ReStore: Assessing the effects of peatland restoration measures on ecosystem carbon exchange and storage

Peatlands store large amounts of carbon in their soils and provide a multitude of other ecosystem services, including preserving biodiversity, minimising flood risk, and ensuring safe drinking water. However, these vital ecosystems have historically been degraded through land-use change and are still under pressure from development. Peatland degradation leads to the release of large quantities of greenhouse gases and biodiversity loss. Hence, peatland conservation and restoration have globally emerged as a key solution to reduce climate change and increase biodiversity. In this project, we will investigate the effect of different peatland restoration measures on greenhouse gas exchange (uptake and release) and carbon storage over time. This will provide an important knowledge base for decision-makers and land-use managers on the short- and long-term effectiveness of restoration measures on carbon uptake and storage and thus, guidance on implementing the most efficient restoration measures in ongoing and future development projects and peatland restoration.