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Project Code [07-CCRP-1.1.6a]
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Project title
Carbon-Restore: The Potential of Restored Peatlands For Carbon Sequestration
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Dublin (UCD)
Lead Applicant
Christoph Muller
Project Abstract
Pristine peatlands act as long term carbon sinks and thereby play a major role in regulating the global climate. However, this role is impaired when a peatland undergoes drainage and peat harvesting and the peatland becomes a significant carbon source. Restoration of harvested peatlands has the potential to restore the carbon sink function. However, at present, little information exists on the potential of these ecosystems to sequester C in Ireland. This proposal will provide new information, expand our knowledge base and compliment the research carried out by current national and international peatland projects. It will comprise a desk top study and a field study, which will measure Greenhouse Gas (GHG) fluxes (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) in an actively restored peatland. Key deliverables will be (1) a cost analysis of a range of post-harvested land use options in terms of their C sequestration potential and environmental benefits. This will be based on previous work carried out by the Project team. (2) The results from the field study will provide critical information regarding the ability of restored peatlands in Ireland to sequester carbon and assess the vulnerability of the potential carbon sink function in these new ecosystems to environmental pressures.
Grant Approved
�178,968.30
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sinks, and Management Systems
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/05/2010