Human-induced changes in peatland ecosystems are both cause and consequence in the climate and biodiversity crises. In REPEAT – REthinking sustainable land use of PEATlands – we are working to better understand the physical and ecological states of Norwegian peatlands, as well as the social and societal dynamics that shape what we do with them.
In the first work package, we have improved estimates of the amount of carbon in Norwegian peatlands. We started in 2022 with depth probing, ground-penetrating radar, and soil analysis in two areas of peatland (Turufjell, Okla). These data offer insights for optimizing the precision of carbon stock estimates. For instance, we assessed whether integrating terrain-based hydrology improves radar calibration, and presented these findings at a scientific conference. In 2023, we concentrated solely on peat depth, examining a third, larger area (Ørskogfjellet) to evaluate existing map accuracy and develop predictive models with remote sensing. Although peat depth remains unpredictable, our digital soil mapping improved existing maps available for land use management. We shared these findings with partners and stakeholders via webinars and presentations.
In the second work package, we explored a local planning process for cabin development at Turufjell. We observed a novel awareness around peatlands in the process, but despite this, the cabin area was developed. Development is thus made possible, although planning maps appear to safeguard the peatland. We have also investigated engagement in cabin development plans in the same municipality and found that although such opposition is often portrayed as a conflict between nature conservation and economic development, a broader set of arguments is used, expressing a range of values. Preliminary analyses of plans for the new E39 over Ørskogfjellet show similar findings. Meanwhile, our analysis of historical use and valuation shows several shifts in our attitudes towards peatlands over the last century. The arguments in present planning processes reflect the breadth of attitudes we have had towards peatlands throughout history.
In the third work package, we have collected data on wind power development in peatland, and understandings of restoration. Our material consists mainly of license applications for approved wind power projects and interviews with key actors related to the wind power project at Okla. We find little awareness of peatlands and the consequences of developing wind power projects in peatlands, and little consideration in the license applications. We also find that there are different perceptions of what "restoration" entails, and how it should be done at Okla. The role of the various actors in forthcoming restoration — such as the local community, the developer, landowners, and the municipality, — is poorly specified. In addition, they have different interests regarding future use of the area. We have also looked at the Okla wind farm’s impact on peatland carbon storage and its resulting climate balance, in a master’s thesis.
In the fourth work package, we have studied the restoration of peatlands — i.e., whether the plant species composition recovers after restoration actions, and with what speed. Our preliminary analyses show that restoration of a formerly afforested Scottish blanket bog may recover to reference species composition within 50–300 years, depending on how strictly we define recovery. The hydrology seems to recover quickly whereas peat properties recover far more slowly, hampering the recovery of species composition. For Rønnåsmyra, a raised bog in Southeast Norway, recovery is expected within 50–120 years but depends largely on what we define as the target. Obtaining time-to-recovery predictions for the species composition is of great value because we can evaluate the effect of different restoration techniques at an early stage and project the trajectory of restoration long before it is complete.
In the fifth work package, we have focused on outreach to the public and our partners. Our homepage is updated regularly with news from the project. We organized a scientific meeting with our research partners in 2023, and two co-creation workshops. In the first (2022), researchers and project partners engaged in identifying challenges for sustainable management and requirements for a better future policy on peatlands. In the second (2024), researchers and project partners exchanged ideas about peatland policy and management with invited actors from the UK. Lastly, we have engaged in several teaching activities at different academic levels (secondary school, high school, university), and reported our insights and experiences in academic conferences. These will also inform the peatland curriculum we develop for the science museum ViteMeir. A total of ten master's and three bachelor theses on Repeat-relevant topics have been written at HVL and UiA.
Unsustainable land use, climate change and biodiversity loss are three interlinked issues threatening ecosystem functioning and services for human society, and they need to be solved to avoid irreversible and detrimental impacts on the environment supporting all life on Earth, including mankind.
Peatland ecosystems have been recognised for their huge carbon stocks and as important biodiversity reservoirs, but are nevertheless degraded for various infrastructure development purposes, with increasing frequency. This unsustainable land use leads to substantial carbon emissions, as well as dramatic reductions in biodiversity, thus resulting in a loss of ecosystem services to human society.
REPEAT – Rethinking sustainable land use of peatlands will support development of sustainable land use of peatlands. This interdisciplinary collaborative project links sorely needed “hard data” on carbon stocks and improved methods for ecological restoration directly to a socio-economical understanding of planning, decision-making and development processes in peatlands.
Our point of departure is a set of strategically selected development projects, in which we explore how carbon stock and biodiversity concerns are balanced against the need for development of cabins, roads, and renewable energy. Moreover, we investigate how restoration of degraded peatlands can balance losses from infrastructure development and thus contribute to sustainable area management.
REPEAT aims to inform peatland land use with respect to balancing human needs for infrastructure development (roads, cabins, and renewable energy), now and in the future, without compromising environmental limits. In this way, the project supports the development of general concepts for genuinely sustainable area management.