Motion 003

There is currently no scientifically underpinned, unified definition of peatland and this is globally problematic. A lack of definition causes confusion over what peat and peatlands are. Policy decisions may be made according to arbitrary definitions, which are frequently grounded in the exploitation potential of the peatland. However, as knowledge of peatlands and their importance to nature and people has grown, these definitions are increasingly outdated. The need for a scientifically agreed definition of peatlands was first mentioned in the 2016 IUCN Resolution: 043- Securing a future for global peatlands. This motion moves to establish an expert panel to agree on what this definition should be and for the IUCN to support in codifying this into authoritative laws and frameworks. We recognise the significant contribution of Ramsar, the UNEP GPA and others in working to establish a definition, but we also recognise that such definitions are not yet universally accepted. Given the significance of this issue and the broad support that we have encountered in our discussions around establishing such a definition, we believe that the passing of this motion would send a clear message that unifying definitions of peat and peatlands is an important step towards securing the future of global peatlands and their unique and valuable biodiversity.