Experts draw up restoration plans for former peat extraction bogs in Latvia
Experts in Latvia are developing revitalisation strategies for former peat extraction bogs covering almost 1,000 hectares. After the assessment, owners can decide how to use the land and may obtain EU funding.
Experts in Latvia are currently developing revitalisation strategies for former peat extraction bogs. The work covers almost 1,000 hectares of land where peat is no longer being harvested and where a decision is needed on how to restore the sites. Revitalisation means restoring or transforming a degraded area so that it can again be put to sensible use or return to a more natural state.
Possible solutions
The experts are weighing several options. One is to grow large-fruited cranberries on the former peat fields. Another is to plant forest on the land. A third is to create bodies of water. They are also considering an approach in which nature is allowed to restore the bog by itself, with people only lending a helping hand.
What it means for owners
Once an owner receives the experts' assessment, they will be able to decide how the territory will be used in future. In addition, European Union financial support may be available for putting the bog in order.
The strategies are meant to help choose the most suitable path for each site, as the experts are now working out which of the possible options fits the specific bogs best.
