Nature-based solutions for end use of degraded peat – impacts on climate, biodiversity and policy (PEATWAY)

PEATWAY will investigate different nature-based solutions (NBS) for end-use of degraded peat and peat deposits as a solution for climate mitigation and adaptation in Norway. PEATWAY addresses the most critical knowledge gaps related to sustainable peat and peatland use in Norway namely by 1) quantifying the restorable landarea and the set of criteria defining it 2) exploring the best-to-use NBS’s tailored for various peatlands and peat deposit taking into account their variable degradation and nutrient statuses 3) investigating a paludiculture (i.e wet farming) approach suited to Nordic peatlands (Sphagnum farming), which may contribute to future value- and job creation both within peat industry and agriculture 4) providing a data-based, quantitative evaluation of both climate and biodiversity impacts of these NBS’s 5) assessing the possibilities and restrictions of the national legislative framework governing the application of these NBS’s, which currently thwarts the development of domestic incentive mechanisms and trading schemes. The project’s final product the “1st version of restoration manual for peat and peat deposits in Norway” will be an invaluable climate policy instrument for public administration, industry and civil society. The PEATWAY -concept will be addressed by an interdisciplinary team of experts consisting of four partner institutions, of which three are Norwegian and one international.

PEATWAY will investigate different nature-based solutions (NBS) for end-use of degraded peat and peat deposits as a solution for climate mitigation and adaptation in Norway. PEATWAY addresses the most critical knowledge gaps related to sustainable peat and peatland use in Norway namely by 1) quantifying the restorable landarea and the set of criteria defining it 2) exploring the best-to-use NBS’s tailored for various peatlands and peat deposit taking into account their variable degradation and nutrient statuses 3) investigating a paludiculture (i.e wet farming) approach suited to Nordic peatlands (Sphagnum farming), which may contribute to future value- and job creation both within peat industry and agriculture 4) providing a data-based, quantitative evaluation of both climate and biodiversity impacts of these NBS’s 5) assessing the possibilities and restrictions of the national legislative framework governing the application of these NBS’s, which currently thwarts the development of domestic incentive mechanisms and trading schemes. The project’s final product the “1st version of restoration manual for peat and peat deposits in Norway” will be an invaluable climate policy instrument for public administration, industry and civil society. The PEATWAY -concept will be addressed by an interdisciplinary team of experts consisting of four partner institutions, of which three are Norwegian and one international.