Presentation of the Interreg BUFFER+ Project at Eurosite’s Annual Meeting
At the annual meeting of Eurosite, the Interreg BUFFER+ project was presented to the participating members. The discussion focused on the challenges surrounding peatlands, the importance of these areas and why we must protect and restore them. We also explored the project’s approach to sustainable restoration and management of North-West European peatlands. The presentation outlined how we plan to achieve BUFFER+ goals through effective management and the expected outcomes by the end of the project. Conservation management was a key theme emphasized throughout the meeting. Read the full programme here.
The partners showed significant interest in the project. Afterwards, a brief discussion was held on how to engage stakeholders in the sustainable management of peatlands through the concept of Payment for Ecosystem Services. This model proposes compensating stakeholders for maintaining the natural benefits provided by peatlands, such as by avoiding drainage and other damaging practices.
Communication around this project is crucial. Eurosite (an NGO) consists of a network of 71 governmental, non-governmental, and individual members from 24 European countries (19 EU member states). The network was established to facilitate the sharing of knowledge about the technical management of nature reserves. Eurosite provides its members with the opportunity to compare practices, exchange information, and learn about effective ways to manage protected areas.
By presenting the Interreg BUFFER+ project, we were able to spread the message further across Europe. We hope to inspire others to participate in the sustainable transition of peatlands—an area that plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
Find the original article written by our Belgium partner, Natuurpunt, here in Dutch: https://www.natuurpunt.be/nieuws/interreg-buffer-aanwezig-op-de-jaarlijkse-eurosite-meeting-2024