Peat Rehabilitation

Peatlands are a type of wetland, formed through the accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter in waterlogged conditions. Peatlands are important because they contain twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests, and are incredibly biodiverse.

Indonesia, where most of our operations are based, is home to large swathes of tropical peatlands and some of the deepest peat areas globally. Through the conservation and restoration of peatlands in our concessions, GAR aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is vital to fighting climate change. We are working toward reviving this essential ecosystem that millions of people, plants, and animals call home.

Peatland is often drained for agricultural purposes. When they are overexploited and dry out, they emit massive amounts of GHG due to the high carbon content in the soil. Additionally, dry and damaged peatland becomes extremely flammable. When peat fires occur, they cause further GHG emissions. The IUCN estimates that GHG emissions from damaged peatlands makes up 5.6 percent of all man-made emissions globally.

In 2010, in line with our commitment to responsible palm oil production, GAR made the landmark decision to stop development on peatland. We have embarked on a mission to rehabilitate these peatlands through rewetting drained lands and other measures in order to reduce fire risks as well as to restore their complex ecosystems.