Values
Peatlands are recognised as a vital ecological and economic
resource in many countries. Man has used peatlands for centuries
and has valued them for many different reasons. Conservationists,
developers, energy producers, farmers, foresters, gardeners
and rural households all value peatlands for very different
reasons.
At various times in the past peatlands were used as a source
of fuel, food and refuge, but a large proportion of these
were inaccessible and so remained intact. This balance changed
dramatically during the last century. Greater demands for
housing, energy and agricultural land has increased exploitation
of many natural habitats, contributing to a dramatic decline
in peatlands throughout Europe.
Within Northern Ireland just over 12% of the original area
of peatlands remains intact. With such a small proportion
of the original peatland resource remaining undamaged, their
conservation value is the priority.
Conserving peatlands is not just a local issue, the Ramsar
Convention is an intergovernmental treaty which promotes
the global conservation of wetlands. The Convention contains
Guidelines for Global Action on Peatlands (GAP). The aim of
GAP is to "achieve recognition of the importance of peatlands
to the maintenance of global biodiversity, storage of water
and carbon vital to the world climate system, and promote
their wise use".
Some of the most important reasons for protecting and conserving
peatlands include:
