Demonstration restoration of a peatland (fen) in Baisogala

Combining environmental, scientific-experimental and land user interests, it is planned to restore the hydrological regime and encourage the formation of wet meadows and lowland peatland habitats in the lowland peat soils (about 8 ha) in the vicinity of Baisogala town (Kemerai village).  

 

Due to drainage and intensive land use, the area has been severely damaged and lost some of its original functions. Its current use is not sustainable in the context of climate change. Preliminary data on the management and use of the Baisogala peatland based on sustainable principles will reduce GHG emissions from drained peat soils by at least 100 t CO2 eq / year.  

​

According to the methodologies used in the carbon credit certification schemes (MoorFutures, etc.), GHG emissions are estimated until 2050, when Europe is expected to become the first climate-neutral on the continent to achieve zero net emissions. Therefore, in 2050 it will be 29 years since the restoration of the Baisogala wetland, scheduled for 2021, which will save at least 2,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.  

​

The project will achieve other equally important goals - the restored wetland ecosystem will be able to restore ecosystem services lost due to drainage, such as maintaining biodiversity, improving the quality of water bodies - reducing the amount of nitrogen compounds entering the surrounding surface waters by 45%, contributing to adjacent Reduction of eutrophication of Baisogala ponds and Kiršinas stream flowing into the Nevėžis river.