The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has launched a learning toolbox for its Sustainable Wetlands Adaptation Mitigation Program (SWAMP), a research program that aims to inform policy makers on the crucial role of tropical wetlands in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The SWAMP toolbox is a series of online and downloadable presentations on climate change, wetland ecosystems and how climate change adaptation and mitigation approaches can be developed in wetland ecosystems. Ranging from global, national through to local perspectives, the toolbox can be used as a training and educational resource for academia, policy makers and practitioners. It is the latest among a series of capacity building initiatives in SWAMP, which has already trained 300 people across the 25 countries the program operates in.
Wetlands, namely peatlands and mangroves, are well known to have very high carbon stocks – some of the highest on the planet. They provide numerous ecosystem services for the provision of food, fuel and fiber. They regulate climate, control pollution, support fresh water cycles and are a habitat for fish and wildlife. Mangroves also play a vital role in protecting coastlines from storm surges, sea level rise and tsunamis. Yet, forested wetlands are experiencing massive rates of deforestation.
SWAMP uses robust scientific approaches, broad collaboration and intensive training to generate credible knowledge to help manage wetlands sustainably, devise effective climate change strategies and improve local livelihoods.
SWAMP is a collaborative partnership between CIFOR, the USDA Forest Service (USFS) and Oregon State University with support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Visit the SWAMP Toolbox at: www2.cifor.org/swamp-toolbox