Innovative peatland recultivation methods at Kaigu bog
About this good practice
Peatlands make up about 12% of Latvia's territory. Of these, 39,500 hectares are degraded and need recultivation. Up to 31% of European professional horticulture for food production relies on Latvian peat and there are no equivalent substitutes. The peat extraction process has led to a significant loss of peat, altering the hydrological dynamics of these ecosystems. Former raised bogs now rely more on groundwater than on rain. Latvia does not consider raised bogs as groundwater-dependent ecosystems and they are not assessed in the River Basin Management Plans, hindering wetland protection.
Laflora is one of the largest Latvian companies that manufactures peat substrates since 1995. Around 90% of produced substrates are exported to 40 countries worldwide. The company manages the entire cycle. It extracts peat, makes high-value products, and recultivates the site.
In the private Kaigu bog in Jelgava (888 ha), Laflora is reclaiming over 200 ha to reduce emissions. Laflora will also boost paludicultures and address a shift in the hydrological system, and together with Latvian scientists, has developed various reclamation methods. These include: establishing pine plantations for forest growth, cultivating lingonberries, and growing rhododendrons, heathers, and sedges. They also include beekeeping, paludiculture, and growing highbush blueberries and large cranberries. The next phase is to build a wind-solar park and a green industrial zone in Kaigu Bog.
Resources needed
Roughly 0.5m EUR to study and test this good practice considering labor and technology costs with more resources needed for next stages. Activities have been supported also by the EU LIFE program project “LIFE REstore”, the Interreg Europe project “BIOWIND” and the HORIZON project “PLUS Change”.
Evidence of success
By reclaiming over 200 hectares of degraded peatlands, Laflora mitigates emissions from peat extraction and addresses hydrological shifts. Their practices include establishing pine plantations, cultivating lingonberries and other plants, and integrating beekeeping and paludiculture. The key success lies within reduced emissions, restored biodiversity, significant economic contributions, and plans for green development, aligning with climate goals and sustainable practices.
Potential for learning or transfer
Laflora's approach to reclaiming Kaigu Bog offers valuable lessons. Its methods are innovative and sustainable, so they can guide other regions. Key success factors include using diverse plant species and beekeeping to restore biodiversity. They also include integrating paludiculture, which boosts ecosystem health and productivity. The plan to build a wind-solar park and green industry zone shows a smart, climate-neutral vision. For successful transfer, regions should focus on regulatory support, scientific collaboration, and community engagement to ensure the effective implementation of similar projects.