https://happyeconews.com/peatland-rewilding/
"A small Finnish village has transformed a barren peat mining site into a
thriving wildlife paradise, now home to over 190 bird species. The rewilding
initiative in North Karelia demonstrates how it can transform environmental
disasters into thriving ecosystems.
Linnunsuo, locally known as the “Marsh of Birds,” was once a lifeless mining
operation that polluted nearby rivers. Today, it serves as home to endangered
species and attracts up to 100,000 migrating geese each autumn. The
transformation took just one year after restoration began.
The wetland’s revival started after a 2010 environmental disaster. Acidic water
from the mining site killed fish and seagulls in the Jukajoki River. Local
fishers spotted the dead animals floating downstream and raised the alarm.
Water tests revealed pH levels of 2.77, making the water as acidic as lemon
juice.
Tero Mustonen, a climate scientist and co-founder of Snowchange Cooperative,
led the community response. His group bought the 1.1 square kilometer site from
the VAPO mining company (now Neova). They immediately began flooding the acidic
soil to prevent further environmental damage.
The peatland rewilding approach focuses on restoring water to damaged
landscapes. Peat mining exposes iron sulfate soils to oxygen for the first time
in thousands of years. When rain or snow falls on these soils, it creates
extremely acidic runoff that kills aquatic life.
Snowchange built interconnected pools across the former mining site. The pools
submerged the acidic soil and stopped harmful emissions. Within months, the
area transformed from a carbon source into a carbon sink. Peatlands can store
three times more carbon than forests when properly managed.
The speed of wildlife recovery surprised even the restoration team. Endangered
Northern Pintails and Greater Spotted Eagles now nest at Linnunsuo. Wolverines
hunt among the wetland pools, while bears and moose venture from nearby
forests. Sphagnum moss has naturally re-established itself, creating the
foundation for long-term carbon storage.
The community effort represents a new model for conservation. Instead of
keeping people away from nature, the peatland rewilding integrates local
knowledge with scientific methods. Local hunters help manage the site by
controlling invasive species, such as mink and raccoon dogs, that threaten
native birds.
Only 12 people from the village of 300 initially worked on the restoration.
Their success attracted international attention and funding. Snowchange has
since expanded to manage 550 square kilometers of damaged peatlands and forests
across Finland."
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
