The peatlands of Angola may hold twice as much carbon as scientists once believed, a new study suggests. Researchers mapped the Cuanavale and Cuito river basins in the Angolan Highlands and found peat deposits far deeper and more extensive than earlier records indicated. The finding could change how the region is valued in global climate efforts.
A hidden carbon vault beneath the rivers
The study focused on the upper catchments of the Cuanavale and Cuito rivers, a remote wetland complex in southeastern Angola. Using field surveys and satellite data, the team measured peat thickness across the area. They discovered layers of peat up to several meters deep, covering a larger surface than previously documented. The revised estimate suggests the region stores roughly 1.5 billion tons of carbon, nearly double earlier figures.
Local communities have long relied on these wetlands for water, fishing, and grazing. The rivers feed the Okavango Delta downstream in Botswana, making the health of these peatlands important far beyond Angola's borders. Scientists say the peat acts like a sponge, slowly releasing water that sustains the delta during dry seasons.
Why the old numbers missed the mark
Previous assessments of Angola's peatlands were based on limited ground access and coarse satellite imagery. The new research used high-resolution mapping and on-the-ground measurements at dozens of sites. The team found that peat accumulates in river valleys and interfluves, not just in obvious swampy areas. This broader distribution explains why earlier estimates fell short.
The study also noted that the peatlands are largely intact, but under pressure from drainage projects and potential agricultural expansion. The researchers emphasize that protecting these areas is critical for maintaining their carbon storage and water regulation functions. They call for more detailed monitoring to track changes over time.
A quiet giant in the climate conversation
Angola's peatlands are now recognized as one of the largest tropical peatland complexes in Africa. Their carbon storage capacity rivals that of the Congo Basin's peatlands, which have received far more attention. The new data could influence international climate finance and conservation priorities, as countries seek nature-based solutions to reduce emissions.
The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience and involved researchers from Angola, the United Kingdom, and other countries. It provides a baseline for future research and policy decisions. For now, the vast, waterlogged landscapes of the Angolan Highlands remain a quiet but powerful player in the planet's carbon balance.
