conserve the area.

UNFCCC Climate Talks, Bonn (Aug 2010)

UNFCCC Climate Summit in Cancún (29 Nov.-10 Dec. 2010)

We advocated for solutions that will help to halt the loss of wetlands at the UN Climate conference in Cancún, Mexico (29 November – 11 December 2010) where Parties gathered to achieve next steps on the road to a new climate deal. We campaigned to make sure that peatland emissions will be addressed, but also to make sure that projects financed by the Adaptation Fund do not harm wetlands.

UN Climate Talks in Barcelona (Nov. 2009)

UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen (UNFCCC COP15)

From 7-18 December, world leaders gathered in Copenhagen in Denmark trying to agree on a new climate deal that could come into force in 2012. Wetlands International was present with a team from different offices, aiming strong incentives to protect and restore the world's wetlands. Adequate incorporation of wetlands into a post-2012 agreement could contribute to reducing emissions and to increase the world's resilience to the impacts of climate change. 

Poznan Climate Conference: Emissions from peatlands, a global issue

Wetlands International is present at the UN climate summit in Poznan (1-13 December 2008). Our organisation focuses on advocating inclusion of emissions from degradation and loss of peatswamps in a new climate treaty.

An Action Plan for the Peatlands within the Heart of Borneo (HOB) area in the context of rehabilitating degraded peatlands and reducing CO2 emissions

The project will develop a plan for hydrological, restoration of degraded peatlands in Brunei within the Heart of Borneo initiative. It will also address develop regional cooperation and mutual partnerships between the three HOB countries, build capacity in relevant government constitution and build awareness at high levels of government to promote adoption of rehabilitation measures for preventing carbon emissions, fires and haze and have a positive impact on climate both regionally and globally.

Side event on Peatlands and Climate Change

Stakeholders Outreach on Unsustainable Use of the Peatlands and Climate Change

Wetlands International in Malaysia held at the side event of the Regional Climate Change Conference organised by the Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources & The British High Commission. The side-event brought stakeholders in Malaysia together to share their views on climate change and the environment, especially the peatlands.

Status of peatland in Malaysia: Its relation to CO2 emissions and climate change

There are increasing pressures on peatland areas for conversion, especially for conversion to oil palm plantations, anticipating the increased demand for oil palm as a biofuel. This will result in substantially increased CO₂ emissions from converted peatlands, increased incidence of fire and increased periods of “hazeOf particular concern is the potential for oil palm plantations to expand into High Conservation Value peat swamp forest (HCVPSF). This project is aimed at gathering and disseminating relevant information on these threats.