Restoring peatlands in Scotland
This peatland restoration project was a collaboration between the LVMH Group and Wetlands International. Between 2021-2024, with on-ground efforts led by Caledonian Climate Partners, we restored 75 hectares of degraded peatlands on Scotland’s Achnacarry Estate, an area roughly one-third the size of Monaco.
Why peatlands?
Peatlands are climate champions. Although covering only 3% of the earth’s surface, peatlands store one-third of the world’s soil carbon, twice as much as all the forests’ biomass combined. Peatlands cover about 20% of Scotland’s landscape and are vital for the nation’s efforts to combat climate change. Peatlands ensure water resilience. The sponge-like qualities of peatlands reduce the intensity and frequency of both floods and droughts by absorbing excess rainfall and releasing it gradually and purifying the water on the way. Peatlands are biodiversity havens. They provide habitats for endangered species like orangutans. Scottish peatlands provide habitat for rare species like the greenshank, hen harrier, and golden plover. Carnivorous plants like sundews and butterworts also thrive in these ecosystems.
Unfortunately, peatlands worldwide are at risk. Almost 15% of the world’s peatlands have been damaged for agriculture and forestry and 80% of Scottish peatlands have been drained and are threatened further by overgrazing. Degraded peatlands are carbon emitters. Currently, 5% of all global GHG emissions comes from damaged peatlands.
The good news is that healthy peatlands are a nature-based solution to the climate crisis. Restoring peatlands is one of the most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, while also restoring the hydrology and biodiversity of the ecosystem.
What are we doing about it?
At Wetlands International, we propose the rewetting of 50 million hectares of peatlands by 2050 to combat the interconnected crises of climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
To demonstrate the viability of peatland restoration, we partnered with Caledonian Climate to restore 75 hectares of degraded peatland at Achnacarry Estate in Scotland. The project contributed to Peatland ACTION, the Scottish government’s plan to restore national peatlands. This project showcased how cross-sector collaboration is key to success – from private sector funders to national government frameworks, international knowledge partners and on-the-ground restoration experts.
To further our mission to restore peatlands globally, we are championing the Peatland Breakthrough, an initiative that aspires to deliver systems-level changes by rallying public and private stakeholders to safeguard and restore peatlands worldwide. We have the tools to do it, the science to prove it, and now we need the investments to drive it at scale.
How can you help?
We call on all stakeholders to support the restoration of peatlands as a prime way to combat climate change and its impacts. In particular, we call on private sector actors to follow the example of LVMH, to provide resources and support to mobilise the Peatland Breakthrough.
Contact us
If you are interested in supporting the mobilisation of the Peatland Breakthrough, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
