Moore sollen wieder Moore sein können

By: Sina Schumacher
Supervisor: Dr. Gesa Lüdecke

Over the last months, the rewetting of peatlands was present in television, magazines, and political climate programs and the importance of peatlands for climate capture slowly entered the public knowledge. However, very few has been done over the last year to actually rewet. But when the impact and necessity of wet peatlands is not only scientifically proven but also known in public, why does so little happen?

I focused on the question of what hinders the rewetting of peatlands for my final project. To get a deep insight into the different perspectives and hindrances, I visited agriculturally used and environmentally protected peatlands and conducted four qualitative interviews with stakeholders from environmental protection, farming, administration, and environmental planning. Each stakeholder group has their individual challenges. Farmers for example have more work to do with wet-peatland instead of dry-peatland farming and peatlands wear out machines more quickly. On the other hand, environmental activists and administration are slowed down by the ownership structure and the attitude of the owners not to change anything for the time being if it does not seem immediately necessary for themselves. Nonetheless, they all agree on key aspects of a successful re-wetting process. Most importantly, all stakeholders must work together, be in regular exchange, acknowledge each other’s perspective, and be respectful among each other. As in all transformation processes, the willingness and the engagement of the stakeholders is crucial for success. Additionally, a thought through and well conducted implementation plan and long-term subvention programs drive a sustainable rewetting process.

In conclusion, there is sufficient scientific, public, and political knowledge about the importance of peatlands for climate change and a general willingness to rewet peatlands not only to meet the climate goals but also to save the precious ecosystems. There are many people out there who care peatlands and the climate as well as there are methods to use wet peatlands agriculturally – let’s use this potential and knowledge and rewet peatlands sustainably!