ADMIRE

Peatlands host a specific fauna and flora, including many European protected species, which have adapted to this special, low-nutrient ecosystem. They play an important role in preventing floods and droughts. Unwatered peatlands exhibit a strong sponge effect which slows peak discharges in extreme rainfall and reduces the risk of flooding. In addition, peatlands have the special capacity to store large amounts of CO2 in the soil.

Peatlands, however, are under pressure worldwide and even threaten to disappear due to various factors such as drainage in function of agriculture, extraction or water pollution. If the groundwater level is reduced, excavation and/or increased nutrient supply can accelerate the decomposition of peat and form a large source of CO2 (hotspots). Admire (‘adding mire’) builds on experiences and knowledge built up in previous projects such as Care-Peat (Interreg North-West Europe) and PROWATER (Interreg 2 seas) and aims to achieve peat restoration in the border region, which benefits biodiversity and climate.

The project aims to tackle six project areas – some 251 hectares in total – such as the Kleine Nete Valley (VL) and the Dal van de Dommel and Kleine Dommel (NL). In addition to restoration and management, ADMIRE aims to establish a sustainable cooperation with stakeholders (such as farmers) in the different transition areas to explore the possibilities of adapted land management with the necessary funding mechanisms. Furthermore, the project will raise awareness about the social importance of peat protection in the border region and realise a Veen platform for knowledge sharing and exchange.