There is a need for action

The conservation status of peatlands is worrying in large parts of Europe. According to Paternoster et al. (2021), over 90 % of Austrian mires are in need of restoration. This critical situation requires substantial changes at many levels. The UN and EU therefore launched the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration in 2021. Member states are encouraged to rewet peatlands and fulfil their international obligations, including the Paris Climate Agreement. For Austria, this means that active measures for water protection, the reduction of local greenhouse gas emissions and the long-term conservation of biodiversity must be taken quickly in line with European policies regarding nature conservation, water and climate. Against this background, the Peatland Strategy Austria 2030+ was created as an integral part of a cross-sectoral process and part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.