Belarus Peatlands
Developing a practical vision for peatland restoration.
This planning grant applied technical expertise to identify sites most suitable for restoration within Belarus’s peatland landscapes. Only one-third of the country’s 2.6 million ha of peatlands remain in a natural or near-natural state, with the rest drained for agriculture, forestry or peat extraction. The project assessed opportunities to rewet degraded sites that had been withdrawn from economic use.
Belarus
APB (BirdLife Belarus)
Peatlands and wetlands
Common curlew, eurasian whimbrel, golden plover, black-tailed godwit, common greenshank, wood sandpiper, common snipe, northern lapwing, citrine wagtail, common reed bunting, great grey shrike, meadow pipit, marsh harrier
Why This Landscape Matters
Peatlands provide vital habitat for a wide range of species, including the common curlew.
Peatlands are among Europe’s most threatened habitats, yet they provide essential services such as carbon storage, water regulation and biodiversity support. In Belarus, they are also home to wetland birds, beaver and moose.
Restoring degraded peatlands would deliver both climate and biodiversity benefits, while also supporting sustainable livelihoods.
What the Project Did
The grant developed a vision for peatland restoration. Key actions included:
Demonstrating the potential climate benefits, with restoration of a 2,000 ha site estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tonnes of CO₂ by 2050.
Highlighting the biodiversity value of restoration, including the return of wetland bird communities, beaver and moose.
of peatland sites were assessed and identified as suitable for rewetting.
Showing the socio-economic potential, with up to 50 new jobs created for every 2,000 ha restored.
Looking Ahead
The project provided a practical basis for large-scale peatland restoration in Belarus. Although further implementation depends on national priorities and political context, its findings remain an important reference point for future efforts to restore one of Europe’s most significant peatland landscapes.
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