The benefits of peatland restoration for Europe

Conference live stream is still available

Seven percent of total EU greenhouse gas emissions come from drained peatlands used for agriculture or forestry. This must change! We have discussed with experts how restored peatlands can mitigate climate change.

Background information on the event

Drained peatlands constitute a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On a global scale, the EU is the second largest emitter of GHG stemming from degraded peatlands. Approximately seven percent of total EU GHG emissions come from drained peatlands used for agriculture or forestry – within the EU, Germany is the largest polluter. We must therefore turn the tables and return peatlands to their natural, climate-friendly state.

In addition to helping regulate the climate, healthy peatlands provide many other essential ecosystem functions. They act as natural flood control and groundwater filters and provide habitats for threatened species. Rewetting helps to restore the natural functions of peatlands. To cut a long story short: Intact peatlands are our allies!

Leading peatland experts and representatives of LIFE projects have met on the 26th of April in Berlin for the LIFE Platform Meeting - the benefits of peatland restoration for Europe, to discuss and promote best practices and policy developments for peatland protection and restoration in Europe.

First photo impressions

Moderator Lynne Barratt leads through the conference programme. - photo: NABU/Sebastian Hennigs
Thomas Tennhardt, Director of International Department at NABU. - photo: NABU/Sebastian Hennigs
Dianna Kopanksy leads the Global Peatlands Initiative, UNEP. - photo: NABU/Sebastian Hennigs
Peatland expert Hans Joosten talking with conference participants. - photo: NABU/Sebastian Hennigs
Anyone who discusses peatlands needs of course to go to peatlands: final conference day in the Biesenthaler Becken. - photo: NABU/Sebastian Hennigs
Conference excursion to the Biesenthaler Becken with Jonathan Etzold (NABU) and Andreas Krone (protected area manager). - photo: NABU/Sebastian Hennigs

All information at a glance

Questions that were in focus include: What are currently the greatest challenges in the protection and restoration of peatlands in Europe? How can peatlands and land use go hand in hand? And what role does the recently proposed EU nature restoration law play in the current debate?

Keynote speakers:

Hans Joosten (International Mire Conservation Group)
Dianna Kopansky (Global Peatlands Initiative, UNEP)
Franziska Tannenberger (Greifswald Mire Centre)
Sylvia Barova and Hana Mandelikova (CINEA)
Angelika Rubin (DG Environment, European Commission)
Valeria Forlin (DG Climate Action, European Commission)
Gerald Jurasinski (University of Greifswald)
Dan Hird (Nature based investments consultancy)
Thomas Tennhardt (Director of International Department at NABU)

What: Conference: LIFE platform meeting on the benefits of peatland restoration for Europe / agenda
When: Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Where: Youtube channel @NABUtv

Sundew: Characteristic plant for raised bogs - photo: NABU/ Ivan Tymofeiev

Whether you are a peatland expert or a peatland fan: The live stream is open to all interested parties.

Even after the event you have the possibility to watch the recording on our channel.

#PeatlandsMatter #MakePeatlandsWetAgain

Watch the live stream from 26 April here

Since its launch in 1992, the European Union's LIFE programme has played an important role for peatlands in Europe. To date, more than 360 peatland conservation and restoration projects have been co-financed by LIFE. The LIFE Multi Peat project is one of them and is coordinated by NABU.

The LIFE event is organised by NABU and the NEEMO external monitoring team on behalf of the European Commission Directorate Environmental General Environment and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Excecutive Agency (CINEA).