Moor rescue: Experts are calling for Diepholz for the future!

Moor rescue: Experts are calling for Diepholz for the future!

In Ströhen, an important conference for the rewetting of bogs was recently held, in which various players from science, agriculture and politics came together. The participants discussed the economic and social challenges associated with the return of dry bogs. The reason for the assembly was the ambitious goal of the state of Lower Saxony to reverse a number of bogs by 2030 and thus prevent massive CO2 emissions.

The event, which took place in the European specialist center of moor and climate, presented a varied framework with eight lectures and intensive discussions. The approximately 85 participants dealt in detail with the complexity of the rumbling and demanded clear political framework in order to master the challenges. The moderator Olaf Stührmann, who also cleverly led the program from the Lower Saxony Academy of Rural Areas, knew about the urgency of these conversations.

The complexity of moor reverting

A central topic was the role of bogs in climate protection. Significant amounts of greenhouse gases escape in dry soils, which makes rewetting particularly necessary. The challenge is not only a technical, but also an economic one. Dr. Arno Krause from the Niedersachsen/Bremen Grassland Center pointed out the pressing questions regarding the restrictions on use that the return of moor areas. "80 percent of the Lower Saxony bogs are used for agriculture," he said. The potential loss of value creation, especially in milk production, makes it clear that there is no general solution for all regions.

The discussion about the balance between ecological goals and economic interests is also reflected in the specific measures. In addition to the practical challenges, such as the construction of retention basins, alternatives to conventional uses must be developed in order to counter negative economic consequences. The participants discussed the possibility of paludicultures as a sustainable alternative to cushion the elimination of grassland -dependent industry.

A focus was also on the cultural and historical importance that bogs have for the people on site. Dr. Claudia Heindorf from the University of Göttingen presented the results of a study that showed that the binding of the population to the bogs is strongly pronounced. "People measure high values of a natural bog and also managed grassland," she said, clarifying the complexity of reconciling all interests.

The conference left space for different opinions, and one participant questioned the economic calculations. "Are the numbers really correct?" He asked and pointed out the possibility of alternative added value. These mind games testify to the dynamic and often contradictory nature of the discussion about the bog changes.

In the Diepholz Moorneilung, the rewetting has been working for many years. Detlef Tänzer from the district reported on the successful projects that were implemented there, including the return of 140 hectares in the barver moor. "We have made progress in the past ten years and are planning to annoy another 300 to 350 hectares," said Tänzer.

required for success are trusting conversations and reliable financing. The nature conservation foundation is of great importance as a partner. The criticism of the previous funding, which often required too complicated application procedures and temporary support, also became loud. Dancers and others called for simplification of these processes and more support from the state of Lower Saxony.

For more details on this topic, there are comprehensive information in a report on www.kreiszeitung.de .