1. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland1 International Peat Society a non-governmental and non-profit organisation of scientific, industrial and regulatory members for all aspects of peatlands and peat

2. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland2 Membership about 1,400 members from 29 countries platform to benefit both science and industry 19 National Committees, of which 15 in Europe, 2 in North America and 2 in South-East Asia largest membership base in Finland and Germany major work carried out by 10 Commissions open to all members financed by annual contributions from National Committees and industrial organisations

3. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland3 Vision and Mission The International Peat Society (IPS) is a non-governmental, non-profit multidisciplinary organisation of scientific, industrial and regulatory members both individual and institutional. Vision The vision of the IPS is to be the authoritative international organisation on all aspects of peatlands and peat. Mission The mission of the IPS is to bring people and organisations together to foster the advancement, exchange and communication of scientific, technical and social knowledge and understanding for the wise use of peatlands and peat.

4. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland4 Organisation NEW: Comm IX: Tropical Peatlands Comm X: Peatlands and Climate Change NEW: Malaysia

5. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland5 Executive Board President Donal Clarke, Ireland 1st Vice President Björn Hånell, Sweden 2nd Vice President Paul Short, Canada Ordinary Board members Jutta Zeitz, Germany Satu Helynen, Finland Erki Niitlaan, Estonia Lech Szajdak, Poland Valerijs Kozlovs, Latvia Honorary President R. A. Robertson, United Kingdom

6. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland6 Strategic Goals Research and Development - To promote research into peatlands, peat and their use, including both conservation and non-use, and to disseminate the information obtained. Responsibility to Members - To assist its members through communication regarding education, research and advocacy in matters related to the members’ business, scientific and environmental activities. Public policy - To cooperate with governmental, intergovernmental, and international organisations and to provide them with science-based information relevant to policies directly or indirectly affecting peatlands and peat and their use. Communications and Public Relations - To communicate pro-actively within IPS membership and beyond, providing information on the role of peatlands and peat in the environment and the economy, and their wise use. Partnerships - To work proactively through partnership, networking and cooperation.

7. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland7 Membership Benefits strong cooperation with other players of the same field communication and information exchange with experts on peat and peatlands from both science and industry latest news and background knowledge available via IPS publications access to special events, publications, statistics etc. informing decision makers and the public within a broader scope building international and local networks

8. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland8 Tools and Projects Responsible Peatland Management Strategy 2010 Book Peatlands and Climate Change 2008 Book and DVD Wise Use of Mires and Peatlands Peatlands International 2x annually, printed magazine monthly e-mail newsletter Peat News congresses, symposia and workshops proceedings and other publications collection and distribution of statistics Peat Dictionary discussion forum and facebook page ad hoc campaigns

9. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland9 Events 2000 - 2010 International Peat Congresses (since 1954) 2000 Quebec, Canada ”Sustaining our Peatlands” 2004 Tampere, Finland ”Wise Use of Peatlands” 2008 Tullamore, Ireland ”After Wise Use - The Future of Peatlands” 2012 Stockholm, Sweden ”Peatlands in Balance” 2016 Kuching, Malaysia Symposia, workshops and other events Annual Meetings and Excursions in 10 different countries 1997 - 2010 Peat in Horticulture symposia in Pärnu, Amsterdam, Angers 2009 - 2010 Responsible Peatland Management workshops in Helsinki, Amsterdam, Belfast, Brussels and Jyväskylä 2010 Seminars on Peat Technology and After-Use in Jyväskylä Additionally regular conferences, workshops, excursions and other events of Commissions and National Committees.

10. 15 October 2015Jyväskylä, Finland10 IPS Secretariat Tasks administration information centre for members and non-members library of IPS and related publications organisation of IPS conferences, meetings and excursions project work Staff Mr. Jaakko Silpola, M.Sc. Agr. For. Secretary General e-mail: jaakko.silpola@peatsociety.org Ms. Susann Warnecke, Dipl. Kfm. (FH) Communications Manager e-mail: susann.warnecke@peatsociety.org Contact details IPS Secretariat Vapaudenkatu 12 FIN-40100 Jyväskylä, Finland phone: +358 14 3385 440 fax: +358 14 3385 410 web: www.peatsociety.org