Wetland and peatland ecosystems of K’gari theme areas of focus are:

• Unique patterned fens and wire rush (Empodisma minus) dominated peatlands.  
• World Heritage significance as the only subtropical patterned fens globally.  
• Long-term (+30,000 year) environmental records for climate and fire history.  
• Large carbon storage capacity in highly organic soils.  

K’gari is home to some of the world’s most unique wetland systems, including subtropical patterned fens found nowhere else on Earth. These wetlands, dominated by wire rush (Empodisma minus), are of exceptional World Heritage significance. 

Peat cores from K’gari preserve more than 30,000 years of environmental history, offering rare insights into past climate, fire regimes, and vegetation change. These ecosystems also store vast amounts of carbon in their highly organic soils, making them critical for climate resilience and global carbon budgets.