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Project Code [2012-B-MS-9]
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Project title
Greenhouse gas emissions and sink potential of Irish peatlands
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Dublin (UCD)
Lead Applicant
Florence Renou-Wilson
Project Abstract
Rewetting of drained/damaged peatlands has been proposed as a climate mitigation action. While the potential of some rewetted Irish peatlands to contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon (C) uptake and storage has been recently highlighted, our knowledge of the C sequestration potential of Irish peatlands at the national level is poor. In this project, we propose to (1) carry out a survey of data so far and identify gaps: to provide an overview of the most up-to-date state of knowledge regarding Irish peatlands and their associated GHG emissions/sinks (known/unknown) as well as implication for policy, (2) fill gaps with new research through field studies, (3) appraise management practices associated with the mitigation of GHG emissions and the restoration of C sink function, (4) carry out an exercise using both default emission factors (EF) and Tier 2 EF (this study) to determine the most advantageous reporting level for Ireland in terms of rewetting of degraded peatlands. This work will provide key outputs which will support Tier 2 level national reporting of GHG inventories in drained and rewetted peatlands while contributing to the development of national policy for the sustainable management of peat soils. 1.Database showing the profile of GHG emissions/sinks for Irish peatland land use categories (LUC) with associated map of Ireland showing current GHG emissions/sinks 2.Provision of data to enable a progression in National Inventory Reporting from Tier 1 (default) to higher Tier levels for drained and rewetted peatlands 3.Appraisal of management practices for each peatland LUC and policy recommendations 4.Peer-reviewed publications including one review paper and one position paper 5.Publication of reports and proceedings in national/international conferences and technical and popular articles.
Grant Approved
�285,108.54
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Sectoral Impacts on Biodiversity
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/01/2015