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Buffer+

Restoring the carbon and water buffering capacity of peatlands

Buffer+, an Interreg NWE-funded project for climate change adaptation and mitigation in North West Europe regions

BUFFER+ is a collaborative project dedicated to enhancing climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in peatland areas across North West Europe bringing together a diverse consortium of partners including governmental organizations, research institutions, SMEs, and NGOs.

The project seeks to transform degraded peatlands into functional carbon and water buffers while simultaneously restoring biodiversity and fostering sustainable revenue streams.

Wet and healthy peatlands are perfectly suited for storing CO2 and water. That is why these areas play an important role in periods of excessive rainfall and during times of drought. Because large peat areas within Northwest Europe (NWE) have been drained for peat extraction, agriculture or forestry, their natural buffer function no longer works.

By restoring the natural capacity of peatlands to buffer carbon and water, the BUFFER+ partners contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation in NWE. And at the same time restoring biodiversity and creating new sources of income in these areas.

BeeOdiversity’s contribution

Interreg BUFFER+ involves 21 partners and 7 associated organizations from 5 countries: Germany, Ireland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Together they represent all types of peatlands in north-west Europe; from low peat bogs, boggy soils and peat meadows to wet grasslands and raised bogs.

Knowledge organizations, site managers, companies, network organizations and governments combine their capabilities and expertise and build on the results of previous projects.

As one of the partners in the BUFFER+ project, BeeOdiversity contributes its expertise in biodiversity preservation and environmental monitoring.

Through our innovative BeeOmonitoring solution, BeeOdiversity provides valuable data for the various teams involved in the field to assess the environmental quality of peatland areas.

By leveraging data collected by domestic honeybees, BeeOdiversity aids in identifying plant species, detecting invasive alien species, and monitoring pesticide levels.

BeeOdiversity’s contribution plays an essential role in facilitating the coordination of the projects, in particular by measuring the impact and effectiveness of the actions undertaken throughout the restoration work and by facilitating the adoption of sustainable peatland management practices.

2023-2027, a 4-year journey to a more sustainable furture

Buffer+ project commenced in 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in 2027.

It is already taking place in Romboutswervepolder (BE), where the Province of West Flanders is also co-financing the BeeOmonitoring, in the Zuidlaardermeer area in Groningen (NL), and in Grand Hazé in Normandy (FR).