Renaturation of Swiss Upland Moors

Moors are enormous carbon stores and form biodiversity hotspots. In Switzerland, many moors are protected, but are nonetheless in poor condition due to lack of funding. Thanks to the rewetting measures carried out as part of the myclimate moor projects, large quantities of carbon can be captured in the soil.

Globally, moors store 30 per cent of soil carbon, despite the fact that they cover only three per cent of the world’s surface. In earlier times, moors were drained for agriculture, forestry or peat extraction. Consequently, huge amounts of CO₂ are released from the soil. In order to stop the emissions, rewetting is urgently needed. This process entails removing drainage ditches and thus restoring the natural water balance in the moors. The ecological restoration of moorland as a carbon offset project is possible thanks to new methods from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), which estimates the quantity of CO₂ emissions prevented by the restoration.

With the standard developed by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL for estimating CO2 emissions and the participation by myclimate, the costs for landowners are reduced. This allows more upland moors to be renatured and also benefits climate protection.

Peter Zopfi, Canton Glarus

Biodiversity also benefits

Healthy moors are not only powerful carbon sinks, they are also biodiversity hotspots. As water-rich ecosystems they provide habitats for rare and even endangered plant and animal species. A renaturation also improves flood protection, water pollution control, the microclimate and the landscape. It offers the local population a place for relaxation, and the funds invested in the renaturation are primarily used to engage regional businesses to carry out the necessary work. Consequently, myclimate is particularly proud to support these new pioneering projects.

Take a look at the post from the SRF on rewetting moors through myclimate carbon offset projects.

Application

Cantons or organisations that would like to develop an upland moor restoration as part of the myclimate carbon offset programme can submit an application using the registration form.

Apply now

Swiss Upland Moor Projects

myclimate has been developing high-quality upland moor projects as part of a carbon offset programme in Switzerland since 2019 and is a pioneer with extensive experience in the development of carbon offset projects. The following projects have already been implemented:

Further Moor Projects in Germany

myclimate also supports moor projects in Germany. The following projects have already been implemented:

Contact us!

Mélanie Siegrist

Project Leader Nature Based Solutions

+41 44 500 43 50

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