1. Sustainable use of Estonian peat resources and environmental challenges Mall Orru The Geological Survey of Estonia

2. Background Peatlands cover 22.3% of Estonian territory (1 009 100 ha) ~60% of peatlands are formed as paludification of mineral soils and ~40% as lake paludification Total number of the peatlands is 9836; 85% of them are small (1-10 ha) Average thickness of peat layer is 3-4 m

3. Background Peatlands cover 22,3% of Estonian territory (1 009 100 ha) 60% of peatlands are formed as paludification of mineral soils and 40% as lake paludification Total number of the peatlands is 9836, 85% of them are small (1-10 ha) Average thickness of peat layer is 3-4 m

4. Investigation of Estonian peatlands Work started in 1967 in the Geological Survey of Estonia (EGK) All mires with area >1 ha were investigated and mapped (1:10 000, 1:25 000) Thickness of peat layer, peat type, ash content, pH, moisture, hydrological, and geological condition were studied ~70 000 samples were analysed in laboratory

5. Environmental register, list of deposits Started in 1996 in EGK, recently hold by Estonian Land Board List of deposits consists 279 peat deposits Area of peat deposits is ~260 000 ha, which contains 26% of total peatlands area and 8% of Estonian territory List of deposits is complemented constantly

6. Peat resources Total resources 2.37 billion tons In list of peat deposits 1.60 billion tons (16% light humified, 84% well humified) Active probable reserves 0.82 billion tonnes Passive reserves 0.56 billion tonnes Active proved reserves 0.22 billion tonnes

7. Peat extraction It is extracted from 77 deposits Production fields area is 20 550 ha Peat is mainly used for horticulture and fuel Peat production ranges from 0.9-1.5 million tons

8. According to the Sustainable Development Act – the extraction can not exceed 2.6 million tons per year

9. Mire protection Mire protection area 161 575 ha With Natura 2000 protected areas 211 421 ha 72% of them are raised bogs 22% of Estonian mires are under protection

10. Alternative use of peat Environmental technological solutions – Like sorbents, wastewater treatment etc. Peat balneology – Research has been carried out by EGK – Clinical experiments in progress

11. Abandoned peat production areas 154 abandoned peat production areas in Estonia with area 8500 ha Peat reserves not totally exhausted yet there High CO 2 emission due peat humification Peat mineralises in such areas

12. Revision of abandoned peat production areas Carried out by EGK since 2005 At the end of 2007 the revision will be completed in 12 counties Study questions: – remained peat resources; – state of water regime; – drainage network; – revegetation etc.

13. Põlliku peatland

14. Põlliku peatland 2

15. Imsi peatland

16. Hõreda peatland

17. Rabivere peatland

18. Viru peatland

19. Hara peatland

20. Hara peatland 2

21. As the results of the study … To provide information for decisionmakers weather re- establish mire, turn into wetland, reforest, plant with berries or make a body of water The above-described problem is topical in the other countries as well In 2008, XIII International peat Congress “After Wise Use – the Future of Peatlands” will be organised by the International Peat Society in Tullamore, Ireland

22. Plantation of berries Plantation of cranberries and blueberries in abandoned peatlands Studies carried out by Estonian University of Life Sciences

23. Conclusions Continue and develop sustainable use of peat resources and peatlands – Find alternative usage for peat Better co-operation between scientists, decisionmakers, peatproducers etc. Make the linking of borders of peat deposits, protection areas, and peat production available Improve scientific studies of abandoned peat areas – multidisciplinary analyses – geologist, ecologist, botanist, hydrologist

24. Thank you for your attention! Contact: orru@egk.ee