Applying ecosystem accounting to develop a risk register for peatlands and inform restoration targets at catchment scale: a case study from the European region

Abstract

Combining natural capital accounting tools and ecosystem restoration approaches builds on existing frameworks to track changes in ecosystem stocks and flows of services and benefits as a result of restoration. This approach highlights policy-relevant benefits that arise due to restoration efforts and helps to maximize opportunities for return on investment. Aligning the System of Environmental Economic Accounting-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA) framework with risk assessment tools, we developed a risk register for peatlands in two contrasting catchments in Ireland, based on available information relating to peatland stocks (extent and condition) and flows (services and benefits), as well as knowledge of pressures. This approach allowed for identification of areas to target peatland restoration, by highlighting the potential to reduce and reverse negative trends in relation to provisioning, regulating, and cultural services, flows relating to non-use values, as well as abiotic flows. We also highlighted ways to reduce and reverse the effects of historical and ongoing pressures through restoration measures, aligning our approach with that outlined in the SER International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration. Building on the synergies between the SEEA EA and the SER Standards is highlighted as a means to develop transdisciplinary collaboration, to assist in setting and achieving targets set out under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as well as integrating regional policy targets set under the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and the related EU Habitats and EU Water Framework Directives.

Quantifying wetness variability in aapa mires with Sentinel‐2: towards improved monitoring of an EU priority habitat

“…Sensitivity information can be utilized in climate‐wise nature conservation planning to enhance the protected area network, as well as targeting ecosystem restoration. A particularly useful application would be RS‐based monitoring in restored aapa mires, as peatland restoration is becoming a focal point for EU‐level nature conservation (Farrell et al., 2022). Spatial information on wetness and climatic responses of mires is also needed in upscaling carbon exchange estimations and predicting the effects of climatic changes (Laine et al., 2019; Rinne et al., 2020).…”

Reconciling climate action with the need for biodiversity protection, restoration and rehabilitation

“…An emerging approach is to think of biodiversity as an asset (part of our natural capital) that needs to be maintained and managed to ensure the sustainable flow of resources and services it provides (Ekins et al, 2003;Mace et al, 2015;Maseyk et al, 2017). Natural Capital Accounting comprises systematic methods to measure and report on stocks (biodiversity, soils, water, geology) and flows (ecosystem services and benefits) of natural capital (Farrell et al, 2022;Maseyk et al, 2017). This quantification and systematization of the value of ecosystems, including the extent and condition of stocks of assets and flows of services and benefits, and tracking these changes over time, can assist in making decisions that benefit the environment, society, and the economy (Farrell et al, 2021a;Hein et al, 2020).…”

“…Many of the state owner industrial extracted areas will be decommissioned and rehabilitated as part of a state funded program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the added benefit of regeneration of semi-natural wetland habitats. This equates to only ca 5 % of the national peatland resource, so a full inventory of peatlands should be considered in terms of potential wins for rewetting (Farrell et al, 2022).…”

“…Cessation of commercial extraction could displace peat extraction to bogs that lack licensing and regulations with negative impacts for both biodiversity and climate mitigation. Regulation of peat extraction (including turf for fuel) would help prevent the expansion of extraction, and resulting consequences for climate, water, and biodiversity (Farrell et al, 2022). Furthermore, the rehabilitation of decommissioned bogs should be a top priority for climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation in Ireland as this is a Nature Based Solution that would deliver multiple co-benefits for the environment (Farrell et al, 2021b).…”