Germany's first municipal moorland protection strategy
Greifswald wants to be a pioneer in moorland protection. The town hall announced on Tuesday that the first municipal moorland protection strategy in Germany should help with this. The strategy is intended to show how moors can be preserved and protected and how greenhouse gas emissions from moorland can be reduced at the same time. The citizens are to vote on a corresponding bill at the beginning of December.
The bill provides for the creation of a database with information on, for example, the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on individual areas. According to the information provided, a sequence is to be established for the rewetting of areas. In addition, the citizens are to be informed of progress on an annual basis.
According to the city, Greifswald and its surroundings are rich in moorland. Wet moors help to filter drinking water, are floodplains, store water in times of drought, cool the environment, influence the local climate and are home to many animal and plant species.
Peatlands have been drained for a long time, for example for agriculture. As a result, their peat decomposes and releases greenhouse gases. Rewetting is considered an important climate protection measure. Greifswald is considered a center for peatland research. The University of Greifswald has the first chair for peatland research in Germany.
This municipal moorland protection strategy in Greifswald aims to contribute to Germany's climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from moorlands. The strategy also highlights the importance of nature conservation in preserving moisture-rich ecosystems, such as moors, which contribute to local climate regulation.
Source: www.dpa.com
