At the start of 2025, The IUCN UK Peatland Programme lead on the authoring of motion 003 “Developing a unified definition of peatland and peat” which successfully passed through the first motions working group. Motions are voted on at a number of stages, with the ultimate vote taking place at the World Conservation Congress (WCC) which takes place every four years. If they pass at WCC they become resolutions whereby members and commissions commit to act upon them. Full details of the background and process can be found here IUCN Guidance Note.
We proposed that there is a need for a globally agreed, scientifically underpinned definition of peatland and peat to support advocacy, research and policy decisions. The motion proposes that the IUCN convenes an expert committee in order to agree what this should include, the significance of such a decision would be a unified definition which is readily understood by the global community and provide a platform from which anomalous policy can be challenged. The motion will now proceed to the discussion stage where members from across the IUCN can support the motion, express concerns or suggest amendments. We encourage members to engage with the process and discussion to shape the motion.
With specific thanks to the following IUCN member organisations who acted as co-sponsors at the submission stage: The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, The Zoological Society of London, The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Royal Society for Protection of Birds and The World Wide Fund for Nature, and thanks to all organisations who circulated and commented.
