BUFFER+: Sustainable management of peatlands for climate adaptation and economic growth

Research project

Marian van Os Centre of Expertise Entrepreneurship
Environment
Sustainable society

Start date 23 May 2023

The BUFFER+ project aims to restore the ability of arid peatlands to absorb carbon and water, promoting biodiversity and economic growth in the partner regions.

Environmental sustainability and economic development

The project emphasises conservation, restoration, improved governance and promotion of new business models in peatlands to foster environmental sustainability and economic development. The Region to Region for Regional Resilience research group works closely with the Municipalities of Westerkwartier and Midden Groningen and the Province of Groningen on local pilots, and with the international partners on joint strategies and knowledge outputs.

Wet and healthy peatlands have a strong natural potential to save carbon and, due to their water buffering capacity, play an important role in managing periods of excessive rains or droughts. Yet, in NWE regions large areas of peatlands are drained for peat mining, agriculture, or forestry, which makes them CO2 emission sources rather than sinks. By restoring the capacity to buffer carbon and water, BUFFER+ partners aim at climate change adaptation and mitigation in NWE regions, while at the same time restore biodiversity and create new revenue streams.

The BUFFER+ project has a wide range of positive effects on ecological, economic and social aspects. By restoring peatlands and developing new business models and governance strategies, the project contributes to climate adaptation and mitigation, economic growth and the engagement of local communities. All this is made possible through close collaboration and knowledge exchange between various international and local partners.

Partners

The strength of the BUFFER+ project lies in its collaborative nature with 21 core partners, 7 associated organisations, and 5 regions (Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands).

The BUFFER+ project is an initiative co-funded by the INTERREG NW Europe programme.