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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

Start Date

01/01/2013

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/01/2015