EUKI EPI
The EUKI project, “Building the European Peatlands Initiative: a strong alliance for peatland climate protection in Europe”, aims to establish a robust and long-term European alliance of national governments and stakeholders united for peatland climate action.
While healthy peatlands can be the most space-efficient long-term carbon storage in our planet’s terrestrial biosphere, European peatlands are massively degrading. The continent counts as one with enormous peatland losses. To conserve and restore degraded peatlands and peat soils, they need to become drainage-free and rewetted.
Improved and long-term collaboration on a European scale is urgently needed to upscale peatland restoration.
Together with our project partners, Eurosite, the Michael Succow Foundation and CEEweb for Biodiversity, we are excited to continue supporting the building of a long-lasting European network for peatland climate action led by European national governments and based on up-to-date data, national policies and best-practice land management.
Throughout the project, we will:
- Connect governments and stakeholders to raise awareness of the essential role of peatlands in achieving global and pan-European climate and sustainability objectives.
- Help national governments and the European Commission to develop base strategies and policies on up-to-date peatlands data and management best practices.
- Achieve the commitment of stakeholders towards sustainable land use practices.
Improve the pan-European cooperation between scientists, conservationists, private landowners and farmers networks.
As a result, peatland-rich countries can develop increased institutional capacities to tackle peatland loss, and on-site practitioners and land users can receive the necessary information to foster sustainable, drainage-free, and rewetted peatlands.
With two manuals out in 2024 and a third published in February 2025, the initiative promotes climate resilience and sustainable practices.
Workshop Peatlands in agricultural at the Eurosite annual meeting
ELO was invited for the 4th time to the Eurosite annual meeting and got the opportunity to host a session on the management of peatlands in agricultural areas. This workshop was organised as part of the collaborative project between ELO and Eurosite aimed at establishing the ‘European Peatland Initiative’.
Peatlands underscore the necessity for robust collaboration across sectors. The restoration sector must transition to a more adaptable approach, recognizing the varied solutions and economic needs. Progress is underway, propelled by collaborative efforts and the opportunities for discussion and knowledge-sharing, exemplified by our recent meeting.
Additional Resources
To learn more about peatland farming and restoration, we offer two informative brochures for download. To access these valuable resources, simply click on the brochure titles above to download the PDF files.
This project is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). EUKI is a project financing instrument by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The EUKI competition for project ideas is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It is the overarching goal of the EUKI to foster climate cooperation within the. ernationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It is the overarching goal of the EUKI to foster climate cooperation within the European Union (EU) in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Brochure Farming (in) Peatlands
(PDF, 3.5 MB)
This comprehensive guide explores sustainable farming practices in peatland areas, balancing agricultural productivity with ecosystem preservation.
Brochure Peatland Restoration (PDF, 2.8 MB)
Discover the importance of peatland restoration, its methods, and the environmental benefits in this detailed brochure.
Brochure Peatland Forestry (PDF, 3.5 MB)
This comprehensive guide explores sustainable farming practices in peatland areas, balancing agricultural productivity with ecosystem preservation.
Videos
Article by Leonor CESAR DAS NEVES
Regional EUKI EPI Workshop – Oulu, Finland | 24 January 2025
Organised by ELO with support from the Finnish Landowners Organisation.
The peat forest seminar brought together expert speakers to discuss policy developments and sustainable, profitable peat forest management.
Speakers included:
- Elsi Katainen, Member of the European Parliament
- Hannu Hökkä, Natural Resources Institute Finland
- Anu Hilli, Forestry Agency
- Taina Ihaksi, BSAG
- Heikki Suvanto, Rakeistus Oy
- Tapio Kylmänen, Oulu Forestry Association
ELO took part in the CEE web Policy Lab on Soil and Land Use on May 28, 2025, where Leonor Cesar des Neves, Policy and Project Officer for Biodiversity, presented the “Peatland Forestry Manual – A Landowners’ Guide to Climate-Smart Forestry in Peatlands.” The presentation focused on practical guidance for landowners to implement sustainable, climate-resilient forestry practices in peatland areas. ELO’s contribution emphasized the role of private landowners in biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation, showcasing tools and approaches that support informed, responsible land management across Europe.
Check out the agenda here.
Supported by:
This project is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). EUKI is a project financing instrument by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The EUKI competition for project ideas is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It is the overarching goal of the EUKI to foster climate cooperation within the European Union (EU) in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions
