Restoration of carbon sequestration capacity and biodiversity in abandoned grassland on peatlands in Poland

Grant Agreement nr. WGP1 19 GPI 9a

Agreement holder: IPS member, Agricultural University Poznań, Poland, Dep. of Environmental Protection and Management

Country/region: Poland/Central Europe

Activity period: 01/09/2001 – 30/06/2002

Objectives and results:

• Identification of the influence of abandoned grassland on fens on greenhouse gas emission and carbon storage.

• Identification of location of abandoned grassland on peatland in Poland, changes in water regime and biodiversity in climatic conditions of Central and Eastern Europe.

Achieved:

The full results are published in the publication, which provides detailed information on:

• Status of knowledge.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Detailed information about the Climatic Convention, Kyoto Protocol, IPCC, Marrakesh COP and Polish organizations was presented.
• Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from peatland
• On the basis of 74 papers from more than 15 countries the measurement methods and amount of greenhouse gas emission from peatland.
• Biodiversity in abandoned grassland on peatland
• On the basis of 65 papers, description of the impact of the abandonment of grasslands on peatlands
• Physical properties of peat soils in abandoned grassland
• The influence of meadow abandonment on physical properties and water conditions of peat soils (on the basis of 22 papers).
• Land use on peatlands in Poland
• In 4 tables and two figures presentation of the distribution, type, area and use of Polish peatlands.
• Land use on selected peatlands in Poland in 2001
• Actual land use of selected Polish fens, presented on basis of field studies and with the use of aerial photographs and satellite images

The project targeted a problem that is widespread throughout central and eastern Europe. It successfully compiled knowledge on innovative solutions to address the problem. This information can be used to raise awareness throughout the region on the issues as well as the solutions. The solutions are not found only in conservation, but may actually require the development of certain forms of agriculture. It underlines the positive role which agriculture can have towards biodiversity conservation.

Although the project focused on Polish peatlands, the results are of significant value for global discussions on the importance of sustainable peatland management in relation to climate change. The project has contributed significantly to the science base in this field, and will as such be of much use in the GPI’s agenda of influencing the Climate Change Convention/Kyoto Protocol in recognising the value of sound peatland management for climate change mitigation.

The project was extremely productive within one year, and there will be much value in follow-up work as proposed by the project implementers in their final report.