Paludiculture on Frisian Peatlands

UCF students Hanneke Slob and Ellis Mourits explored the potential of paludiculture for Frisian peat in collaboration with ecological consultancy Elodea, Henk Jansen and Dr. Tessa van der Voort.

Peatlands are unique ecosystems that play an important role in global climate regulation and regional hydrology. However, peat is currently disappearing due to drainage for agricultural purposes. In Friesland, this is causing problems such as land subsidence, an increased risk of droughts and the emission of greenhouse gasses. To reach the climate agreement and create climate resilient land, action needs to be undertaken. Paludiculture is an alternative way of agriculture and could play an important role in the conservation and restoration of Frisian peatlands. For the Living Lab with Elodea, UCF students Hanneke Slob and Ellis Mourits conducted research on ways to support the development of paludiculture in Friesland. Watch the summarising video below and check out the infographics for the results!