PEATLANDS - Welcome to Stockholm! 14th International Peat Congress 3 - 8 June 2012 - International Peatland Society
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PEATLANDS
international
2/2011
Welcome to Stockholm!
14th International Peat
Congress 3 - 8 June 2012
The member magazine of the International Peat Society
1
Talking of: sustainability Klasmann-Deilmann is the most successful group of companies in the international substrate industry. With production and sales companies in Germany and abroad as well as trade partners in more than 70 countries, we lead the world market in this sector. Our growing media provide the basis for successful plant cultivation for professional horticulturists throughout the world. In 2010, we generated sales of EUR 145 million. Our European locations produced 3.3 million m³ of growing media, potting soils and quality compost from green waste. The Klasmann-Deilmann Group employs a workforce of 830 worldwide. Our mission statement, which is based on our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, confronts us with the daily task of assuming responsibility for man, the environment and future generations. For that reason alone, Klasmann-Deilmann faced up to the diverse challenges of protecting the environment at a very early stage. As a result, we now have comprehensive expertise in matters relating to the re-waterlogging of former peat extraction sites. Over the long term, this will transform around 4000 hectares back into a typical bog landscape. The company makes another major contribution to environmental protection by producing quality composts which are increasingly included in organic substrates for use in commercial horticulture. www.klasmann-deilmann.com
PEATLANDS In this issue
international
2/2011
Editorial: On our way to Stockholm - International Peat Congress 2012 3
From the President’s Desk: Strategic thoughts 4
Publisher
IPS Insights
International Peat Society
Vapaudenkatu 12 The new IPS website 2
FIN-40100 Jyväskylä, Finland Executive Board Elections 2012 5
Phone: +358 14 3385 440 IPS Elections 2012 – Commissions and Scientific Advisory Board 5
Fax: +358 14 3385 410 IPS Award of Excellence 2012 for persons, groups, and projects 5
E-mail: ips@peatsociety.org New Members of the IPS 63
Web: www.peatsociety.org IPS Membership Application Form 63
Editor-in-Chief Research reports
Jaakko Silpola, Secretary General Peat extraction increasing biodiversity at Torreblanca,
Mediterranean Spain 8
Assistant to the Turf Cutting and Conserving Raised Bog Habitat in Ireland 14
Editor-in-Chief Estonian Mire Inventory Completed 20
Use of Ukrainian Peat: Problems and Prospects in Energy
Susann Warnecke, and Horticulture 34
Communications Manager Some Aspects of Raised Bog Conservation in Northern Poland 42
Editorial Board Symposia, workshops and conferences
Paul Short, Canada 14th International Peat Congress 2012 - Register now! 6
Juhani Päivänen, Finland Peat Day 2011 in Helsinki: Finland’s Energy Sector Does Need Peat 18
Michael Trepel, Germany Workshop on Peat and Humic Substances in Zittau, Germany 24
Catherine Farrell, Ireland Baltic Peat Producers’ Forum 2011 brings more than
Lech Szajdak, Poland 200 peat experts to Riga 26
Anne Jelle Schilstra, the Netherlands Visions and Visionaries at the 46th German Peat and
Marie Kofod-Hansen, Sweden Humus Day in Bad Zwischenahn 27
Allan Robertson, United Kingdom Sphagnum farming workshop in the Canadian Maritimes 28
Tom Malterer, USA Conference on „Necessity of Peatlands Protection” in Tlen,
Bory Tucholskie, Poland 38
Layout Future IPS Meetings and Symposia 64
Events of related organisations 64
Susann Warnecke, IPS Secretariat
Taittopalvelu Yliveto Oy Tropical peatlands
Biodiversity research and conservation in Borneo’s peat-swamp forests 46
Printed by University of Helsinki and University of Palangka Raya launch
joint capacity building project 51
Saarijärven Offset Oy
Sharing Best Management Practices on Peatlands in Southeast Asia 52
Finland, in December 2011
The Hydrology of the Ayer Hitam Peat Swamp Forest, Johore,
Peninsular Malaysia 55
Cover photo
News from our corporate members
Crowded street in Stockholm.
Photo: ola ericson/imagebank. Griendtsveen AG’s fully automated peat briquette production
sweden.se line is a success! 37
Lehtopeat – feel the magic of the peat 58
To order Peatlands International, Famous Estonian conductor in peat 62
or to advertise in the magazine,
please visit www.peatsociety. Book Reviews
org/publications/peatlands-
international or contact the Editors Vasyugan Mire – Natural Conditions, Structure and Functioning 45
at ips@peatsociety.org. Carbon credits from peatland rewetting 60
ISSN 1455-8491 1
The new IPS
website.
The ultimate
reason to join us
as a member.
www.peatsociety.org
Editorial Jaakko Silpola
On our way to the Stockholm
International Peat Congress, June 2012!
Dear IPS members, probably the most famous prizes
dear partners, dear friends, of the world, are presented? This
Congress will also be the first time
The International Peat Society and when IPS’ own trophy, the € 1,000
our Swedish IPS hosts are pleased to Award of Excellence, can be given to
invite you to the 14th International groups and projects.
Peat Congress, held in Stockholm,
Sweden on 3 - 8 June 2012. Furthermore, do not forget to
register for one of the two Pre-
The International Peat Congress (IPC) Congress Tours. One of them is
takes place every forth year. The created especially for students and
theme of the 14th IPC is ”Peatlands the second for peat producers.
in Balance” and at its core will be There are also two Post-Congress
presentations and documentation of Tours directed to Northern
the latest research results on peat Sweden, towards the magic Nordic
and peatlands in the broadest sense mires and towards the famous
from the boreal, temperate, and midnight sun.
tropical regions of the world.
Benefit from early registration fees
The Congress will offer an excellent and register now at the Congress
opportunity for all stakeholders – website at www.ipc2012.se.
scientists, policy makers, and industry We hope to see all of you in
representatives – to meet and share Stockholm!
new knowledge on all aspects of peat
and peatlands. New IPS homepage – Visit
and share with your
Swedish mires and more colleagues
In addition to various presentations A few weeks ago, IPS has
in full-day sessions, there are established its brand new
altogether 15 different Mid-Congress homepage. The new website
Tours around Stockholm area, from contains, in addition to the content Also all previous issues of Peat News
topics like ”Peat geological history we had on our old pages, a database and Peatlands International will be
in the pioneer L. von Post trails – of downloadable IPS publications and published online in the member
changes of peatlands during the last the full IPS membership list. section. In addition to this, you have
90 years” to “Wetlands and peat the possibility to post open scientific
in the Uppsala municipality with All IPS members should have or industry career opportunities and
Linnaeus Culture”. received their personal user names, to browse recent peatland news and
passwords and instructions to log scholar links. We hope that these
During those field trips, different in and view this special content by features will be actively used. Please
aspects of peatland forestry, email. At the same time, you were have a look and explore the new
agriculture and peat production asked to open your contact data so pages at www.peatsociety.org!
as well as characteristics of the that other members can see and
Swedish mire landscape and pristine email or phone you for joint projects. With best regards from the
peatlands are studied. We believe IPS Secretariat,
that there is something interesting You are also able to browse and
and new for all of you. In addition, download scientific papers from
when will you have the possibility the proceedings of IPS congresses, Jaakko Silpola
again to see Stockholm’s City hall, the conferences and symposia for free. Secretary General of the IPS
very place where the Nobel prizes, New content will be added daily. email: jaakko.silpola@peatsociety.org
3
Stra
From the President’s Desk
te
Peat gy for R
land es
Man ponsibl
agem e
ent
Donal Clarke
Strategic thoughts
Edit
ed b
4
y Do
The Strategy for Responsible Intern
n
ation
al Pe
al C
at So
lark
ciety
e an
d Jack
Riele
Peatland Management (SRPM)
ANNU
AL RE
PORT
2010
y
was adopted in October
2010 and distributed soon
afterwards. In September 2011
a reminder press release in
19 languages was issued and
feedback suggests it has since
been extensively noted.
Since its launch the SRPM has
contributed to the development
of public policy in a number of
countries, including Germany, The IPS Executive Board at work
Ireland, Estonia, Finland, the in Espoo, Finland on 16 November
Netherlands and Canada. It is 2011. Photo: Susann Warnecke
being used as a support for the
development of sustainable peatland Practical Application of Wise Use.
strategies in Ireland and Finland and A consultative process to develop In this context the 2012 elections
the preparation of a ‘sustainable peat and finalise these guidelines is to the Executive Board represent an
supply chain’ in the Netherlands. currently under way. important milestone for the Society.
The SRPM has also been used as a
guidance document in the Veriflora Other initiatives currently being If these and future projects are
certification system developed in considered or undertaken by the IPS to be successfully progressed the
North America, and in the initial include: continuation of a strong Board will be
stages of the development of codes important. In the last year changes
of conduct and possible eventual • The preparation of a have been made to the election
certification procedures in Europe. comprehensive set of best system so that the President and
practice guidelines for after-use First Vice President will be directly
The IPS endorses the efforts to of cutaway peatlands. elected by National Committees and
achieve certification systems for • The updating of information on not nominated by countries hosting
responsible peatland management. the extent and uses of global future Congresses.
As an agency the IPS is neutral in its peatlands. This information
support of any specific certification would be of assistance as a It was felt that the added legitimacy
system. It does however recommend tool in the management of the and transparency conveyed by
that any certification system; world’s peatlands. election can only strengthen the
• The development of a position Board. I strongly urge all National
• Follow the principles set out in paper on the conservation and Committees to debate within
the SRPM. management of peatlands in themselves how they will vote
• Meets international certification emerging nations. next June to ensure we continue
standards of ISO 9001, ISO with a vibrant IPS, and how they
14001. The shape of, and funding for, can contribute to the debate at
• Establishes mutual recognition these projects as yet remain to be the Round Table for National
of other responsible peatland determined but the Executive Board Representatives on ways in which the
management certification had given them its support and Society can be further strengthened
systems. hopes they can be developed in co- and improved.
operation with other NGOs.
Following the publication of
the SRPM, the IPS is seeking to The support for and development Donal Clarke
support it further by facilitating the of these projects represent steps in IPS President
development of Guidelines for the the continuing evolution of the IPS. email: donalcke@indigo.ie
4 PEATLANDS International 2/2011
Executive Board Elections 2012 IPS Award of
Excellence 2012 for
At the Annual Assembly of National Representatives at the International
Peat Congress in Stockholm on 8 June, elections will be held for the
persons, groups,
following six forthcoming vacant posts on the IPS Executive Board: and projects
Function At present Status Term of office The IPS Award of Excellence
President Donal Clarke, Ireland To be elected. 2008 – 2012 can now be presented also to
1st Vice President Björn Hånell, Sweden To be elected. 2008 – 2012
2nd Vice President Paul Short, Canada To be elected. 2010 – 2012 projects and groups for any
peat and peatland activity.
Ordinary members (2-6) Neither the winner nor the
applicants have to be IPS
Satu Helynen, Finland (not for re-election) To be elected. 2008 – 2012
Jutta Zeitz, Germany (not for re-election) To be elected. 2010 – 2012 members. The Award continues
Open position To be elected. 2010 – 2012 to be € 1,000 – this is a great
Valerijs Kozlovs, Latvia Stays in office. 2010 – 2014 opportunity to receive funding
Erki Niitlaan, Estonia Stays in office. 2010 – 2014 for your projects!
Lech Szajdak, Poland Stays in office. 2010 – 2014
Applications can be submitted
Nominations for the open positions can be sent to the IPS Secretariat by
as simple application letters,
all IPS National Committees (that have paid their membership fees) until
via email or on the IPS website.
31 January 2012, including an application letter and a CV of the person
They should contain at least
concerned.
the contact details of both
the applying person and the
Strong, committed and active players for our Board are needed to be able
nominee plus an explanation
to deal with the challenges of the coming years, and to keep our Society
why the Award should be given
a living pool of enthusiastic specialists and devoted peatland friends. The
to that special person, group or
Executive Board meets approximately 3-4 times a year for 2-3 days, mostly
project.
in Europe, and quick email access between meetings is essential.
All proposals are reviewed
The election of the three Presidents and 1-3 ordinary Board members will
by the IPS Executive Board
be carried out by authorised Representatives of our National Committees
in March and the Award
at the IPS Annual Assembly on the last Congress day. The Board members
is presented at the Annual
will be elected for the terms 2012-2016. The Presidents will be elected
Assembly in Stockholm in June.
independently from the venue of the International Peat Congresses.
Deadline for applications is
The Second Vice President is at the same time member and contact
strictly 31 January 2012.
person at the IPS Scientific Advisory Board. Half of the ordinary Board
members change every second year. Please see the IPS Statutes and
More info and application:
Internal Regulations for more details on the requirements and the election
www.peatsociety.org/about-us/
procedure at www.peatsociety.org/about-us.
award-excellence.
IPS Elections 2012 – Commissions and Scientific Advisory Board
At the International Peat Congress in June 2012, it is also time to elect the Chairs, Vice Chairs and Secretaries of the
nine IPS Commissions. All Chairs of the IPS Commissions are automatically members of the Scientific Advisory Board
(SAB) which supports the Executive Board and Annual Assembly in decision-making:
• C1: Stratigraphy, inventory and conservation of peatlands (Dr Lars Lundin & Assistant Professor Maria Strack)
• C2: Utilisation of peat and peatlands for horticulture, energy and other economic purposes (Gerald Schmilewski & Pat Fitzgerald)
• C3: Agricultural use of peatlands and peat (Professor Dr Lech Wojciech Szajdak)
• C4: Chemical, physical and biological characteristics of peat (Professor Jürgen Schoenherr)
• C5: Restoration, rehabilitation and after-use of peatlands (Dr Catherine Farrell)
• C6: Peat balneology, medicine and therapeutics (Riitta Korhonen)
• C7: Ecology and management of forested peatlands (Dr Hannu Hökkä & Dr Florence Renou-Wilson)
• C8: Cultural aspects of peat and peatlands (Dr Michiel Gerding)
• C9 Tropical peatlands (Professor Jack Rieley)
• Standing Committee on Peatlands and Climate Change (Professor Mats Nilsson)
More information about the work of the Commissions, their contact details and Annual Reports of the previous
years can be found at www.peatsociety.org/about-us/commissions-and-working-groups.
5
14th International
Peat Congress 2012
Register now!
ildikó lukács/imagebank.sweden.se Text: Susann Warnecke
There are good and bad Actually, there is indeed a lot
moments at the IPS Secretariat. to expect. The carbon emission
Definitely an excellent moment discussion, climate change studies,
was the morning of certification and life cycle analyses
1 December 2011. Having just as well as the amount of attention
arrived at our office, one that tropical peatlands and boreal Many of those questions cannot be
of the first emails I saw was waterways have received in the answered on one or two sentences,
the one from the Stockholm media in recent years, have definitely but have to be carefully studied,
Congress organisers: 407 raised the profile of our formerly very evaluated and explained in words
proposals for presentations specialised discipline. that can be understood by both,
were submitted by the highly educated experts and the
extended abstract deadline! Not only the technically oriented general public.
peat experts are interested in latest
This was much more than the some research results, but a lot of young This is our chance to move on, to
hundred one month earlier. And enthusiastic specialists are flowing give our knowledge and experience
much more than the 300 the evening in. They want to know how mires to the world. From and to scientists,
before. Probably every third of our work, how peatlands can be restored students, policy makers and non-
members had been sitting in front of and how their values can be given government activists to the energy,
his or her computer on 30 November, to coming generations, but also how agriculture and horticulture sectors.
during the very last evening, working these areas can be utilised and, at From business to conservation and
and writing to get ready for the the same time, preserved for the vice versa, to the media and all who
biggest mire and peatland event this growing population of the Earth. are affected by peatland policies.
year. Well done, dear colleagues. Scientific knowledge to be applied
in practice in all peatland countries.
Truly a task for an international peat
association and its members.
i on :
tr a t Have a look at the broad range of
e g i s topics to be presented. Join the
n d r . s e
evening programme to meet people
from your and other disciplines.
a
ils pc20 1 2 Come with us to see mire and peat
e t a utilisation a la Sverige. Register for
l l d w.i the event at www.ipc2012.se, and
A ww
bring your fellow colleagues, your
family and a few young professionals
with you.
Peatlands in Balance
Stockholm, Sweden, 3 - 8 June 2012
6 PEATLANDS International 2/2011
fredrik broman/imagebank.sweden.se
lena granefelt/imagebank.sweden.se ola ericson/imagebank.sweden.se
susann warnecke/ips
Scientific Programme
We promise that you will not leave
maria emitslöf/imagebank.sweden.se
I. Inventory, stratigraphy and conservation of mires and peatlands (Chair: L Lundin) with empty pockets, but with your
I.1) Mire ecology and biodiversity (H Rydin)
I.2) Mire hydrology and hydrochemistry (L Lundin)
backpack or suitcase full of papers
I.3) Peatlands as historical archives (G Sohlenius) and brochures, eyes gleaming with
I.4) Mire conservation and wetlands for landscape functionality (E Lode) fresh impressions, a hand full of
I.5) Peatland Ecosystem Services (A Bonn) new partners, friends and their
II. Peat for horticulture, energy and other uses (G Schmilewski)
email addresses, maybe some
II.1) Peat for horticulture (G Schmilewski) cotton grass in your boots, and a few
II.2) Peat for energy (P Fitzgerald) more memory sticks for your busy
II.3) Peat harvesting and processing technology (K Mutka) computer. We look forward to
III. Agricultural use of peat and peatlands (L W Szajdak)
seeing you.
III.1) Special session: MYRKLIMA - mitigation of climate change impacts of cultivated
peat soils (K Berglund) Susann Warnecke
IV. Chemical, physical and biological characteristics of peat (J Schoenherr) IPS Communications Manager
susann.warnecke@peatsociety.org
V. Restoration, rehabilitation and after-use of disturbed peatlands (C Farrell)
V.1) Sphagnum farming (Joint II & V) (C Farell; G Schmilewski)
V.2) Special session: Mountain Peatlands - restoration, sustainable use, and
Ecosystem services (C Trettin)
VI. Balneological, medicinal and therapeutical use of peat (R Korhonen)
VII. Ecology and management on forested peatlands (H Hökkä)
VII.1) Peatland forestry and surface water quality (A Laurén)
VII.2) Management methods for peatland forestry (F Renou-Wilson)
VIII. Cultural aspects of peat and peatlands (M Gerding)
VIII.1) Peatlands and tourism (M Gerding)
VIII.2) Cultural and socio-economic aspects (M Gerding)
IX. Tropical peatlands (J Rieley)
IX.1) Sustainability of tropical peatlands: Assessment of the present and prognosis
for the future (S Page)
IX.2) Carbon balance and GHG fluxes in tropical peatlands (IX & X)
IX.3) Social and economic uses of tropical peatlands (M Silvius)
X. Peatland carbon budgets and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes (M Nilsson)
X.1) Carbon balance & GHG fluxes in natural/seminatural peatlands (M Nilsson)
X.2) Carbon balance & GHG fluxes in disturbed and cut-over peatlands (E-S Tuittila)
X.3) Carbon balance & GHG fluxes – politics and carbon financing (I-M Gren)
7
susann warnecke/ips conny fridh/imagebank.sweden.se
Peat extraction increasing
biodiversity at Torreblanca,
Mediterranean Spain
Text: P. Colpaert and E. Climent Arquimbau
Peatlands are exceptional Prat de Cabanes - Torreblanca in have been realized on the effects on
ecosystems because of the Castellón, Spain, peat extraction ecology and meteorology of this peat
biodiversity they contain. increases biodiversity. extraction.
Nevertheless, many peatlands
on the planet are being used The best studied peatlands are the To describe the environmental, social
for peat extraction for northern Sphagnum peatlands. and economical aspects of the peat
several applications. However, also herbaceous peatlands extraction activities in Torreblanca,
are being harvested, albeit on a the strategic objectives and actions
The oldest of these is the use as much smaller scale. The company as stated in the Strategy for
a fuel, while right now the most Industrias fertilizantes orgánicas, SA Responsible Peatland Management
important use on a global scale is utilises the peatlands in section D will be followed and treated in the
agricultural use. The extracted peat of the natural park Prat de Cabanes same order as these were dealt with
is used in substrates while many - Torreblanca. Black peat extraction in the Strategy.
peatlands are transformed into in the Prat de Cabanes - Torreblanca
plantations. In the last decade many has been documented for about 150 Biodiversity
ecologists are opposing these uses. years. For most of the time, this peat
The use of peat would decrease was used for combustion and only in The vegetation of the peatlands in
biodiversity. Is this always the case? the last decades agricultural uses are Torreblanca can be divided in six
In the peatland in the natural park given to this black peat. Few studies groups (Almenar Gil, D. 2010).
Aquatic birds in one of the
artificially created lagoons.
8 PEATLANDS International 2/2011Colony of red-crested pochards.
The largest vegetation type are the The fifth vegetation group are the
sub halophylic reeds. The principal plants that occur in the salt marshes. formed after peat extraction and
plant species in these reeds are These salt marshes occur in two give home to aquatic plants of the
Juncus maritimus, Phragmites zones, one close to the coast in genera Zannichiellia, Ruppia and
australis, Inula crithmoides, Schoenus Torrenostra and another one near Potamogeton.
nigricans, Aster tripolium, Sonchus Torre de la Sal (“salt tower”). The
maritimus, Artemisia gallica, typical vegetation in this habitat In the decision-making process for
Centaurea dracunculifolia and Elymus are shrubs with succulent leaves suitable areas for peat extraction,
elongates. such as Sarcocornia fruticosa and it is of high importance to take into
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, account the types of vegetation
A second vegetation type are the accompanied with Limonium growing in the different zones of the
meadow reeds. This vegetation type narbonense, Juncus subulatus and peatland. Some vegetation types,
is usually found close to the sub Inula crithmoides. more specifically those mentioned in
halophylic reeds, but grows much the RAMSAR Convention, are legally
lower, giving the zone a meadow As a last type, the ponds can be protected and all activities are kept
like appearance. The main species distinguished. These ponds are out of these protected zones.
found here are Schoenus nigricans,
Plantago crassifolia, Artemisia gallica
and Inula crithmoides.
The third type of vegetation are the
reedbeds. These consist of almost
exclusively Phragmites australis and
can be found on the borders of the
canals, ponds and the permanently
waterlogged zones of the wetland.
A next group of vegetation are
the sedges of Cladium mariscus.
These sawgrasses grow close to the
reedbeds, but are smaller in number
in this natural park.
On the right: Wet peat extraction
in Spain with an excavator.
9Great cormorants and a grey heron
on one of the older lagoons.
of how an industrial activity can all plant material under that will
contribute to the survival of a be transformed into new peat. In
According to the RAMSAR threatened habitat type. the meantime, this will be an ideal
Convention on Wetlands, in the substratum for all sort of water life.
Prat de Cabanes - Torreblanca, four During peat extraction, special care The small islands visible on the top
types or prioritary habitats can be is taken to create corridors as well are greatly appreciated by aquatic
distinguished: as large and small islands in the new birds that use them to rest on. The
lagoons. This way, both reed beds larger islands and corridors can easily
• 1150: Coastal lagoons and under water plants in the ponds be accessed by birds and are often
• 2250: Coastal dunes with Juniperus can develop. And perhaps more used for nesting purposes.
sp. pl important, also fish and birdlife get
• 3170: Mediterranean temporary more chances. The created lagoons form permanent
ponds water bodies, something becoming
• 7210: Calcareous marshes with The creation of the islands proceeds more and more scarce in Spanish
Cladium mariscus and species of as follows: when a new extraction is wetlands. In most Spanish wetlands,
the Caricion davallianae. started, the upper layer of vegetation the free water dries out during the
is removed locally and thrown in an summer and thus threatens the
However, the presence of one of existing lagoon in such a way that life present in it, such as the fish
these types, namely the coastal it forms an underwater pyramid. Valencia hispanica. This threatened
lagoon, is a direct consequence of Often the top is just visible above fish species is listed as critically
the peat extraction in the natural the water level. The reed roots close endangered and its numbers have
park. This case is a very rare example to the surface will regrow fast, while decreased by 80% in the last 10
years, due to habitat destruction for
urbanisation, agricultural pollution
and the introduction of alien
Colony of Eurasian coots predators (Crivelli, A.J., 2006).
in the oldest lagoon.
The creation of artificial lagoons
might give this fish species a
new chance to re-establish. Also
the European pond turtle, Emys
orbicularis, although classified as
lower risk/near threatened, the
critically endangered European eel
and the present amphibians will be
given more chances in this newly
created habitat type.
Hydrology & water regulation
Peat extraction is done with wet
extraction techniques by means of an
10 PEATLANDS International 2/2011excavator. The wet extraction of peat coastal lakes, the humid air will zones of the peatland would also
as done in this coastal peatland in condensate at lower altitudes then permit the establishment of wildlife
Spain has the big advantage that the when there is only supply from the watching tours or some other forms
water levels of the wetland are not sea. Condensation at lower altitudes of economic activities related to the
changed. This is in accordance to the gives rise to the typical summer rich biodiversity in the wetland.
directives of the ‘Plan de Ordenación rainstorms Spain used to have.
de los Recursos Naturales’. After use, rehabilitation and
In the last decades, however, these restoration
In point 4.2.2 of the Strategy for have become more and more scarce
Responsible Peatland Management, because the humid air is passing Scientists studying peatlands usually
objectives related to hydrology are over the highest mountains. Millán recognise two principal uses of
explained. The first objective is that Millán, M. (2010) also explains how peatlands: industrial utilization
one should try to keep or restore the absence of coastal lagoons has as and conservation. Besides these,
water levels and flow regimens a consequence that more water gets there exists also another use of
as close to the natural reference lost from the Mediterranean basin, peatlands: recreation. Leupold, S.
conditions as possible. In this case of distorting the salt concentration ratio (2004) describes the different forms
wet extraction of black peat there is between the Mediterranean sea and of recreational use of a peatland and
no doubt this objective is met. the Atlantic ocean and, as a final the benefits it has for the peatland.
Climate and climate change
processes
In point 4.3 of the Strategy the
role of peatlands in climate and
climate change is discussed. First of
all, it should be said that the peat
extraction in Torreblanca is done
with as minimal CO2 emissions
as possible. All peat extraction is
carried out on a distance of less
than one km from the factory so CO2
emissions from internal transport
are reduced to a minimum.
Because of the wet extraction
method, the function of the
peatland as a carbon sink is not One of the peat extraction zones.
affected. CO2 and CH4 emissions
will not increase for the peatland consequence, summer inundations in
whether or not peat is extracted. As the UK. Peat extraction in the Prat de
explained further in the paragraph Cabanes - Torreblanca leaves lagoons The principal recreational uses are
about after-use, rehabilitation and in places that became land before ecotourism, fishing, aquatic sports
restoration, the peatland grows back and will thus help in restoring this and educational walks. The big
at an extremely fast rate compared important hydrological cycle. advantage of a restored peatland is
to classical Sphagnum peatlands, the presence of small roads that give
so new CO2 fixation in the peatland Economic activities easier access to the zones of interest.
is substantial. It would be worth a In the case of the peatland of Prat de
detailed study to see how much new The company Industrias Fertilizantes Cabanes - Torreblanca, ecotourism
CO2 is deposited in the peatland Orgánicas, SA, responsible for can be considered as the most
when natural restoration takes place. the peat extraction in the Prat de important alternative use because of
Cabanes - Torreblanca, employs 17 the presence of the created islands
Millán Millán, M. (2010) studied workers directly and many more and corridors that increases the
the effect of coastal lakes in in an indirect way in the region visibility of birds in the peatland and
Mediterranean Spain and their of Torreblanca. In this area, other a network of old roads that will allow
effects on the inland climate and the industrial activities are as good as amateur ornithologists and nature
climate in other European countries. non-existent and economic revenues lovers to reach zones where it would
The presence of open water in the used to come from tourism and be hard if not impossible to get
forms of lakes in Mediterranean construction, two sectors that were without these.
Spain has important consequences hit extremely hard by the economical
for the rainfall in other regions. If crisis. The presence of a primitive Another use of the peatland
enough evaporation occurs by these road network in the degraded after the extraction would be the
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tourists come to visit this natural
park and thereby help the local
economy by staying in local hotels
and eating in nearby restaurants.
Good governance
In the case of Prat de Cabanes -
Torreblanca, the government of the
Valencian community is responsible
for the legislation regarding the
use of the peatlands in the natural
park. The directives for the peat
production are described in Article 15
of the public journal of the Valencian
community nº 4427. The legislation
determines the minimum size of
the created lagoons, the distance
Great Cormorants resting on the to roads or agricultural zones, the
tops of the underwater pyramidal shores of the lagoons, the minimal
structures. distance between the seashore and
the extraction zones, the island sizes
have a much larger buffer capacity and so on.
most common use and that is against pollution from human
the restoration to its state before activities than the small natural The directives stipulated in the
extraction started. In the case of lagoons and creeks that were there official journal are followed strictly
the peatland Prat de Cabanes - in the past. during the peat extraction and the
Torreblanca, this means the creation workers using the excavators are well
of a high biodiversity, even higher Human and institutional aware of the importance of these
than before the extraction started. capacity and information regulations.
In the non-excavated regions of the dissemination
natural park, the vegetation is very References
homogenous and hard to penetrate. The company utilizing the peatlands
Few zones with permanent water in Prat de Cabanes - Torreblanca Almenar Gil, D. 2010. Estudio de la
can be found because the vegetation did, on various occasions in the regeneración de la vegetación en
parcelas de extracción de turba en el
covers the whole surface and, when past, ask for studies to get an idea Prat de Cabanes - Torreblanca. CÀDEC.
the phreatic level lowers during of the impact of their activities on Taller de Gestió Ambiental, S.L.
the summer, most open water biodiversity and peatland evolution Crivelli, A.J. 2006. Valencia hispanica.
disappears - and with this water also after the extraction. Some of these In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species. Version
the life dependent on it. studies have been done to illustrate 2010.4. www.iucnredlist.org.
that the creation of lagoons does not Downloaded on 11 March 2011.
In the last decades, the use of water mean that the original vegetation Leupold, S. 2004. Recreation - a
for agriculture and neighbouring before peat extraction - reed beds complementary alter-use option for
cutaway peatlands? Wise use of
towns has decreased the available - are not lost forever, but will come peatlands volume 2, Proceedings of
water for the peatland. Taking this back after time. the 12th International Peat Congress.
into account, the created lagoons p1190-1193
help to maintain the necessary water Engagement of local people Millán M. Millán. 2010. Sequía en el
mediterráneo e inundaciones en el
volumes to maintain aquatic life. Reino Unido y centroeuropa. Cosas que
This way, the creation of artificial The peatland described here is free los modelos climáticos globales no ven
lagoons stimulates the survival to enter and explore for all people del ciclo hídrico de Europa, y por que.
of endemic fish species such as interested in doing so, except for Cuides monográfico 2010.
Valencia hispanica, a fish in danger the extraction areas themselves that
of extinction whose principal are closed to the public for security
Pieter Colpaert
threats are habitat destruction and reasons. INFERTOSA
introduced predators. Valencia, Spain
The local government organizes phone: +34 96 334 83 05
The main reason of habitat bird watching tours in the southern fax: +34 96 333 05 08
email: mail: infertosa@infertosa.com
destruction would be desiccation and northern parts of the peatland. www.infertosa.com
and water pollution. The large water Also several routes are available
volumes in the artificial lagoons also to explore the park. Through this
13Turf Cutting and Conserving
Raised Bog Habitat in Ireland
Text: Catherine O’Connell
The turf cutting row that is raging in and to declare them to the EU of these bogs and were extracting
Ireland at present is in response to as Special Areas of Conservation moss peat for gardening. Again the
a move by the Government nature or Natural Heritage Areas. National Parks and Wildlife Service
conservation agency – the National Geographically, the raised bogs are compensated each company to gain
Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – concentrated in the central midlands ownership of the sites.
to protect the last 130 raised bogs of of Ireland.
conservation importance in Ireland Private Turf Cutters
by the end of 2013. It only concerns Protecting Sites owned by
turf cutting on these sites and no Industrial Interests The major stakeholder in the 130
other ones. If we are to achieve our bogs are the people who have
goal the first step is to ensure that Some of the 130 sites of conservation turbary rights. Back in 1999, rather
families affected have a source of importance were owned by Bord na than deal with the issue of buying
fuel. Móna (the Irish Turf Development out the interests of the turf cutters,
Board) and so the first positive step Minister Síle de Valera announced
EU Habitats Directive was to convince Bord na Móna to the Derogation on the Cessation of
sell them to the National Parks and Turf Cutting. It only affects the 130
The issue goes back to 1999 and Wildlife Service. The EU paid 75% sites. She gave turf cutters 10 years
is related to Ireland signing up of the money that bought some 20 to stop cutting, offered to either buy
the European Union (EU) Habitats sites which are now owned by the their plots or swap their plot in one
Directive which committed us to National Parks and Wildlife Service. of the 130 sites for another turf bank
protecting active and degraded Other parts of the 130 bogs were in a nearby bog of no conservation
raised bog habitats and taking owned by Coillte (Forest Industry) interest. The cessation was to be
steps to restore damaged sites to who had planted trees on them in enforced on the 130 sites in batches:
their original state. This led the the past. In recent years the EU paid on 31 by the end of 2009; the next
Government to identify the active between 50 and 75% funding to 24 sites by the end of 2011 and the
raised bog habitat areas remaining Coillte to remove the trees, block up last 75 sites by the end of 2013. The
drains helping to restore the active Derogation was introduced without
living layer on 29 of the 130 sites. consultation with the private land
Still other companies owned part owners who owned the bogs and
Clara Bog Special Area of
Conservation, Co. Offaly.
Photo: Catherine O’Connell
14 PEATLANDS International 2/2011The utilisation of raised bog
resources in the Republic of
Ireland. Of the original area of
308,742 ha, 64% have been lost
to turbary, 24% to mechanical
extraction and 2% to forestry,
leaving 10% intact and worthy
of conservation. Source: Malone,
S. and O’Connell, C. A. (2009)
Ireland’s Peatland Conservation
Action Plan 2020 Halting the
Loss of Peatland Biodiversity. Irish
Peatland Conservation Council,
Kildare, Ireland.
who were dependent on them for European Union Action
fuel to heat their homes. To this
day there is a huge source of anger The European Union informed the Government Response
on this issue. Her scheme met with Irish Government that it was illegal
some success and almost € 4 million for the Minister to have announced The newly elected Government in
was paid out to gain control of a the Derogation. They warned that 2011 have given assurances to the
selection of turf banks in 24 of the due to the fact that Ireland was EU and have taken steps to deal with
130 bogs. However the vast majority actually loosing our raised bogs and the issue of conserving raised bogs.
of the turf cutters continued as that Local Government over the Ministers Phil Hogan and Jimmy
before to the present day flouting the years had failed to protect the sites Deenihan introduced a new package
nature conservation efforts. through planning control and impact of compensation measures for turf
assessment we were facing penalties cutters. This involved setting turf
Scientific Monitoring (European Court of Justice Case cutters up with one of the following
C-392/96). The Commission found options: relocation to alternative
At the same time as the Derogation that Ireland failed to comply with its turf plots, providing compensation
on the Cessation of Turf Cutting was obligations under both the Habitats payments of up to € 15,000 over
introduced, the scientific research and the Environmental Impact a period of 15 years or delivering
branch of the National Parks and Assessment Directives. In January 10 tonnes of turf from the State
Wildlife Service began to monitor 2011 the European Commission every year to each household.
the effects of turf cutting on 31 issued a letter of formal notice to Clinics were held throughout
of the 130 raised bog sites. After Ireland. The end result of this action the midlands of Ireland to assist
10 years they have substantial which will proceed if we continue
scientific evidence that will stand up to break EU environmental law will
to scrutiny that turf cutting on the be fines at the level of € 26,000 per Outside the Clara Bog Visitor
margins of these bogs has partially week with a large lump sum up front Centre from the left: Catherine
killed off the active peat forming – something the country can ill afford O’Connell (IPCC), Conor Skehan
parts of the bogs. This is mainly given the current economic situation. (Chair of the Peatlands Council)
to do with draining and burning and Tadhg Ó Corcora (IPCC).
of the bog that is associated with Photo: Catherine O’Connell
turf cutting as well as the physical
removal of the bog habitat, which is
then burned in the fireplace. Even
common sense comes to the same
conclusion – if you keep cutting away
at something, eventually it is gone,
and each turf cutter operating on the
130 sites is cutting into the bog by
3 m each year. If you multiply this up
by the estimated 20,000 turf cutters
active on these sites, the extent
of the problem becomes evident.
On the basis of their research the
NPWS gave the EU Active Raised Bog
Habitat the lowest or “RED” (Bad)
rating in the Assessment for Priority
Habitats and Species Report to the
EU in 2006 and Degraded Raised bog
an “AMBER” (unfavourable) rating.
15www.peatlandscouncil.ie). The
outcome from the consultation will
play a significant role in shaping the
Government-developed strategy in
2012. Much ground work has already
been achieved in this area in terms of
new research information and strong
direction following the publication
in 2011 of BOGLAND: A Protocol
for Sustainable Management
of Peatlands in Ireland by the
Environmental Protection Agency.
The Strategy for Responsible Peatland
Management 2010 developed by
members of the International Peat
Society, together with the National
Strategy for Peatland Management
Members of the Irish Peat Society in Finland 2011 and peatland
listen attentively as Jim Ryan (on management policies and techniques
right) from the National Parks
used in Canada and Germany will
and Wildlife Service outlines
the effects turf cutting and the Bog and the Kilaranny Bog relocation play an important role in advising the
building of a road through Clara site as an example of a successful development of the Irish strategy.
bog have had on its hydrology. resolution to one site. The NGO Indeed, the work of the International
Photo: Catherine O’Connell representatives on the Council have Peat Society in the development of
proposed a Home Energy Efficiency peatland management strategies
Programme for turf burning has already been brought to the
turf cutters in understanding the households whereby they would attention of the Peatlands Council.
measures. In addition the Ministers improve insulation and switch to a
set up the “Peatlands Council” – an wood stove as their energy system. Resistance from Turf Cutters
independent mediation body. This initiative is being considered by
the Sustainable Energy Authority of Turf cutting interests in Ireland
Peatlands Council Ireland (SEAI). are well organised. In spite of the
ban being in place since 2009 on
The independently chaired Peatlands The Peatlands Council is also to 31 sites Contractors cut turf from
Council was established to provide provide advice to the Government on at least 6 sites in 2011 thanks to
mediation between affected issues relating to the management of a survey carried out by Friends
parties including turf cutters, Ireland’s peatlands in the long term. of the Irish Environment (www.
farmers, industry, government and A key part of the Council’s remit is friendsoftheirishenvironment.net).
environmental NGOs all of whom to help shape the development of a Many of the voices heard in the
are represented on the Council. National Peatlands Strategy. media are those of the Turf Cutters
The Council meets regularly and and Contractors Association who are
to date has been beneficial in Irish Government Peatland
helping all interests to reach a Strategy
greater understanding of the issues
involved in managing our raised bog The aim of the strategy is the
resources. management of all peatlands in
Ireland. A public consultation
Members of the Peatlands Council on the content of the strategy is
have engaged in a number of underway with a completion date
initiatives that may bring resolution of the 16th December 2011 (see
to conflicts in certain localities. For
example Bord na Móna have assisted
the NPWS with the organisation of Turbary rights on Ballynafagh Bog
a state of the art relocation site for Special Area of Conservation, Co.
turf cutters on Clara Bog in Co. Offaly. Kildare. Areas from which turf has been
Bord na Móna are hopeful of being cut in the past are used as spreading
in a position to repeat this project grounds where turf can be dried.
for turf cutters on 9 other sites from The larger the spreading ground the
the list of 130 to be conserved. The greater the capacity for turf cutting and
recent annual meeting and workshop ultimately the greater the loss of active
raised bog habitat. Photo: D. de Brí
of the Irish Peat Society visited Clara
16 PEATLANDS International 2/2011Members of the Irish Peat Society exploring the
Clara Bog Visitor Centre at the 2011 Study Tour
and Conference Workshop which had as its theme:
Towards the development of a Peatland Strategy
for Ireland. The development of such attractions
are a significant community benefit of conserving
peatlands. Photo: Catherine O’Connell
lots of space to scaremonger the of fuel for those affected by the
individual turf cutters involved. They conservation designation. Turf
talk of ‘bog evictions, flood alerts, cutters, not Contractors are at risk.
fire alerts and fuel price alerts’ What are their options - to continue
following the closure of the bogs. to oppose the legislation eventually
They believe that a way can be found forcing them to challenge EU or
to allow turf cutting and conservation National Environmental Law, or
to co-exist and are preparing a plan worse still to be put in jail. Better
for the 130 peatlands of conservation to decide to work with the National
At Clara House Holistic Spa
importance that are at the centre of Parks and Wildlife Service and the
(www.claraholistic.com) clients can
avail of a peat beauty and cleansing this debate. They intend to present EU on a package that will secure
treatment, another use of peatlands this plan to officials in the European a source of turf for them in the
that potentially could become more Union. future and/or eventually allow
widespread in Ireland. them to convert their homes to a
Photo: Catherine O’Connell Irish Peatland Conservation more sustainable source of energy
Council using new incentives developed
by the Government. The choice is
encouraging their members to stand As the leading NGO campaigning for obvious but it all depends on robust
firm against the Government and the the conservation of a representative leadership to win the trust of the turf
EU on this issue and not to engage at sample of Irish peatlands, the IPCC cutters, good will and a lot of latitude
any level in the Cessation Scheme. welcome the establishment of the on both sides.
Peatlands Council and the invitation
The National Parks and Wildlife extended to us to participate in Irish raised bogs are beautiful,
Service have shown very little its work. In 2009, IPCC published historical and full of wildlife and are
leadership in the peatland areas “Ireland’s Peatland Conservation really worth protecting. We cannot
affected which has given the Turf Action Plan 2020”. An analysis of the cut them all away. We all need to
Cutters and Contractors Association utilisation of raised bogs presented work together to help. In an ideal
in the plan showed that 64% of the world it would be lovely to think
original area of 308,742 ha of the about families happily bringing
habitat has been lost to turf cutting home their turf next spring from
or turbary (see pie chart inset). IPCC’s non-conservation worthy bogs and
position on the issue of conserving for restoration work to have begun
raised bogs is that the 130 sites in ernest on the some of the best
designated represent less than 10% remaining raised bogs on the western
of the original area of raised bog in fringe of Europe. But this ideal is a
the country, a representative portion long-term goal right now. There are
of the bogs which are claimed by strategies to write and alliances to be
some to be the best in the Atlantic made.
biogeographical region of Europe.
The Netherlands, Germany and the
Dr Catherine O’Connell
UK have cut almost all of their active Chair of the Irish Peat Society and
raised bog habitat away. Chief Executive of the Irish Peatland
Conservation Council
Conclusion Bog of Allen Nature Centre
Lullymore, Rathangan
Co. Kildare, Ireland
The key issue in conserving raised email: bogs@ipcc.ie
bogs in Ireland is the provision www.ipcc.ie
17Peat Day 2011 in Helsinki:
Finland’s Energy Sector
Does Need Peat
Text and photos: Ismo Myllylä
According to Mr. Yli-Kyyny, energy production, and it provides –
ensuring the availability of directly and indirectly – employment
peat requires in turn that areas for people in the very regions where
released from peat production other jobs are scarce.”
can be replaced by new ones.
Unless this happens, the only Mr. Kurvinen also brought to mind
practical alternative for peat in that Finland possesses strengths in
Finland is coal. energy production that we can be
proud of: We are employing a vast
Member of the scale of different forms of energy,
Finnish Parliament: are widely applying cogeneration
Peat before coal of heat and electricity, and have a
decentralised energy production.
Esko Kurvinen, Member of the Moreover, the industry has also been
Parliament, and Oulu town developing its energy consumption
councillor, who methods and efficiency for decades,
gave another and has, as a consequence, taken
In his opening speech, Tomi
Yli-Kyyny, Chairperson of the introductory them to the highest level in the
Association of Finnish Peat speech at the Peat world.
Industries and CEO of Vapo Oy Day, outlined his
addressed the need for new peat understanding by Two-thirds of the energy consumed
production areas in Finland. saying that the in Finland is imported. Finnish energy
use of peat should sources are wood and peat, as well as
Peat is an important and not been hampered or prevented, at hydro and wind power. Finland does
essential fuel for the Finnish least while the alternative is coal. not have any fossil energy resources
energy management sector, like coal, oil or natural gas.
with coal being its only “The order should be clear. First it
alternative. This was one of the is necessary to reduce the use of Mr. Kurvinen pointed out that the
outcomes of the Finnish Peat imported coal, and only then the use government should operate very
Day, held by the Association of of domestic peat. Coal should not level-headed in respect of the use
Finnish Peat Industries on be used as a substitute for peat,” he and taxation of peat. In his opinion,
18 October in Helsinki. stated. the widely accepted national mire
and peatland strategy provides a
In his opening address, Tomi Yli- According to Mr. Kurvinen, Finland solid basis for further handling of
Kyyny, the Chairperson of the Board cannot afford to increase the current the issue. “The strategy is a better
of the Association of Finnish Peat dependency on imported energy document than it is reputed to be. I
Industries and the CEO of Vapo Oy, any more. He also reminded the myself intend to promote the use of
emphasised the importance of peat. audience that peat is clearly a better the strategy as it is,” he said.
alternative than coal.
“Finland has set a challenging Energy sector needs peat
objective of raising the share of “The greenhouse gas impacts of peat
biofuels in its energy production and coal are more or less similar. Director Jari Kostama of
to 38%. Increased consumption of However, the advantage of peat Energiateollisuus ry (Finnish Energy
wood-based fuels has an important is the fact that it is domestic. Peat Industries) reminded the audience
part in this. Such increased sustains the reliability of energy that the use of wood in power and
consumption requires using peat as management, it is an essential heat production facilities has been
supporting fuel.” supporting fuel for burning wood in growing fast. This, however, has not
18 PEATLANDS International 2/2011eliminated the need for peat: “The
energy industry wishes to use peat Member of Parliament Esko Kurvinen
now and in future for a number from Oulu says that he is very interested
of reasons. Due to its combustion in energy issues. In Northern Finland the
technology properties, peat importance of energy is increased by the
facilitates burning of forest chips and cold climate and the energy-intensive
other fuels derived from biomasses industry concentrated in that region.
and waste of varying qualities.”
“Being a domestic resource, peat Peat is crucial for energy
also improves the terms of trade of supply
the national economy, has significant
positive regional and local economic The role of peat in the Finnish
effects, and is also important in terms energy supply was discussed
of security of supply. Furthermore, by Ilkka Kananen, Director of
peat also restrains overheating of Huoltovarmuuskeskus, the National
the wood fuel markets – wood has Emergency Supply Agency. He
to have a competitor,” admitted Mr. noted that the level of energy self-
Kostama. sufficiency in Finland is fairly low,
just 35%. In addition, it should be
Peat holds a significant part in the taken into consideration that 80% processes; the position of peat
energy industry objective to move of the imported energy originates should be modified in the climate
on large scale from the use of from only very few suppliers for oil, treaty, and the impact of weather
imported fossil fuels to domestic electricity, natural gas, coal, and should be reduced in peat production
fuels. According to the objective nuclear fuel. by developing harvesting and
of Energiateollisuus ry, covering a drying technologies,” Mr. Kananen
period of up to the year 2050, this According to Mr. Kananen, peat does suggested.
would mean a continued use of peat indeed have an important position
at about the current level, while in the Finnish energy supply. The Review of the
wood is used in maximum volumes. adequacy of the resource is good, National Peatland Strategy
The share of peat in the overall heat and peat is available across Finland. is moving ahead
production would be approximately Moreover, peat is also not dependent
20%. on international logistics, it can be The status of the national peatland
used in combination with other fuels, strategy was reported on by
“If no peat was available, the and it serves as a reserve fuel for Environmental Manager Veikko
replacing fuel would be coal. Wood biofuels. Besides, peat technology is Marttila of the Ministry of Agriculture
and other renewable sources of ready and reliable. and Forestry. He had headed the
energy are in any case used as much strategy workgroup and noted at the
as possible,” said Mr. Kostama. “In order to ensure security of supply, Peat Day that the issue is moving
new peat reserves should be brought ahead in the public administration.
into production by improving the
handling of the planning and permit “Comments made on the strategy
Some 85 attendees were carefully have been rather consensual and
listening to the presentations
predominantly positive. The strategy
of the Finnish Peat Day at
Kalastajatorppa on 18 October. has been considered necessary, and
the proposals it contains useful.”
He continued that “the government
programme supports the promotion
of the strategy, although no firm
policies have been developed.
Currently the issue is being worked
on by three government ministries,
and it is intended to complete
the draft proposal by the end of
November. Based on this proposal
the Cabinet will make its decision,”
Mr. Marttila anticipated.
Ismo Myllylä
email: ismo.myllyla@paprico.fi
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