The IPS Executive Board invites all IPS National Committees to submit bids to host the International Peatland Congress (IPC) in 2032.
The IPC is the Society’s flagship global event, organised every four years. It brings together scientists, practitioners, policymakers, industry representatives and other stakeholders working on peatlands worldwide.
The Congress provides an international platform for presenting research and exchanging knowledge on all aspects of peat and peatlands. Topics include peatland conservation, restoration and responsible management, peatland ecology, climate and biodiversity, and peatlands in different regions of the world, including tropical peatlands.
Further subjects include the use of peat for growing media, as well as the development of innovative peat-based and mire-related products. The sessions typically also cover forestry, agriculture and paludiculture on peatlands, engineering, and in general the economic, environmental and societal roles of peatlands.
The programme usually features keynote lectures, scientific sessions, panel discussions, poster sessions, field excursions and networking events. Participation averages around 600 participants, with peaks ranging from 308 to 1,900.
National Committees wishing to host the IPC 2032 are invited to submit a proposal outlining:
- the proposed venue and dates
- the main theme of the Congress
- a preliminary budget including a 15% IPS commission on all registration fees
The Congress should preferably take place in May-June 2032, and no later than August 2032.
National Committees are encouraged to collaborate with a professional conference organiser (PCO) to support the planning and implementation of the event. Proposals can be submitted by NCs to the IPS Secretariat by 1 September 2026.
The IPS Executive Board and staff look forward to hearing from you.
From Peatlands International 1.2026
Previous congresses were held as follows:
2021 Tallinn, Estonia “Peat and Peatlands – Source of Ecosystem Services” (from here: Peatland Congress, virtual), 384 participants
2012 Stockholm, Sweden “Peatlands in Balance”, 602 participants
2000 Québec, Canada “Sustaining Our Peatlands”, 1900 participants
1992 Uppsala, Sweden “Peat in Nature and Industry – A Matter of Balance”, 308 participants
1980 Duluth, Minnesota, USA “The Role of Peatlands in a World of Limited Resources – Energy, Food, Fiber and Natural Areas”
1976 Poznań, Poland “Peat and Peatlands in the Protection of the Natural Environment”, 500 participants
1972 Otaniemi, Finland “The Role of Peat in the Service of Man and His Environment”, 371 participants
1963 Leningrad, Soviet Union (Second Peat Congress)
1954 Dublin, Ireland (First Peat Symposium)
