Restoring Peatlands in Russia to COP26

The sketch about the German-Russian project “Restoring peatlands in Russia for fire prevention and climate change mitigation“ This is the story of the successful collaboration of many partners and friends working together through German-Russian cooperation to demonstrate the best example of how improved management of peatlands can contribute to the health of our planet, its climate, biodiversity and hence also, the livelihoods of people. Russia is one of the richest countries for peatlands. One fifth of the country’s area is covered by peat, almost 10 % with deep peat. 65% of the country’s area is covered by permafrost, including peat. Permafrost is heavily dependent on peat. Mires accumulate carbon and reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Peat can absorb a water volume a thousand times its own dry weight and adsorb pollutants. In case of drought, water stored in mires keeps the groundwater level in the surrounding area high, cools the atmosphere and humidifies the air. Peat is an ideal thermally insul