Active afforestation of drained peatlands is not a viable option under the EU Nature Restoration Law

Ambio. 2024 Jul;53(7):970-983. doi: 10.1007/s13280-024-02016-5. Epub 2024 May 2.

Abstract

The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is critical for the restoration of degraded ecosystems and active afforestation of degraded peatlands has been suggested as a restoration measure under the NRL. Here, we discuss the current state of scientific evidence on the climate mitigation effects of peatlands under forestry. Afforestation of drained peatlands without restoring their hydrology does not fully restore ecosystem functions. Evidence on long-term climate benefits is lacking and it is unclear whether CO2 sequestration of forest on drained peatland can offset the carbon loss from the peat over the long-term. While afforestation may offer short-term gains in certain cases, it compromises the sustainability of peatland carbon storage. Thus, active afforestation of drained peatlands is not a viable option for climate mitigation under the EU Nature Restoration Law and might even impede future rewetting/restoration efforts. Instead, restoring hydrological conditions through rewetting is crucial for effective peatland restoration.

Keywords: Carbon storage; GHG emissions; Nature based solutions; Nature restoration law; Peatland forestry; Peatland restoration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Sequestration
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation of Natural Resources* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Conservation of Natural Resources* / methods
  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation / methods
  • European Union*
  • Forestry* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Forestry* / methods
  • Forests
  • Soil* / chemistry
  • Wetlands

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