The primary objective of the project is to provide operational support to the Competence Cluster for the Sustainable Use of Peatlands, which was established in 2023. Initially focusing on Southern and Central Ostrobothnia, the cluster has since expanded to operate nationwide in Finland. Peatlands are utilised for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, forestry, peat production, nature tourism and other industries. Furthermore, they play a pivotal role in the protection of peatland habitats, biodiversity and water.

The competence cluster consists of regional and national actors whose activities are characterized by multi-optimization of different aspects of sustainability and consideration of the landowner’s perspective when developing sustainable use of peatlands. The project will enhance the efficiency of the competence cluster’s activities and facilitate the development of new projects and cooperative efforts to promote the sustainable use of peatlands. This will ensure that various aspects of peatland use are more integrated into development and decision-making processes.

• Funding: The project is co-funded by the European Union. Funding has been received through the Regional Councils of South Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia from the Just Transition Fund (JTF). The funding also consists of self-financing by project partners.
• Project partners: Finnish Forest Centre, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius and Ruralia Institute of the University of Helsinki
• Duration: 1.11.2023–31.1.2027
• Budget: 719 446 €

Target groups

The primary target audience for this project includes landowners of peatlands within the designated competence cluster on the sustainable use of peatlands. It also extends to other operators and companies that are centrally involved in the use of peatlands or stand to benefit from it.

Aim of the project

The objective of the project is to collaborate closely with the knowledge cluster on the sustainable use of peatlands in the project area. This will be achieved by providing the cluster with the necessary resources and tools to achieve its objectives. The primary objective of all activities is to promote the sustainable use of peatlands in the project area, ensuring that all dimensions of sustainability, including climate, are balanced (multiple optimization) and that landowners can express their views and participate in the planning and communication of development activities. The project’s objective is to contribute to the creation and strengthening of the experience of justice when giving up the use of energy peat and in the green transition.

The project’s work plan is outlined as follows

• Organize inclusive and multi-perspective, research-based communication on peatland-related issues for the cluster’s internal and external target groups.
• The initiative will involve the activation and coordination of knowledge production, practical solutions, and pilots on the sustainable use of peatlands. This will be done in a manner that takes into account the coordination of economic, ecological, social, and cultural objectives. In other words, the initiative will promote the sustainable use of peatlands while considering the coordination of economic, ecological, social, and cultural objectives.
• It is essential to enhance the competencies of landowners and operators. To this end, it is necessary to identify their respective competencies and training needs. Furthermore, training should be developed related to the use of peatlands. This training should be based on the knowledge and expertise of the actors, stakeholders, and landowners involved in the cluster.
• Provide neutral and fact-based information on the different aspects and impacts of peatland decisions at national and international levels.
• Promote cooperation and networking between stakeholders in the sector at the regional, national, and international levels. Also, strengthen the engagement of other relevant parties related to the use of peatlands (e.g., entrepreneurs and landowners).
• It is important to promote the regions of South and Central Ostrobothnia as a testing ground for implementing practical solutions and research data. These regions serve as an example area for the sustainable use of peatlands.
• The objective is to activate and coordinate the launch of various RDI projects related to the sustainable use of peatlands and to increase cooperation, quality, and effectiveness between projects.

Results

The project provides a framework, tools, and coordination to better involve landowners and operators and to develop practical solutions to meet the challenges. In such cases, customized solutions and approaches can be developed to align with the unique characteristics of the region or country in question. Concurrently, the measures’ acceptability will be enhanced by consulting with landowners and operators in the area and considering their perspectives. The project’s activities align with the principles of sustainable development and the EU’s environmental policy, promoting the practical use of peatlands in a sustainable manner.

We are seeking international connections and are pleased to network with operators and projects related to peatlands.