Article**: Oceans and Wetlands.
Statistics published by the United Nations in 2022 indicate that about 12% of the world's peatlands have been depleted, although in some countries the figure is much higher. Germany, for example, has depleted more than 90% of its peatlands. Although peatlands cover only 3-4% of the Earth's land surface, they contain about one-third of the world's soil carbon and twice as much as the world's forests.
Small and micro wetlands. Photo: Li Zhenwen Green Society, Ocean and Wetland).
Oceans and wetlands welcome to the latest and most influential releases related to global marine wetlands by the Green Society, and build a community of life on earth with science and science. 2396 original content*** In early 2023, Claudia Nielsen, a member of the European Union's Wetlands Horizons coordination team, traveled to the Bois des Bel, a peatland in Quebec, Canada, to learn more about wetland restoration to restore wetlands in Europe.
Peatlands, also known as bogs or bogs, are a unique ecosystem that plays a vital role in our environment. Unfortunately, over the years, many peatlands have been used for agricultural purposes, leading to significant environmental consequences. However, researchers and conservationists are now working tirelessly to restore these valuable habitats. Peatlands are characterized by their waterlogged and acidic conditions, which create a unique environment for the growth of sphagnum moss and other special vegetation. These ecosystems act as carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate climate change. In addition, peatlands provide important habitats for a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered.
"We know that the drainage of peatlands releases this carbon as a greenhouse gas, and that successful restoration actions can halt this trend and, in some cases, turn it back into a carbon sink," Nielsen said. ”
Historically, peatlands have been drained for agricultural purposes, especially for growing crops such as potatoes and cereals. Drainage of peatlands involves drainage, which lowers the water table and dries out the peat. This process releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the loss of wetland habitat has led to the decline of many plant and animal species that depend on these ecosystems.
Recognising the importance of peatlands and the need to restore them, researchers and conservation organizations in the European Union's Wetland Horizon project have been actively working on restoration projects. These efforts include re-wetting drained peatlands by plugging drainage ditches and rebuilding natural water tables. By doing so, peatlands can begin to recover and restore their ecological functions.
"Currently, the restoration of many peatlands is limited to clogging drainage ditches to keep the peat moist," Nielsen said. Peat is a substance that is formed by preserving dead organic matter. Rewetting the peat stops the peat from drying out and rotting – a process that releases carbon dioxide. There are two ways to restore peatlands: to re-moisten the peat, and to protect the peatlands. The former is minimally managed, simply by clogging the drains and allowing the peatlands to flood again, which will restore the natural process, similar to reforestation. The latter, on the other hand, involves more active participation. This may involve caring for crops to help create growing conditions for the original vegetation on the land. ”
The EU Restoration Project also focuses on the reintroduction of native plant species, such as sphagnum moss, which is essential for peat formation. These mosses help retain moisture, promote the growth of other peatland vegetation, and enhance carbon uptake. In addition, efforts are being made to restore the various animal species that depend on peatlands for their survival.
"I was particularly impressed by the moss layer transfer technology, which has proven to be very successful in restoring swamp peatlands by promoting the growth of sphagnum moss, the main vegetation of peatlands," says Nielsen. ”
The European Commission passed the Nature Restoration Act in July 2023, which aims to restore degraded ecosystems in Europe. Elise Vitali, European Peatland Policy at Wetlands International, said, "The initial ambition has weakened significantly and key peatland restoration targets have been scrapped. This could set the EU on a path of failure in meeting its biodiversity and climate commitments. ”
A successful project in Europe is the Lower Danube Green Corridor. In 2000, the environment ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova signed a joint declaration aimed at restoring 223,000 hectares of wetlands.
Although peatlands are being drained for agriculture, there is a growing area of research on peatland farming, which involves planting on re-moistened peat. However, few farmers have adopted this technique. "When ** steps in and buys land for conservation, most restoration efforts will still continue – we still have a long way to go," Nielsen said. ”
Small and micro wetlands. Photo: Li Zhenwen Green Society, Ocean and Wetland).
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