Degraded peatlands are being restored in many parts of the world. These include areas impacted by humans, as well as those drained by natural processes, such as a lack of rain, erosion or overgrazing.
Fundamentally, peatlands can be restored by blocking ditches, raising the water table, applying or encouraging typical mire vegetation and careful monitoring. To be successful, scientists and practitioners need to work together closely, especially if small test areas are upscaled to large bogs. Catchment hydrology, geology, biodiversity and climate have to be taken into consideration, as well as landowners’ rights and legal requirements.
Peatland restoration can take between five and 30 years, depending on pre-defined criteria, such as typical flora and fauna, water levels, carbon sequestration and others.
The IPS held a peatland restoration webinar with 11 experts in spring 2021, showcasing new data and techniques from all around the world.
Watch the webinar here: https://bit.ly/presto21
In addition you can find many peatland restoration studies in our document database and online shop – or join our restoration expert group. Have a look!
