Data and knowledge needs for improving science and policy for peatlands in Canada in a changing world: insights from Global Peatlands Initiative Workshop, June 2023
Canada holds some of the world’s most intact peatlands, yet effective management requires clearer guidance on data priorities, future threats and ecosystem functions. At a 2023 Global Peatlands Initiative workshop in Quebec City, researchers identified key measurements across seven data categories—from hydrometeorological sensing to Traditional Knowledge—and outlined recommendations to strengthen national peatland science. Priorities include standardized but flexible protocols, coordinated field campaigns, an atlas of existing information and a network of peatland “super sites.” The workshop underscores the need to weave Indigenous knowledge with Western science to support evidence‑based conservation and ensure peatlands continue providing critical ecosystem services.
Subject Tags
- Carbon storage
- Ecosystem management
- Indigenous Peoples
Abstract
Knowledge and data on the current function, future threats and benefits of peatlands in Canada are required to support evidence-based decision-making to ensure they continue to provide critical ecosystem services. This is particularly relevant for Canada, given the large expanse of relatively intact peatland area. There is a need, not only to standardize protocols, but also to prioritize types of information and knowledge that can best meet conservation and management goals. This was the challenge posed to the participants of the Global Peatlands Initiative workshop in June 2023 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Participants were composed of researchers using primarily Western science approaches that use peatland data for carbon accounting, policy or sustainable land use, reclamation/restoration, conservation, wildlife and water resources applications. For seven peatland data categories (hydrometeorological and environmental sensing; peat coring and depth; greenhouse gas monitoring; biodiversity; vegetation, woody debris, and litter; Traditional Knowledge; water quality), three priority measurements were identified and recommendations for their collection were discussed. The key recommendations from the workshop were to (1) create standardized, yet flexible protocols; (2) coordinate field data collection where possible; (3) weave more Traditional Knowledge into understanding of peatlands; (4) create an atlas of existing peatland information; (5) scope opportunities to create a network of peatland “super sites.”
Citation
Webster, K. L., Strack, M., Balliston, N., Davies, M. A., Hettinga, E. K., Hunter, M., ... & Yin, X. (2025). Data and knowledge needs for improving science and policy for peatlands in Canada in a changing world: insights from Global Peatlands Initiative Workshop, June 2023. Facets, 10, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2024-0142
TNC Authors
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Kristen Blann
Lead Freshwater Ecologist, Tri-State Minnesota and Dakotas
The Nature Conservancy
Email: kblann@tnc.org