The area used for peat production in Satakunta is declining rapidly. Emissions from peat energy use and production in Satakunta are projected to decrease by 71.36% between 2019 and 2029. However, leaving peat unutilized in areas where production has already commenced results in both climate and water-related emissions, as the peat decomposes naturally. Post-production measures implemented in these areas affect, for instance, downstream water bodies and the moisture balance of the surrounding landscape.
The project identifies sites in Satakunta that are no longer used for peat production and assesses their restoration potential for mitigating climate impacts under various climate scenarios. Hydrological modeling is used to evaluate the effects of potential restoration sites on the condition of the watershed, biodiversity, and the regional economy. Pilot studies focusing on water management, biomass quantity, and carbon measurements investigate the challenges associated with successful restoration and the measurement of results. The project involves developing a map-based service to share processed data with various stakeholders.
The main project is implemented by Tampere University, while Pyhäjärvi Institute implements a sub-project.