Estonia and Latvia Announce Baltic Defence Line Plans with Ecological Considerations
Estonia’s defense ministry and Latvia’s armed forces have revealed that their new Baltic Defence Line plans will enhance the regions’ borders by utilizing natural obstacles, including bogs, but will not include peatland restoration, reports 24brussels.
Despite this exclusion, scientists argue that there is significant potential for peatland restoration, particularly given that these environments cover approximately 10 percent of the Baltic region. Helm, an ecologist from Estonia, states that many drained wetlands are still viable for restoration. “We have a lot of wetlands that are drained but still there. If we now restore the water regime — we close the ditches that constantly drain them and make them emit carbon — then they are relatively easy to return to a more natural state,” she explained.
Healthy peatlands are critical for biodiversity, serving as habitats for various wildlife, including frogs, snails, dragonflies, and unique plant species. Furthermore, they provide essential services, acting as buffers against droughts and wildfires, thereby enhancing Europe’s resilience to climate change.
Although restoration of these ecosystems takes time, ceasing drainage practices can lead to immediate environmental benefits. “Ending drainage not only puts a fast stop to pollution — it also instantly renders the terrain impassable,” noted Kotowski, a Polish ecologist. He added, “As long as the land isn’t completely drained, it’s one or two years and you have the wetland full of water. Restoration is a difficult process from an ecological point of view, but for water retention, for stopping emissions and for difficulty to cross — so for defensive purposes — it’s pretty straightforward and fast.”
