The GPI is a partnership between NGOs, scientists, research institutes and the private sector that provides a means to identify, develop and fund projects essential to achieve the 'wise use' of peatlands globally. The GPI was formed in response to the Ramsar Guidelines for Global Action on Peatlands (GGAP) to 'foster national, regional and international partnerships of government, private sector and non-government agencies to fund and implement actions in support of such strategies'.
The GPI partnership promotes the wise use of peatlands globally in the belief that there is a greater likelihood of influencing international agendas of major conventions, multilateral agencies, individual countries and the private sector by concerted action than by a similar number of fragmented operations.
The GPI contributes to international policy frameworks such as
conventions (e.g. CBD, Ramsar) and International Treaties and Strategies
(e.g. Kyoto Protocol and Wise Use Guidelines) through activities that
contribute to the science base, enhancing access to information, and
developing and supporting local and international capacity.
Mission Statement: to sustain peatlands, their resources and
biodiversity for future generations through research, information exchange
and wise use actions world-wide.
The GPI operates through one or more of its partners. Decisions are taken by a Steering Committee, which consists of representatives of the core organizations that lead the GPI partnership. The Steering Committee decides upon the direction of the GPI, its aims and objectives, structure and operating mechanisms.
The GPI acts as a clearinghouse to enable donors and project proposers to identify needs and resources. Wetlands International currently chairs the GPI and manages the funding provided by the Netherlands Government (DGIS). The GPI strives to create a broad international funding basis for wise use of peatlands. It provides mainly part-funding or seed funding to new projects and may co-finance existing projects to enable them to become more effective. To be eligible for funding, projects must have clear aims, objectives and outputs that can be delivered within time scales acceptable to the GPI Steering Committee. Projects must be endorsed by relevant authorities and local stakeholders.
Focal areas for GPI actvities are:
The GPI promotes integrated development as a key activity to achieve wise use of peatlands. This involves the conservation and restoration of peatlands, and integrated development of peat-based agriculture, forestry and industry, including the certification of peat products. Peatlands represent over 50% of all wetlands in the world comprising a great variety of habitats and species. Peatlands, which cover only 3% of the earth's surface store over 30% of all soil carbon, are of high importance in climate change issues. The focus of GPI on water resources is twofold: (1) an estimated 10% of fresh water in the world is stored in peatlands and (2) water management is crucial for the maintenance of peatlands. The GPI recognises the link between sound and equitable environment management and poverty reduction in developing countries, stressing the need for a pro-poor approach.
GPI projects & DGIS funding
Att. Marcel J. Silvius
Wetlands International
PO Box 471
6700 AL Wageningen
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 317 478861 - Fax: +31 317 478850
E-mail: marcel.silvius@wetlands.org
Web: www.wetlands.org/projects/GPI
GPI secretariat
Phone: +31 317 477933 - Fax: +31 317 424988
E-mail: GPI@Alterra.wag-ur.nl
Web: www.globalpeatlands.net
last update: 04/09/17