The Peatland LIFEline project aims to restore 1400 ha of the unique Icelandic volcanic lowland peatlands, largely degraded since the second part of the 20th century.

After systematic consultations with local stakeholders and communities, we will plan the work in eleven sites owned by the Icelandic state: Borgarbyggð, Árborg, Rangarþing ytra, and Múlaþing. We will furthermore harmonize methodologies between partners, and with the relevant standards for ecological restoration and EU regulations. This groundwork will enable us to develop strong guidelines for the restoration, monitoring (vegetation, bird life, gas fluxes, freshwater biodiversity, soil chemistry, anthropogenic pressure) and sustainable management of peatland ecosystems in Iceland and increase local and institutional capacity.

Icelandic peatlands are crucial to reduce carbon emissions, and an essential habitat for wader birds migrating across the East Atlantic Flyway, characterized by the endemic Icelandic black sedge-brown moss fens (very high conservation value according to the 2014 Bern Convention List). We will monitor three bird species – the Dunlin, the Black-tailed godwit (endangered – IUCN Red List) and the Redshank (endangered - IUCN Red List). We will also closely monitor the impact of restoring water bodies for the European eel (critically endangered - IUCN Red List). It is expected that the project will also have a positive impact on the Eurasian whimbrel and the Eider duck (endangered - IUCN Red List).

Mýralíf

Photo credit: Daníel Bergmann