Scientists mapping peatlands in central Angola’s Angolan Highlands Water Tower have discovered significantly more peatland than earlier believed. This newly revealed landscape plays a critical role in freshwater supply across southern Africa and in storing carbon.
- Peatlands cover up to almost 3% of the Angolan Highlands Water Tower
- These wetlands store large carbon amounts and sustain freshwater systems
- Research combines satellite data and on-site expeditions for detailed mapping
What happened
A recent study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society mapped peatlands across the Angolan Highlands Water Tower (AHWT), a vast area vital for freshwater storage and supply in southern Africa. Researchers identified between 8,662 and 11,167 square kilometers of peatland with varying degrees of certainty, vastly expanding previous understanding of the region’s wetland extent.
The study involved satellite imagery analysis combined with five field expeditions to validate locations with potential peatlands. This collaborative effort included organizations such as the Wild Bird Trust, Fundação Lisima, National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project, and The Nature Conservancy. Their comprehensive mapping provides new insight into an important landscape that had been understudied due to past conflicts and accessibility challenges.
Why it feels good
Discovering larger peatland areas in Angola underscores the region’s vital role in regulating freshwater, not just locally but across southern Africa, including the Okavango Delta. These peatlands act as natural sponges by absorbing, retaining, and filtering water, contributing significantly to ecosystem health and water security for millions of people.
Beyond water benefits, peatlands are essential carbon sinks storing up to a third of the world’s soil carbon. Protecting these areas offers climate benefits by preventing carbon release and supporting biodiversity. The new findings provide a scientific foundation for Angola and its neighbors to enhance environmental policies and conservation efforts.
What to enjoy or watch next
Follow ongoing collaborations between conservation groups and the Angolan government as they integrate peatland protection into climate action plans. Future efforts aim to safeguard these wetlands from threats posed by development or environmental degradation, ensuring their water and carbon storage functions remain intact.
Watch for expanded international awareness of Angola’s peatlands, including potential Ramsar site designations and increased funding for research and restoration. The region’s rich cultural connection with local communities like the Luchazi people also adds dimension to conservation success stories to come.