Peatlands and the Project Explained

The restoration/rehabilitation actions under the Peatlands Excellence pillar will contribute to reducing Ireland’s national greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets over the longer-term. Ireland has recently committed to reporting its carbon emissions from Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) and any reduction in emissions in this sector will be captured and reported on by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who are a project partner. A robust, scientifically driven monitoring programme has been designed into Peatlands and People, which will contribute to the evidence base used by the Irish Government to claim carbon credits under LULUCF.

Land Use, Land-use Change and Forestry covers the following categories; Forest land, Cropland, Grassland, Wetlands, Settlements, Other land and Harvested Wood products. Under current EU legislation adopted in May 2018, EU Member States have to ensure that accounted GHG emissions from land use, land use change or forestry are balanced by at least an equivalent accounted removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the period 2021 to 2030. For more information see: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/forests/lulucf_en

The inclusion of GHG emissions and removals from LULUCF in the 2030 climate and energy framework highlights the critical role of the land use sector in reaching long-term climate mitigation objectives. However, this is not going to be the only solution. All sectors must contribute to the climate emergency, and it is hoped that the activities taking place under the Accelerator and Discovery Attraction will provide more solutions, tackling other areas to encourage further reductions in GHG emissions and climate action.