Agriculture on wet peatlands: the sustainability potential of paludiculture

Humanity must overcome the polycrisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. These challenges are especially urgent in peatlands, which develop slowly under waterlogged conditions, function as landscape filters and store large amounts of carbon. Drainage for agriculture, forestry or peat extraction leads to severe socio-ecological impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, land subsidence, higher flood and drought risks and downstream pollution. This study evaluates paludiculture as an innovative wet agricultural land use that maintains wet peatlands, offers economic alternatives to drainage-based systems and reduces environmental impacts. We reviewed and synthesized ecological and socio-economic evidence from low- and high intensity paludiculture practices to assess their potential to balance human needs with peatland conservation. Paludiculture is a promising new agricultural land use that effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supports biodiversity restoration and contributes to climate mitigation and sustainable development. Our findings show direct and indirect contributions to ten UN Sustainable Development Goals: no poverty, good health, clean water, clean energy, innovation, sustainable cities and communities, responsible production, climate action, life below water, and life on land. Nonetheless, challenges remain regarding economic viability, land-use competition and management. Paludiculture shows how wetland agriculture can create new revenue opportunities combined with ecological protection. By contributing to both climate and biodiversity goals, it is a sustainable alternative to drainage-based peatland use. • Wet peatland use lessens economic and ecological trade-offs. • Wet agriculture provides new business cases and can sustain livelihoods. • Paludiculture aids in climate change mitigation and adaption. • Rewetting halts biodiversity loss and prevents pollution. • Paludiculture contributes to ten of the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals.