From a source of emissions to a water purifier – why are peat production areas being restored as wetlands?

Turvetuotantoalueiden ennallistaminen kosteikoiksi on paitsi erittäin kustannustehokas, myös monin tavoin ihmistä ja luontoa hyödyttävä ratkaisu.

Ennallistaminen vähentää hiilidioksidipäästöjä

Peat production has shaped the Finnish landscape for decades, particularly in the provinces of South, Central, and North Ostrobothnia. Extensive areas of peatland have been drained and dried for peat extraction, which has significantly altered the peatland environment and caused pollution in waterways.

Finland’s climate targets have reduced peat production, and every year thousands (an estimated 3,000–6,000) hectares of former peat production areas are released. When peatland dries out, it is exposed to oxygen, which accelerates the decomposition of organic matter and releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Restoring these areas to wetlands and refilling them with water can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote carbon sequestration in the soil.

Ennallistaminen suojelee vesistöjä kustannustehokkaasti

Restoring peatlands creates ponds and wetlands that not only hold water but also act as filters, stopping nutrients and solids from getting into the waterways below. Wetlands also help control flood peaks. This improves water quality and helps prevent eutrophication. Wetlands also provide habitats for many wetland species, such as waterfowl, waders, frogs, and many invertebrates.

Former peat production areas are ideal for restoring wetlands. The existing dam and embankment structures in peat production areas make it relatively simple and cost-effective to establish wetlands compared to, for example, wetlands created by dredging. In the best case scenario, the natural depth and elevation differences in the terrain support the formation of wetlands without the need for large and expensive earthworks.

Turvetuotannosta kohti kestävämpää maankäyttöä

With peat production declining, now is a good time to consider how to utilize the areas that are being freed up in a sustainable manner. Restoring them as wetlands can reduce harmful climate impacts, improve water quality, and support biodiversity and our declining waterfowl and wading bird populations.

It is also worth noting that restoring peatlands benefits not only nature but also people. Wetlands offer opportunities for hunters and birdwatchers, for example, and are often excellent recreational areas. Restoration is an active step towards more responsible land use and climate change mitigation.

Suomen Riistanhoito-Säätiö aloitti tuotannosta poistuneiden turvetuotantoalueiden ennallistamisen. Lue lisää hankkeestamme JTF-hankesivuiltamme!