Unexplored Carbon Sink Potential? Exploring Pathways to Integrate Peatland Restoration into CDM and REDD+ Mechanisms

¹ School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, D02 PN40, Ireland
² Technical Management Special Graduate School, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea

^* Corresponding author: liuz7@tcd.ie

Abstract

Peatlands are critical carbon reservoirs in terrestrial ecosystems; however, their degradation can transform them into major greenhouse gas sources, posing significant challenges to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper explores the feasibility and potential benefits of integrating peatland restoration into existing climate finance mechanisms, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). Research indicates that peatland restoration has a significant cost-effectiveness advantage over other carbon reduction methods, creating sustainable economic value within the carbon market. By employing scientifically robust carbon credit evaluation methods and leveraging advanced technologies such as eddy covariance systems, satellite remote sensing, and ground-penetrating radar, peatland restoration projects can achieve high-precision Monitoring, ensuring the reliability of carbon credit accounting. Furthermore, the involvement of academic institutions greatly enhances the transparency and scientific rigor of peatland monitoring, effectively addressing verification challenges within CDM and REDD+ frameworks. This paper also proposes introducing baseline-setting methodologies, similar to those used in industrial emissions reduction projects, into peatland carbon accounting, quantifying the reductions in greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4 to establish more accurate and effective carbon credit standards. Integrating peatland restoration projects into CDM and REDD+ mechanisms not only maximize the dual benefits of peatlands for climate mitigation and ecological restoration but also advances the standardization and sustainability of the global carbon market, providing strong support and a reliable technical framework for achieving global carbon neutrality targets.