A recent study led by Rewilding Chile and the University of Chile has revealed that peatlands at Cape Froward store nearly three times more carbon per hectare than surrounding forests, emphasizing the importance of protecting this unique subantarctic ecosystem.
- Peatlands store 1,647 tons of carbon per hectare—almost triple nearby forests.
- Researchers conducted extensive fieldwork across over 52,000 hectares of peatlands and forests.
- Findings support efforts to designate Cape Froward as a protected national park.
What happened
Researchers from Rewilding Chile, in partnership with the University of Chile, conducted the first comprehensive measurement of carbon storage at Cape Froward peatlands located on the Brunswick Peninsula. Using high-resolution mapping, satellite imagery, and samples gathered at over 200 field sites, they determined carbon storage in peatlands to average 1,647 tons per hectare. This amount is nearly three times greater than that stored by nearby forests, which averaged 536.2 tons per hectare.
The team’s analysis combined fieldwork with laboratory carbon content measurements to produce precise data on this intact subantarctic ecosystem’s carbon reservoir. Covering around 53,000 hectares of peatlands and 52,000 hectares of forest, the combined area is estimated to hold approximately 115 million tons of carbon, marking Cape Froward as a key player in regional carbon sequestration.
Why it feels good
This discovery confirms the remarkable efficiency of Cape Froward’s peatlands as carbon sinks, highlighting their global importance in mitigating climate change. Unlike many other regions where peat extraction has degraded carbon stores, Cape Froward’s peatlands remain largely undisturbed, preserved by natural water accumulation and unique microtopography.
Beyond carbon storage, these ecosystems support biodiversity and preserve ancient ecological records. Their protection strengthens environmental balance and resilience in the subantarctic zone, inspiring conservationists who emphasize the urgent need to safeguard such natural treasures.
What to enjoy or watch next
Rewilding Chile is actively collaborating with government agencies to promote the creation of a national park at Cape Froward. This initiative aims to protect the peatlands from development pressures while ensuring long-term conservation of their carbon storage and biodiversity value.
Going forward, the research team plans to publish the full study detailing their methods and findings, which could influence national and international climate policies. Nature enthusiasts and environmental advocates can follow these developments as Cape Froward moves closer to becoming a protected landmark for future generations.