Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - Saxony-Anhalt wants to revitalize former moors and support the preservation of existing ones. For this purpose, a working group "Moorth Protection" was set up to identify suitable areas, the State Office for Environmental Protection announced. Currently, as a guideline, around five percent of the country's area consists of moors or moor-like soils. The proportion of semi-natural moors, on the other hand, is "very low". Initially, there will be tests on three different pilot areas. It is not yet clear where exactly these areas will be located in Saxony-Anhalt.
Revitalization projects are very complex and lengthy. Under favorable conditions, moorland growth can begin again after just a few years, according to the state office on Wednesday. "However, it is often assumed that the periods of time are much longer."
Intact moors would play an important role in regulating the water balance of ecosystems, as a habitat for specially adapted species and also for storing climate-damaging greenhouse gases. A specialist day is planned for April 20, 2023 in Magdeburg on the subject of moors and moorland protection. In addition to general information, the state's peatland protection activities would be discussed there and experiences with revitalization projects already underway presented.
