Peatland Restoration

Peatland restoration in Valley of the Black Creek, Belgium

Peatland restoration, Valley of the Black Creek, Belgium

Info

Purchase type

By funding this project you are contributing to their work. You will receive impact reports and measurements but you won't receive a carbon credit.

Active since: 6 November 2022

Category

Biodiversity

Background

Natuurpunt is the largest Belgian nature conservation organisation. It exists for the long term protection of important habitats, species and landscapes. Wetlands - such as mires, peatlands, ponds and lakes, marshes, wet grasslands, bogs and river valleys - are among the most valuable, yet most endangered ecosystems on a global and European level. Natuurpunt is restoring 250 hectares of degraded peatland, safeguarding the unique valley mire of the Valley of the Black Creek for the future.

Why did we choose this project?

Peatlands in their natural state are one of the greatest carbon-storing ecosystems. Northern hemisphere peatlands count for 3 to 5% of total land area and contain approximately 33% of global soil carbon. What makes the Valley of the Black Creek so exceptional on a European level is the presence of an extensive thick peat layer in the upper and middle part of the valley. Although peat was cut on a small scale for centuries, the peat is still more than 6 metres thick locally!

How does it work?

Natuurpunt and its volunteers will 'rewet' 250 hectares of peatland in the Valley of the Black Creek. Restoration of the natural water hydrology in the area is the most crucial step, whereby drainage and dewatering ditches are dammed or suspended on a large scale to keep the peat wet. This restores the mires' unique biodiversity, prevents the further release of stored greenhouse gases and even stores additional carbon forever.

How do we know it's working?

Natuurpunt closely monitors the land it manages. They take great care to monitor biodiversity - species experts at Natuurpunt will search and educate volunteers to survey several species groups, including: birds, amphibians, dragonflies, butterflies, grasshoppers and plants. We have established metrics with Natuurpunt that will be tracked through the life of the project.

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Location

Belgium, EU

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Peatland Restoration

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