Commission on Ecosystem Management

A network of professionals whose mission is to act as a source of advice on the environmental, economic, social and cultural factors that affect natural resources and biological diversity.

Image: Marimetsa raised bog, Estonia © Emma Hinchliffe

Commission on Ecosystem Management

The Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) is one of IUCN’s six Commissions. 
 

The CEM promotes ecosystem-based approaches for the management of landscapes and seascapes, provides guidance and support for ecosystem-based management and promotes resilient socio-ecological systems to address global challenges.

Within CEM there are a number of specialist groups tackling issues relating to 14 broad ecosystem types (below). The Peatland Ecosystems Specialist Group aims to highlight the benefits of peatland ecosystems and explore new funding opportunities for peatlands based on ecosystem services.

Organisational structure of IUCN's Commission of Ecosystem Management
 

The Peatland Ecosystems Specialist Group encompasses a truly international network of experts, sharing good practice, building consensus on science and encouraging national strategies for action to deliver peatland conservation and restoration. The group works closely with other international peatland initiatives (e.g. International Mire Conservation Group, UN FAO) to ensure synergy and provide added value.
The IUCN UK National Committee Peatland Programme provides the secretariat to support the group.

Overall purpose of the Peatland Ecosystems Specialist Group

  1. To provide good practice advice and information aimed at peatland conservation/restoration action to support delivery of biodiversity, climate change and water objectives.
  2. To support knowledge exchange with/between partners on peatland management and funding opportunities.
  3. To assist the scientific community in recognising, identifying and describing peatland ecosystems wherever they occur.
  4. To support countries in adopting strategic policies for peatlands and to assess progress of peatland ecosystem management towards biodiversity and climate change targets.


Previous outputs of the Peatland Ecosystems Specialist Group include:

Current Work 2017-2023


Specialist Group Leadership

Emma Hinchliffe, IUCN UK Peatland Programme Director (Chair)
Jane Akerman, IUCN UK Peatland Programme Manager (Co-Chair)

 

IUCN logoCEM logo

 

Scientist taking scientific measurements in peatland. Credit Emma Hinchliffe
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