The urgency to address climate change and meet the Paris Agreement’s goals has propelled the focus on sustainable peatland use and restoration. Paludiculture, the productive utilization of wet and rewetted peatlands while preserving peat, has emerged as a solution to prevent further degradation while generating revenue.
Key Messages
- Preserving peatlands: Paludiculture aims to conserve peat by maintaining high water tables, which are crucial for inhibiting decomposition and facilitating peat formation. By cultivating facultative or obligate wetland plants, paludiculture fosters conditions conducive to peat conservation.
- Sustainable utilization: While harnessing biomass for economic purposes, paludiculture ensures the sustainability of peatlands. By selectively harvesting aboveground biomass and avoiding disturbance to underground parts, it minimizes disruptions to peat formation processes, thereby promoting long-term sustainability.
- Diverse applications: Paludiculture encompasses various agricultural systems, including permanent grassland and cropping techniques. These methods not only offer economic opportunities but also contribute to nature conservation objectives, provided careful consideration is given to regional regulations and species selection to prevent adverse environmental impacts.
