![](http://i0.wp.com/s.w.org/images/core/5.8/forest.jpg?ssl=1)
📍Pikkusaarisuo, Finland
Co-creation in peat extraction areas
Challenges: Peat extraction areas are significant greenhouse gas sources (1.7 Mt CO2 eq.). In Finland, ~50,000 ha of former peat extraction sites had undergone land-use change by 2018. Restoration by rewetting may increase methane (CH4) emissions, whereas afforestation decreases emissions by 7.8 tn CO2 eq/ha/year during the first 15 years and increases carbon storage in trees and soil. The use of former peat extraction areas can be a sensitive issue among stakeholders and often leads to conflict.
Solutions: Rewetting, reintroducing Sphagnum moss or vascular plants, and/or afforestation. Since rewetting alone may increase CH4 emissions, and to avoid conflict, co-creation among stakeholders will be used to find the best solution(s).
Outcomes: A common understanding of the best possible after-use of the site will be reached.
![](http://i0.wp.com/alfawetlands.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Extraction_icon-1.png?resize=500%2C500&ssl=1)
Type of wetland:
Peat extraction area