Why do we consider the world’s peatlands with their black acidic waters some of the most valuable treasures on earth? By safeguarding peatlands we can reduce millions of tons of CO₂, prevent major flooding, save some of the most biodiverse areas in the world and ensure water security for millions of people. We aim to maintain these treasure troves, from the Arctic to the tropics, and from the high mountains to the sea. 

Peatlands cover about 400 million hectares worldwide, representing about half of the world’s wetlands. Over 50 million hectares have been converted to intensive agriculture and forestry use and are degrading. Degradation of peatlands in European Union member states ranges between 45% (Czech Republic) to 99% (Netherlands), with most countries having lost over 70% of their natural peatlands. 

This results in the tremendous loss of biodiversity, disproportionally high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and major peat fires that impact on local economies and public health. Conversion is also causing the subsidence of extensive coastal lowland landscapes, such as in the Netherlands, Germany, UK, and Denmark, resulting in increased flood risk and the loss of productive land. Sea level rise, resulting from climate change, will render these areas even more vulnerable. Climate change adaptation planning should thus pay special attention to options to stop peatland degradation in lowland areas. 

We  therefore aim to gain global attention for the values of peatlands and support the transition to sustainable peatland management. We implement inventories, assessment and monitoring activities, build capacity of key stakeholders, and identify priority actions for peatland conservation and restoration. We also identify innovative opportunities for responsible peatlands utilisation, to provide a sustainable resource base for industry and deliver economic prosperity to local communities. 

An important focus in our work is to stimulate effective policies and practices for the protection and restoration of peatlands. Based on our scientific and practical knowledge, we enhance the awareness of European and international policy-makers and practitioners regarding the key role of peatland ecosystem conservation and restoration in climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

Help us in the transition to sustainable peatland management! 

Our initiatives

Our achievements

• Integration into key EU legislation: peatlands are featured in key EU legislative frameworks (Nature Restauration Law, EU Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation, Common Agricultural Policy), reflecting their critical importance in addressing climate and biodiversity goals. 
• Securing increased EU support for paludiculture and wet farming: promoting paludiculture at the EU level has successfully resulted in enhanced funding for research and development in paludiculture and wet farming, driving sustainable land use practices. 
• Giving visibility and understanding of peatland ecosystems and their restoration benefits: promote and share knowledge about peatlands ecosystems, their restauration and the ecosystems services they provide.