Peatlands of Oceania: Ecology and opportunities
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Pierre Horwitz: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8689-7888
Abstract
Peatlands are globally significant ecosystems, influencing carbon and water cycles at local, regional and planetary scales, as well as harbouring a uniquely adapted biodiverse flora and fauna. However, peatlands in Oceania have received relatively little research or policy attention. This review aimed to document existing knowledge of peatlands in Oceania and identify gaps and opportunities to enhance their management to contribute to national and global outcomes for biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. We reviewed and synthesised existing published scientific literature, grey literature accessed via professional affiliations and, where written material was missing or sparse, shared and documented expert practitioner and professional experiences in peatlands across the Oceania region. We found that Oceania contains a diversity of peatlands spread across all five ecological zones from the tropics to temperate environments and from the lowlands up to mountain and alpine regions. There is a notable dominance of the Restionaceae family in the formation of peatlands in Oceania, in contrast to other regions where moss and tree species are recognised as the most important peat forming species. The knowledge gaps uncovered in this review are substantial. There is little documentation regarding peatlands of Pacific Island nations. Mapping is incomplete or out of date in many parts of Oceania and detailed understanding of ecohydrological function is rare in this region. The findings of this review highlight five opportunities nascent within Oceania's peatlands: (1) local and global carbon, biodiversity and water regulation benefits via restoration and protection; (2) partnerships between Indigenous and community groups and government; (3) South to South regional collaboration; and (4) global knowledge sharing including (5) support to implement existing international policies and agreements. Recommendations across the domains of research, management and policy outline seven key actions that could contribute towards realising the full potential of Oceania's peatlands, both in terms of their intrinsic value and ‘Natures Contributions to People’.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
11-1-2025
Volume
50
Issue
11
Publication Title
Austral Ecology
Publisher
Wiley
School
School of Science
Funders
United Nations Environment Programme Global Peatlands Assessment
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Grover, S., Moore, J. L., Minasny, B., Auricht, C., Moss, P., Robertson, H., Kidd, D., Natera, G., Beer, F., Horwitz, P., Grundy, S., & Prebble, M. (2025). Peatlands of Oceania: Ecology and opportunities. Austral Ecology, 50(11). https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.70140