Revitalisation strategies are currently being developed for approximately 989 hectares of historic peat extraction sites on municipal and private land in Vidzeme, Latgale, Zemgale, and Kurzeme. Their development is being organised by the Vidzeme Planning Region, in cooperation with other planning regions, as part of the project Support for the revitalisation of historic peat extraction sites. The strategies will help landowners assess future land use options and prepare for the implementation of revitalisation works, including attracting European Union funding.
The development of the strategies is the next stage following the inventory of historic peat extraction sites. A total of more than 9,000 hectares were inventoried as part of the project, with 2,166 hectares identified as requiring revitalisation. Consent from landowners was required for the development of the strategies, and this was obtained for areas totalling approximately 989 hectares. It should be noted that strategies are not being developed for areas subject to the polluter pays principle.
Unlike historic peat extraction sites, modern regulations require the recultivation of peat extraction areas once extraction is complete. In some historic peat extraction areas, recultivation was not carried out at the time. Drained peat soils in such areas continue to decompose and cause greenhouse gas emissions, so one of the goals of revitalisation is to reduce these emissions while finding a suitable future use for the land.
During the inventory, a potential type of revitalisation was determined for each site, but this is being refined during the strategy development stage using previously obtained data and additional field research. The depth and properties of the remaining peat layer, groundwater levels, drainage systems, geological conditions, planned land use, the landowner's intentions, potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and the impact on surrounding areas are all being assessed.
The strategy will describe the steps necessary to implement the revitalisation, namely documentation, approvals and permits, practical works, the necessary machinery, specialists and materials, the sequence of works, and an indicative implementation schedule. Where possible, estimated costs will also be calculated, and a site management plan for the 15 years following revitalisation will be prepared.
Depending on the specific conditions of the site, peatland ecosystem restoration (renaturalisation), afforestation, or the creation of a water body may be recommended for municipal properties. On private land, in addition to these solutions, paludiculture or the cultivation of perennial crops, such as large-fruited cranberries, blueberries, or other berries characteristic of peatlands, is also possible.
Once the strategies are developed, their results will be discussed with the landowners, explaining the recommended revitalisation solution, the conditions for its implementation, and potential next steps.
The strategies will be advisory and will not place any obligation on the landowner to implement the solutions specified therein. Upon receiving the expert assessment, the owner will be able to decide on the future use of the territory. If a decision is made to proceed with revitalisation, the information gathered in the strategy can also be used to prepare projects and secure funding.
Funding for the implementation of revitalisation works is envisaged in the next rounds of project selection for the Just Transition Fund, which will be administered by the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA). In the fourth selection round, 2.01 million euros is earmarked for the revitalisation of historic peat extraction sites by municipalities, while in the fifth round, 15.07 million euros is allocated for private landowners . The announcement of both selection rounds is indicatively planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The intensity of support will depend on the chosen method of revitalisation and the recipient of the support.