The current state and ecological restoration of peatlands in Estonia

Abstract

Peatlands are globally important ecosystems for their habitats, carbon sink and freshwater reservoir functions. Estonia is among the most peatland-rich countries worldwide with ca 20% (9,150 km2) of its land area covered with peat soils. Majority of these peatlands, however, are altered by the drainage for the agriculture, forestry and peat extraction that has led to a degradation of peatland ecosystems, and declined their functioning. The rapid loss of peatland habitats, subsidence of peat soils and carbon emissions after water level drawdown have highlighted the need for the ecological restoration of drained peatlands. Although the first restoration attempts in the early 2000s in Estonia covered only minor areas, the current increase of restoration projects in quantity and quality has been promising, and the aim to restore 10,000 ha of degraded sites in Estonia for 2020 is likely to be implemented.