What is Peatland Restoration?
Peatland restoration involves re-wetting and rehabilitating degraded peat bogs and mires. This process aims to restore the natural hydrological conditions of peatlands, allowing for the re-establishment of peat-forming vegetation and the resumption of their vital function as long-term carbon sinks.
Why is Peatland Restoration important?
Peatlands are the largest terrestrial carbon stores globally; when degraded, they release vast amounts of CO₂ and methane. Restoring them is critical for climate change mitigation, as it prevents these emissions and re-establishes their carbon sequestration capacity, while also enhancing biodiversity and water quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Peatlands accumulate partially decomposed organic matter in waterlogged conditions, preventing its complete breakdown and leading to the long-term storage of vast amounts of carbon over thousands of years.
Peatland degradation is often caused by drainage for agriculture or forestry, peat extraction for fuel or horticulture, and wildfires, which expose the peat to oxygen and lead to decomposition and emissions.
Benefits include significant greenhouse gas emission reductions (CO₂ and methane), enhanced biodiversity, improved water quality, natural flood management, and increased resilience to climate impacts.