South Africa Peatland Points

This dataset documented the ecohydrological characteristics, spatial distribution, and socio‑economic value of South African peatlands. The study updated and expanded the South African Peatland Database by incorporating new peatland records collected over the preceding 15 years and integrating them with existing national wetland inventories. A revised peatland ecoregion model was developed using expert knowledge and national‑scale spatial datasets to improve the identification of potential peatland areas.

Eight peatland case studies representing different hydrogeomorphic settings, climatic regions, and land‑use contexts were investigated in detail. These case studies provided information on peat extent, depth, accumulation rates, carbon stocks, hydrology, groundwater dependence, biodiversity attributes, and land‑use pressures. Isotope analyses and radiocarbon dating were used to determine peat formation processes, water sources, and accumulation histories.

The dataset also evaluated ecosystem services provided by peatlands, including carbon storage and sequestration, water purification, hydrological regulation, biodiversity support, and knowledge and cultural services. Socio‑economic valuation methods were applied to demonstrate the relative importance of these services at local and national scales, using carbon market proxies and mitigation cost approaches where appropriate.

The resulting dataset supported national wetland conservation planning, contributed to SANBI’s National Wetland Inventory, and informed management and policy discussions related to ecological infrastructure, climate regulation, and sustainable land use in South Africa.