On 21 September, experts gathered to plan for the future of peatland protection and peatland restoration in Europe. This topic is not only crucial to tackling climate crisis, but also time, due to the recent launch of the United Nations' Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Such planning requires multi-level cooperation, and understanding the EU's stance. Stefan Leiner, Head of the Biodiversity Unit at the European Commission, explained: "Investing in protection and restoration of peatlands is an EU priority – new, legally binding laws will be introduced". This is in line with the EU Biodiversity strategy, which has ambitious plans to restore ecosystems with the help of green infrastructure in urban areas, which can lend to peatland protection.

Despite the fact that benefits of peatland restoration far outweigh costs, private landowners still obtain more income from exploitation. This is why it is crucial to change the incentive systems on a local level, including making use of solutions such as carbon markets. Leiner also stressed that action on the local level is important to achieve the EU targets, highlighting the work that the Commission does with ICLEI Europe on developing guidance for including biodiversity in urban greening plans. This guidance can then be embedded into existing local and regional plans to herald in a key paradigm shift.

"Peatlands are a carbon storing powerhouse. They are able to store more than double the carbon of all forests in the world!" Kopansky Dianna from the UNEP-led Global Peatlands Initiative reminded participants. Peatlands also are a true nature-based solution: they are great carbon sinks, house species and unique biodiversity, act as a microclimate and improve water quality. Widespread restoration efforts for this ecosystem type can really contribute to mitigating climate change, Kopansky highlighted.

Francesca Osowska, CEO of Nature Scot, asserted that policymaking must catch up with the urgent need to restore peatlands: “Thiry percent of Scotland's land area is peatland of some form – over 2.3 million ha. This area holds 1.7 billion tons of carbon. Due to degradation around 80% of the ha are degraded, this accounts to 50% of Scotland greenhouse gases”. Osowska reminded participants that it is crucial to involve stakeholders in restoration efforts, especially landowners and regional and municipal governments.

This insightful event was convened by Scotland House Brussels, NetworkNature and ICLEI Europe.

For a full recap of the discussion, click here. Learn more about the Global Peatlands Initiative here.