Nature or Surroundings - Fresh analysis to offer insights for preservation of moorlands.
The Environment and Agriculture Ministries are looking to boost the protection of Lower Saxony's moors with the results of a recent study called "Moors in Lower Saxony". They hope this will lead to a reduction in the moors emitting greenhouse gases. The study, commissioned by the Environment Ministry and carried out by a private research consortium, focuses mainly on agriculturally used areas as potential opportunities for this.
The research team examined 275 moor areas occupying a total of 150 hectares. This data serves as a starting point for further work, the ministries announced during the presentation of the findings. They plan on revising the Moor Soil Protection Strategy, creating positions for moor protection at the Niedersachsen Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation Agency, and the Office for Regional Development Weser-Ems. They're also supporting the gentle management of agriculturally used moors or forested moors, as well as projects to rewet natural moors.
"Moors are nature's climate heroes," said Christian Meyer, Lower Saxony's Environment Minister (Greens), "and extremely significant for the overall balance of nature." The state government's objective is to cut CO2 emissions from moors and other carbon-rich areas by 1.65 million tons compared to 2020 by 2030. The study now reveals where the greatest potential for climate protection through voluntary measures and minor funding lies, said Meyer.
According to Niedersachsen's Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte (Greens), changes in the management of moor areas must be profitable for landowners in order to garner their acceptance. Moor cultivation plays a key role in the cultural history of Northwest Germany.
The Environment Ministry further explains that intact moors are vital for the climate, biodiversity, and a balanced water balance. Data from the Lower Saxony Mining, Energy, and Geology Office (LBEG) shows that moors and other carbon-rich soils in Lower Saxony emitted a staggering 15.8 million tons of CO2 in 2020, accounting for approximately 18% of the region's total greenhouse gas emissions.
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The Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment Ministry are collaborating to enhance nature conservation in Lower Saxony's moors, following the findings of the 'Moors in Lower Saxony' study. The BMU is also involved in these efforts, recognizing moors as 'nature's climate heroes'. In Hanover, Christian Meyer, Lower Saxony's Environment Minister, emphasized the significance of moorlands for climate balance and biodiversity. The Ministry of Agriculture is ensuring that any changes in moorland management are profitable for landowners, recognizing moor cultivation's cultural importance.
