Protecting Peatlands: A Key to Ukraine's Sustainable Future

Peatlands cover only 3% of the Earth’s surface but store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forest biomass combined. These ecosystems play an indispensable role in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

As highlighted in a recent article by Ukrinform, the Ukrainian National News Agency, protecting and restoring peatlands is essential for a sustainable future of Ukraine. Jan Peters, Managing Director of the Michael Succow Foundation, explained the importnace and the reason behind the new EU Nature Protection Law  and shared paludiculture insights and experiences from Germanyin the article.  

  • The following aspects of the peatlands were highlighted in the article: Carbon Storage and Climate Regulation: They sequester vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping mitigate global warming. However, drained or degraded peatlands release stored carbon, contributing to significant greenhouse gas emissions. By storing carbon and regulating water cycles, peatlands contribute to both local and global climate stability. 
  • Water Management: Acting as natural sponges, they absorb excess rainfall, reduce flooding and drought risks, and maintain water during dry periods. 
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Peatlands are rich in plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered, making them biodiversity hotspots. 
  • Sources of food, construction materials and medicinal plants for Ukrainian.  

 The Threats to Peatlands 

Despite their critical importance, peatlands have been extensively drained and degraded over centuries. This has turned them from carbon sinks into carbon sources, exacerbating the climate crisis. Fires, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions are among the consequences of this destruction.

The United Nations Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, launched at COP29 in Azerbaijan, illustrates the global importance of peatlands and highlights key areas under threat. 

 Moving Forward: Paludiculture 

To further these efforts, the Michael Succow Foundation recently contributed to the publication of Paludiculture Guidelines for Ukraine in collaboration with UNDP. These guidelines explore sustainable land use practices for peatlands, offering solutions to protect these vital ecosystems while also ensuring local economic benefits. 

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Syra-Pogonya Peatland in the Polesia region, Ukraine. Photo: O. Zubchenko/Michael Succow Foundation Syra-Pogonya Peatland in the Polesia region, Ukraine. Photo: O. Zubchenko/Michael Succow Foundation