Ancient peatlands ignite from underground - 16 Dec 2009  
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Following years of drainage for human use along with prolonged dry conditions, the underground peatland of Spain’s 2,000-hectare Tablas de Daimiel National Park recently caught fire, sparking alarm amongst environmentalists.

Iran is seeing similar losses due to Gondaman Marsh in the Chahar-Mahal Bakhtiari Province having ignited in September. Peatland regions are home to biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth, and their burning also releases vast amounts of carbon. Currently, the Spanish government is attempting to extinguish the fires
by drenching the affected lands.

We are thankful for the efforts of the Spanish government to raise awareness and alleviate this predicament,as disturbing as it is to know of such loss of life and habitat. May humanity’s more caring stewardship help restore the vibrancy of our fragile ecosphere.

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=107194&sectionid=3510212
http://www.france24.com/en/node/4931342
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hqHPBt8td-vlaZkZ9qU62LNjQM3Q