Full-scale recovery of the integrity and connectivity of Iceland's Lowland Peatlands: part of the European lifebelt in times of changing tides

ongoing

The Peatland LIFEline project, is the first Iceland’s attempt to employ holistic, landscape-level watershed conservation approach to restore the structure, functions, health and climate change resilience of the unique Icelandic lowland peatlands (407,000 ha) – the iconic landscape feature. The project will demonstrate and implement best practices to recover peatland integrity predetermined by the endemic Icelandic black sedge-brown moss fens and characterized by amazing abundance of birds, notably by the project target species – the Baltic dunlin, black-tailed godwit and redshank - indicators for peatlands health. the project's objectives encompass work packages focused on practical conservation efforts (e.g. hydrological restoration and landscaping). We will develop planning tools for preserving restored ecosystems, support Iceland's Water Framework Directive implementation, and create a National Roadmap for the conservation and sustainable management of lowland peatlands, thereby influencing the recovery of all degraded Icelandic peatlands. The project will also establish a Volcanic Icelandic Peatland Hub – a knowledge and information exchange platform for achieving its overarching objective and bring the specific Icelandic context to the EU conservation stage. The three project sites include national and international protected areas that will be provided with management tools, guaranteeing the longevity of the direct conservation interventions. Thus, we are confident that the project makes a tangible contribution to the new EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Its EU value is amplified by the distinctive contribution to the 2050 climate objectives, as Icelandic peatlands serve as a vital stronghold for carbon-rich peatlands and breeding waterbirds, while ensuring the long-term conservation of the unique volcanic habitats that define its ecology and landscape. This reinforces its significance as a major stepping stone in both the African/Eurasian and Circumpolar Flyways.