Peatlands take centre stage at EUKI climate conference in Berlin

The EUKICON26 gathered policymakers, companies, researchers and civil society actors from across Europe to discuss practical pathways towards climate neutrality and stronger European climate cooperation. Organised under the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, the event traditionally focuses on renewable energy and industrial transformation. This year, however, peatlands became part of the conversation for the first time. 

Together with CEEweb for Biodiversity and Eurosite, the Peatland Futures Project hosted a dedicated workshop exploring the role of peatland restoration in achieving Europe’s climate and biodiversity goals. Participants discussed how peatlands connect to major EU policy frameworks, including the Nature Restoration Regulation and the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation. 

Interactive group sessions addressed concrete challenges such as water management, climate adaptation and urban wellbeing, while highlighting the ecosystem services provided by healthy peatlands. 

The workshop reflected a growing understanding across Europe that climate neutrality cannot be achieved through technological transformation alone. Restoring natural carbon sinks such as peatlands is increasingly recognised as an essential component of climate mitigation, biodiversity protection and resilience. 

The workshop was organised by the Michael Succow Foundation, partner in the Greifswald Mire Centre, as part of Peatland Futures together with CEEweb for Biodiversity and Eurosite, in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). 

More information: CEEweb for Biodiversity | News: A Bottomless Peat of Climate Potential 

Photos: Peatland Futures