Title: Exploitation of Northern Peatlands and Biodiversity Maintenance: A Conflict between Economy and Ecology
Abstract: Frontiers in Ecology and the EnvironmentVolume 1, Issue 10 p. 525-532 Review Exploitation of northern peatlands and biodiversity maintenance: a conflict between economy and ecology Steve Chapman, Steve Chapman The Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, UK; ( E-mail: [email protected])Search for more papers by this authorAlexandre Buttler, Alexandre Buttler Laboratoire de Chrono-Ecologie, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France Swiss Federal Research Institute, Lausanne, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorAndré-Jean Francez, André-Jean Francez Equipe Interactions Biologiques et Transferts de Matières, University of Rennes, Rennes, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorFatima Laggoun-Défarge, Fatima Laggoun-Défarge Institut des Sciences de la Terre d'Orleans, University of Orléans, Orléans, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorHarri Vasander, Harri Vasander Dept of Forest Ecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Schloter, Michael Schloter GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Soil Ecology, Neuherberg, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorJean Combe, Jean Combe Swiss Federal Research Institute, Lausanne, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorPhilippe Grosvernier, Philippe Grosvernier LIN'eco, Reconvilier, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorHauke Harms, Hauke Harms Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel Epron, Daniel Epron Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecophysiologie, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel Gilbert, Daniel Gilbert Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecophysiologie, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorEdward Mitchell, Edward Mitchell Swiss Federal Research Institute, Lausanne, Switzerland Dept of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK ( E-mail: [email protected])Search for more papers by this author Steve Chapman, Steve Chapman The Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, UK; ( E-mail: [email protected])Search for more papers by this authorAlexandre Buttler, Alexandre Buttler Laboratoire de Chrono-Ecologie, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France Swiss Federal Research Institute, Lausanne, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorAndré-Jean Francez, André-Jean Francez Equipe Interactions Biologiques et Transferts de Matières, University of Rennes, Rennes, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorFatima Laggoun-Défarge, Fatima Laggoun-Défarge Institut des Sciences de la Terre d'Orleans, University of Orléans, Orléans, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorHarri Vasander, Harri Vasander Dept of Forest Ecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Schloter, Michael Schloter GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Soil Ecology, Neuherberg, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorJean Combe, Jean Combe Swiss Federal Research Institute, Lausanne, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorPhilippe Grosvernier, Philippe Grosvernier LIN'eco, Reconvilier, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorHauke Harms, Hauke Harms Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel Epron, Daniel Epron Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecophysiologie, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel Gilbert, Daniel Gilbert Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecophysiologie, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorEdward Mitchell, Edward Mitchell Swiss Federal Research Institute, Lausanne, Switzerland Dept of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK ( E-mail: [email protected])Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 December 2003 https://doi.org/10.1890/1540-9295(2003)001[0525:EONPAB]2.0.CO;2Citations: 86Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract Peatlands are ecosystems of exceptional conservation value because of their beauty, biodiversity, importance in global geochemical cycles, and the paleoenvironmental records they preserve. Commercial extraction and drainage for forestry or agriculture have caused the destruction of many peatlands, especially in or close to urban areas of the northern temperate zone. Are these commercial and environmental interests irreconcilable? A close analysis suggests that limited peat extraction may actually increase biodiversity in some cases, and may be sustainable over the long term. As we learn more about how peatlands spontaneously regenerate following disturbance, and what conditions govern the re-establishment of a diverse community and the ability to sequester carbon, we increase our chances of being able to restore damaged peatlands. Preserving the chronological records hidden in the peat profile, the natural heritage value of peatlands, and the bulk of sequestered carbon, however, will remain incompatible with any form of exploitation. Citing Literature Volume1, Issue10December 2003Pages 525-532 RelatedInformation