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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

Start Date

01/01/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/05/2010