Geodatabase Revised: 44,000 Hectares of Moor Newly Recorded

After 33 years, Austria has a newly revised peatland geodatabase. The data contains current information on the distribution, condition, and ecological characteristics of the approximately 44,000 hectares of peatland area. "In addition, the data provides important foundations for the implementation of the biodiversity strategy and climate protection goals," it was stated in a press release from the Ministry of the Environment on Friday.

New Database as a Basis for Restoration and Planning

The database was presented as part of a "National Peatland Platform" of the project "LIFE AMooRe - Austrian Moor Restoration". According to the Ministry of the Environment, the EU project "LIFE AMooRe" aims to "kick-start the implementation of the Austrian Peatland Strategy 2030+ through concrete measures for peatland restoration as well as through the development of foundations and decision-making mechanisms for the period after the project ends". The project runs until 2033 with a total volume of 44 million.

"Peatlands are valuable climate protectors and unique habitats. They store enormous amounts of carbon, regulate the water balance, and provide rare species with an important refuge," emphasized Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP), whose department supports the project with 3.6 million euros.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.