PRESERVE: Protection and REStoration of peatland biodiversity, and Ecosystem seRVicEs in Natura 2000 sites
Funders
Main funder
Other funders
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Interreg Aurora and Lapin Liitto
Leaders
The PRESERVE project aims to address the critical challenges of peatland degradation in the Aurora and sub-Arctic regions, with a focus on Natura 2000 areas in Finnish Lapland and Västerbotten, Sweden. By developing harmonized methods and innovative remote sensing tools, PRESERVE seeks to enhance the monitoring, restoration, and sustainable management of peatland ecosystems. The project integrates field observations, remote sensing data, and stakeholder input to provide scalable solutions that balance ecological health, social equity, and economic viability.
Key activities:
- Developing standardized techniques for monitoring peatland biodiversity and ecosystem services to ensure consistency and comparability across regions
- Evaluating the impact of peatland restoration on the ecological functions of peatlands, with focus on biodiversity and carbon sequestration
- Leveraging cutting-edge remote sensing technologies to create a robust system for monitoring peatland and restoration outcomes
- Collaboration between Finland and Sweden to address shared challenges and ensure the transferability of solutions
- Involving stakeholders, students and researchers in project planning and implementation to ensure that the outcomes are socially inclusive.
Key Outcomes: PRESERVE will deliver a peatland restoration monitoring approach and produce four peer-reviewed open access articles. By ensuring long-term sustainability through capacity building, open-access knowledge sharing, and policy integration, the project will leave a lasting legacy for peatland conservation and management in the Aurora and sub-Arctic regions.
