- OrgBalt - https://www.orgbalt.eu -

LIFE OrgBalt article about 17 demonstration sites implemented within the project

LIFE OrgBalt has published the article about 17 sites for demonstrating climate change mitigation approaches within LIFE OrgBalt project Full article available HERE. [1]

Demonstration of climate change mitigation (CCM) practices in nutrient-rich organic soils is one of the key elements of the LIFE OrgBalt project. In total 17 demonstration sites are established in Latvia and Finland, with additional reference sites across the Baltic States. By measuring the greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in the demonstration and reference sites, the results of implementing various CCM measures is continuously studied.

LIFE OrgBalt developed 3 sites demonstrating continuous cover forestry management aiming to reduce CO2 emissions from forestry drained peat in Finland and 14 demonstration sites established in Latvia, both on agricultural and forest land. Moreover, GHG fluxes are monitored in 53 sites (including demonstration sites) providing comprehensive data for the whole area of the Baltic States and comparable with data sets available in Finland and Germany.

The key groups of CCM measures selected for testing for implementation in forest land to highlight are measures related to afforestation and forest restoration and measures  that  aim  at  increase  in forest  carbon  stocks  through  the  modification  of  forest  management practices

For measures implemented on agricultural lands and selected for testing we would like to highlight three key groups: Change of crop type, Complete or partial afforestation of land and Climate smart drainage activities.

The methods selected are incorporated and tailored to the specific conditions of the project, and measures in demonstration are innovative in the context of the Baltic states and Finland, and to some extent, also in Germany. 

It is expected that the measures implemented will not only aid in reducing GHG emissions, but also bring other environmental benefits, like moderate disturbance to forest floor vegetation during logging operations.

The methodological approach developed as a result of the project will be suitable for application outside Baltic States, Finland, Germany and in the whole cool & TCM (temperate cool and moist) climate zone.