Bridging Natural and Cultural Heritage Management: Recommendations for Present and Former Raised Bog Areas

Abstract

ABSTRACT Raised bogs (peat moss-dominated wetlands) are under environmental pressure but valued for their specific biodiversity and climate-mitigating potential. Strong efforts to restore these unique ecosystems contrast with a limited focus on cultural heritage management in bogs, putting their exceptional cultural heritage at risk. We take a new perspective on cultural heritage management in bog remnants and make recommendations for measures synergetic to their natural and cultural heritage. We focus on tangible cultural remains on the surface of bog remnants and surrounding former bog areas in the Netherlands, where bogs have long been under exceptional use and environmental pressure. To reach this objective, we first (1) explore the range and diversity of tangible cultural remains on the land surface through analysis of three case studies, (2) conduct a systematic inventory of how such cultural remains are currently incorporated in land management in and around 17 bog remnants, and (3) based on that develop a range of recommendations for improved integral management. We illustrate how preserving and displaying cultural remains can be aligned with the achievement of ecological goals in bog nature reserves.