MINSK, 3 October (BelTA) - More than 12,000 hectares of disturbed forest peatlands will be restored in Belarus under the Wetlands project, BelTA learned from the UNDP press service.
The project will be carried out in four territories: the disturbed swamp forests of Zhad, Ostrovo, Berezovik and Gorodok. “Re-swamping is the most effective method for sustainable use of disturbed peatlands. It was developed and tested during the previous UNDP-GEF international technical assistance projects. Rehabilitation of disturbed peatlands will help stabilize the level of groundwater, prevent peat from mineralization and soil from drying out. It will have a positive impact on rivers and meadows adjacent to the project areas,” the press service noted.
Plans are in place to use the experience to develop a long-term plan for the sustainable use of 260,000 hectares of drained peatlands covered with forest in Belarus. Areas of use will be determined for each peatland.
Today, Belarus is one of the world leaders in the wetland restoration. According to international technical assistance projects, 51,000 hectares of drained wetlands have already been restored in the country. The Wetlands project, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the UNDP in partnership with Belarus' Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry, will also contribute to this work. The project started in November 2017 and is designed to run for five years.
Belarus' Natural Resources Ministry has drafted the bill on the protection and use of wetlands (peatlands) which is unmatched in Europe. The document has been submitted for public discussion.
